Gochujang Peanut Noodles
Equipment
Ingredients
Noodles & Sauce
- 1 pack instant ramen, discard seasoning
- 2 tbsp peanut butter, see note 1
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp reserved noodle water
Optional Garnishes
- Scallions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Boil your noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve some of the noodle water.
- In a bowl, combine peanut butter, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and a spoonful of the hot noodle water. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Add your noodles to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
- Transfer to a bowl and optionally top with sesame seeds and scallions.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What Makes Me Crave Gochujang Peanut Noodles
If you’ve got gochujang and peanut butter in your pantry, then you’re already halfway to Gochujang Peanut Noodles, one of the best noodle bowls I’ve made all week! I know that may sound dramatic, but this combination is truly that good to me. The sauce brings reminiscent notes of Dan Dan Noodle sauce but not as spicy and as greasy due to the use of gochujang, which brings a little bit more acid than the traditional chili oil that’s used. The additional use of garlic and sesame oil then brings out those floral notes and brings a lot more depth to the sauce, which makes it taste like it took a lot longer than 10 minutes to make! These noodles always have my back because they’re ready whether I’m in a rush, feeling lazy, or just simply craving some good food!
Why This Recipe Is Built For Real Life
This Gochujang Peanut Noodle recipe was made for busy and people who may want to avoid cooking without a ton of dishes. It’s fast enough for a quick lunch and delicious enough to be satiate those late night cravings. This recipe is also super forgiving, you can adapt the ingredients to whatever you have in your pantry, and it’ll still be tasty! Sometimes I use instant ramen, rice noodles, or even spaghetti if that’s what you’ve got. It’s naturally vegetarian, endlessly customizable, and reheats well for the next day. It’s the kind of comfort food that works just as well for meal prep as it does for a last-minute dinner when you’re short on time and energy, which in my mind is a powerhouse of a recipe!
What You’ll Need To Make Gochujang Peanut Noodles
Noodles & Sauce
- 1 pack instant ramen (discard seasoning)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp reserved noodle water
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced scallions
How to Make Gochujang Peanut Noodles
Boil noodles until al dente according to package directions, then drain and reserve 2 tablespoons of the hot water.
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and the hot noodle water.
Add the drained noodles and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
Transfer to a bowl and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions if desired.
Tips and Variations
• Use smooth peanut butter for the silkiest sauce, but chunky adds those extra bits of crunch!
• Gochujang varies in heat, start with 1 tbsp and adjust to taste!
• If you don’t have ramen, I would recommend udon or even spaghetti noodles!
• Add an egg, shredded chicken, or tofu for extra protein! I personally like to use leftover rotisserie chicken and mix it in.
• Allergic to peanut butter? Use sunflower butter or sesame paste to recreate that same creaminess!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sesame paste instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Sesame paste has a slightly different flavor but still works beautifully for that creamy nutty base.
What is gochujang and where can I find it?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that’s sweet, spicy, and packed with umami. Most major grocery stores now carry it in the Asian section, or you can grab it online.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, it reheats surprisingly well! Just store the noodles separately and microwave with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
It’s vegetarian as written. To make it fully vegan, ensure your gochujang and noodles don’t contain animal-based ingredients.
What’s the best noodle type to use?
Instant ramen is classic, but this sauce also pairs well with lo mein noodles, spaghetti, or even soba.
Try These Next
Love these spicy peanut flavors like me? Try my Spicy Peanut Noodles next!
For another of my favorites, check out my Creamy Gochujang Noodles.
Or if you want something heartier, you’ll love my Black Pepper Beef Udon.
