If you love flavorful Asian noodle dishes, this Korean Beef Noodles recipe will win your heart. Tender slow-cooked beef, a deeply savory broth, and chewy noodles come together in a cozy bowl of comfort. The recipe highlights classic Korean flavors like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and gochujang, giving it a balance of sweetness, spice, and umami that makes it unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Korean Beef Noodles Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about slow-cooked beef and noodles in a rich, aromatic sauce. This recipe combines the simplicity of a slow cooker with the complex flavors of traditional Korean cooking.
Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Easy Prep: Just mix the sauce, add everything to your slow cooker, and let it do the work.
- Rich Flavor: Layers of soy, garlic, ginger, and gochujang create a bold yet balanced taste.
- Comforting Meal: The noodles soak up the beefy broth, making each bite cozy and satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: Mild enough for everyone but can be spiced up for those who like heat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients for Korean Beef Noodles
For the Beef and Sauce
- 2 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the Noodles and Garnish
- 1 lb noodles (ramen, udon, or rice noodles)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Beef Options: Chuck roast gives the best tenderness, but brisket or short ribs also work well.
- Pork-Free Swap: No pork needed—this recipe uses beef only. For a vegetarian twist, try tofu or mushrooms instead.
- Gochujang Substitute: If you can’t find it, use a mix of mild chili paste and a splash of soy sauce for similar depth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce for tamari and choose gluten-free noodles.
- Extra Veggies: Add bok choy, carrots, or mushrooms to make it even more wholesome.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, gochujang, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2 – Add to Slow Cooker
Place the cubed beef in your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring the meat is mostly covered.
Step 3 – Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shredded. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.
Step 4 – Cook the Noodles
About 20 minutes before serving, cook your noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5 – Combine and Serve
Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker, gently tossing to coat them in the rich broth. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soak up the flavor. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: The longer, the better — this allows the beef to get super tender.
- Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: They add a brighter, more authentic flavor than powders.
- Taste Before Serving: Adjust saltiness or spice by adding extra soy sauce or gochujang to your liking.
- Add Noodles Last: This keeps them from overcooking or getting mushy in the slow cooker.
- Chill Leftovers Overnight: The flavors deepen beautifully when reheated the next day.
- Serve with Crunch: Top with chopped scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add an extra tablespoon of gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Sweet Soy Style: Replace gochujang with a bit of honey and more brown sugar for a milder flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
- Garlic-Lover’s Dream: Double the garlic for an extra punch.
- Brothy Ramen Style: Add more beef broth to make it soupier and serve with chopsticks and a spoon.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in deep bowls with plenty of broth.
- Add kimchi or pickled radish on the side for authentic Korean contrast.
- Top with a soft-boiled egg or a drizzle of sesame oil for extra richness.
- Pair with a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
- Sprinkle crushed nori or sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Meal Prep Tip: Keep noodles and beef separate if you plan to store for several days — this prevents sogginess.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
FAQ About Korean Beef Noodles
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Udon, ramen, or rice noodles all absorb the sauce well. Choose based on texture preference—udon is chewy, while rice noodles are lighter.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes! Simmer the beef and sauce in a large pot on low heat for 2–3 hours until tender. You can also use an Instant Pot on the slow-cook setting.
How spicy is gochujang?
It’s mildly spicy and slightly sweet. For less heat, reduce the amount or mix with ketchup and a bit of soy sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Sliced carrots, mushrooms, or bok choy add flavor and nutrition while soaking up the sauce.
What can I serve with Korean beef noodles?
Kimchi, steamed rice, cucumber salad, or roasted veggies pair wonderfully with this dish.
Final Thoughts
Comforting Korean Beef Noodles with Rich Broth is a dish that delivers bold Korean flavors with minimal effort. The slow-cooked beef melts in your mouth, while the noodles soak up a deeply seasoned sauce that’s both cozy and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.
Print
Comforting Korean Beef Noodles with Rich Broth
- Total Time: 6h 20m
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender beef slow-cooked with soy, garlic, and gochujang, tossed with noodles in a rich, savory Korean-style broth.
Ingredients
2 lb beef chuck
4 cups beef broth
1 cup soy sauce
2 cups water
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp minced ginger
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tsp black pepper
1 lb noodles
Green onions, sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. Whisk all sauce ingredients together.
2. Place beef in slow cooker and pour sauce over.
3. Cook 6–8 hours on low until tender.
4. Cook noodles separately.
5. Add noodles to slow cooker, mix, and serve with garnishes.
Notes
Use tofu or mushrooms for vegetarian.
Add extra vegetables like bok choy or carrots.
Adjust spice level with more or less gochujang.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
