These Korean spicy ramen noodles will take just 5 minutes to make and finish with a gooey layer of cheese for a cheesy, spicy noodle dish that you’ll be making on repeat. The cheese is optional for these spicy ramen noodles, but they do mellow out the spice slightly, and it works really well.
I use noodles a lot for a speedy dinner because they’re just so quick and easy, and it’s what’s in the sauce that really makes it such a great dish. This is a proper, one-pan noodle dish; the noodles actually cook in the sauce, so there’s very little to be washed up. My Wagamama Pad Thai is great, and so are these Quick Curry Udon noodles.
Here is why you will fall in love with these Korean Spicy Ramen Noodles:
They take 5 minutes. Not more than 10 for sure because it literally depends on how long it will take to cook the noodles, usually taking 3 minutes! The combination of the spicy Gochujang paste and the cheese is amazing.
Many Korean food items have melted cheese on top, which is borrowed from American soldiers who used to distribute American food during the war in Korea, and over time, those ingredients cheese, and hot dogs, started to be incorporated into their recipes. It is really easy to do if you have nothing in the fridge anyway. It is a proper store cupboard recipe so you know you will always have basically everything to make it
INGREDIENTS
For the Ramen:
- 1 pack of Korean spicy ramen (such as Shin Ramyun, Samyang, or any Korean brand)
- 2 cups water (for boiling the noodles)
- 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) – optional, for extra heat
- 1/2 cup vegetables (such as chopped bok choy, mushrooms, or spinach)
- 1 egg (optional, for added protein)
- 2 slices of cheese (processed cheese or mozzarella works well)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (for extra flavor)
- 1 green onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup cooked chicken or tofu (optional, for extra protein)
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1:
If you plan to add chicken, tofu, or an egg to increase protein, take care of these in advance.
Vegetables: Add any vegetables you like. Commonly used ones are spinach, bok choy, and mushrooms. You can add some carrots or onions, or even sprouted beans; it’s up to your liking.
Egg (optional): Soft-boiled, fried, or poached eggs work just as well with the spice, providing creaminess on top, which offsets the spiciness.
Cheese: Any cheese will do, but good old processed cheese or mozzarella melts nicely and gives creaminess.
Step 2:
Boil Noodles Boil 2 cups of water in a medium-sized pot. Add the instant Korean spicy ramen noodles pack and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes according to package instructions. Stir occasionally so that the noodles do not stick together.
When they are cooked, do not overcook them. Noodles must be still a little hard, or “al dente”, so do not stick together. Add the vegetables for the final minute of cooking so they become semi-tender and crispy at the same time.
Step 3:
Flavoring the broth With the noodles about half cooked, it’s time to develop your broth’s flavors. Tear open the ramen spice packet that is contained with the noodles and pour that in. Stir it in well to combine the flavors.
If you want more zing and depth you can add 1 tablespoon of Gochujang, that’s the Korean red chili paste, at this stage. Gochujang is an added piquancy and subtly sweet, fermented flavor that really complements the ramen perfectly. If you tend to be sensitive to heat, though, skip it.
Step 4:
Protein (optional) If you’re using chicken, tofu, or egg, add them to the pot at this point. Conveniences would be using already pre-cooked and leftover chicken shredded and chucked into the broth for a pot full of goodness, or lightly pan-frying the tofu for a bit of texture.
If you like an egg, you can crack it right into the pot for a poached egg or soft-boil one separately and then add it atop of the ramen when you serve.
Step 5:
Add the Cheese and Stir Now that your noodles are excellently cooked and your broth is enriched and spicy, heat down the flames to set slices of cheese on top of your noodles. Use around 1-2 slices, depending on how cheesy you prefer your ramen to be. Tip: Let it sit on top for around 30 seconds to a minute without stirring if you want gooey cheese and cheesy good.
As it sits, the cheese gradually melts into the noodles, yielding a creamy layer. Once melted, gently stir the cheese so it melts evenly through the noodles.
Step 6:
Finish with Sesame Oil To give that extra oomph to your ramen, drizzle some sesame oil into the pot. Just a half teaspoon will make it smell nutty and beautiful. And this surely makes any meal restaurant-quality. Stir gently to distribute the oil throughout the noodles and broth.
Step 7:
Finish and Serve Let it simmer until the cheese has melted and the flavors have mingled. Turn off the heat. Transfer the spicy, cheesy ramen to a large bowl.
Top with some chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds as garnish. If you need a little more zing, you may even toss in a teaspoon of soy sauce, or some sriracha for a little heat to balance it all out.
Some Tips to Perfection in Ramen: Taste it and adjust the spiciness. If you prefer a milder ramen, then just use half of the spice package or just omit adding the Gochujang. Or if you’re crazy about spicy food, go ahead and add more chili paste or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheese: You can use so many different types. I kind of like cheddar and gouda for something a little different, but you could use processed cheese or even mozzarella. They seem to melt really well and flavor the soup awesomely.
Veggie version: If you’re making this to be an easily potential vegetarian version, all you need to do is leave out the chicken and add more veggies, or maybe even some tofu. The flavor still works really well. Extra toppings: Add other toppings to create your perfect combination! You could add corn, seaweed, kimchi, and even fried garlic on top of what’s already there.
FAQS
1. What type of ramen should I use for Korean Spicy Ramen with Cheese?
You can use any brand of Korean instant ramen for this recipe, though Shin Ramyun and Samyang (the fire noodles) are especially popular. Those two brands have a rich broth that really works well with cheese, although you should feel free to use whatever brand of spicy ramen you like best.
2. What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Processed cheeses, such as mozzarella or American cheese slices, melt well and should be used to create a creamy effect in the ramen. Of course, if you’re searching for different kinds of flavors, you can also experiment with cheddar or gouda cheese.
Conclusion:
This Korean Spicy Ramen Noodles with Cheese recipe will be the ultimate comfort food’s spicy, savory, and cheesy-so there’s no better mouthful! It doesn’t matter whether you have it as a quick lunch or a cozy dinner; this ramen dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds! Cheesy, spicy Korean ramen-that’s what you’ll absolutely love!