Name: Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef & Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 300g (about 10 oz) ribeye or sirloin steak; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tsp brown sugar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ tsp ground black pepper; 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the flavor packet); 2 cups chicken or beef broth; 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes); 1 tsp soy sauce; 1 tsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; Salt to taste; 3 tbsp mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie for extra richness); 1 tbsp sriracha or Korean hot sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; ½ tsp garlic powder; Pinch of sugar (optional for balance); 2 tbsp chopped green onions; 1 tsp toasted black sesame seeds; Extra gochugaru or chili oil (optional for heat lovers)

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Why You’ll Love This Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef & Creamy Sauce

Bold Flavor Fusion: The combination of spicy Korean chili paste, smoky grilled beef, and creamy sauce delivers a truly satisfying flavor experience.
Textural Variety: The mix of soft ramen noodles, crunchy green onions, creamy sauce, and tender beef creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
Customizable: Add an egg, swap the beef for tofu, or load up on extra veggies—this ramen works with any preferences.
Perfect Comfort Food: It’s ideal for chilly evenings, late-night cravings, or when you want something indulgent and flavorful.
Instagram-Worthy: Not only does it taste amazing, but this dish is also as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Beef:

300g (about 10 oz) ribeye or sirloin steak
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp ground black pepper

For the Ramen:

2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard the flavor packet)
2 cups chicken or beef broth
1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt to taste

For the Creamy Sauce Topping:

3 tbsp mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie for extra richness)
1 tbsp sriracha or Korean hot sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp garlic powder
Pinch of sugar (optional for balance)

Garnishes:

2 tbsp chopped green onions
1 tsp toasted black sesame seeds
Extra gochugaru or chili oil (optional for heat lovers)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Slice your beef into medium strips (or leave whole if using ribeye). In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Add the beef and coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar until smooth and creamy. Store in the fridge until ready to serve—cold sauce on hot ramen is a perfect balance.

Step 3: Cook the Ramen and Broth

In a large pot, bring the chicken or beef broth to a simmer. Stir in gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt to taste.
Drop in the ramen noodles and cook just until al dente (about 3 minutes). Don’t overcook—noodles will soften further once plated.

Step 4: Grill the Beef

Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over high heat. Once hot, sear the marinated beef for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and slightly charred.
Let the beef rest for a few minutes, then slice against the grain into strips.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Divide the cooked ramen and broth into serving bowls.
Add a generous spoonful of creamy sauce over the noodles.
Arrange the grilled beef neatly on top. Garnish with chopped green onions, toasted black sesame seeds, and optional chili oil or gochugaru for extra heat.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes (for marinating beef)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Use chicken, tofu, or mushrooms instead of beef for a different twist.
Broth Boost: Add a spoonful of miso paste or use bone broth for a richer base.
Noodle Options: Use fresh ramen noodles or udon for a different texture.
Make it Extra Creamy: Add a soft-boiled egg or drizzle a little cream into the broth for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover broth and noodles separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the grilled beef refrigerated as well.
Reheating: Reheat the broth and noodles on the stovetop. The beef can be reheated in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak would work well in place of ribeye.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute the beef with grilled tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth for the base.

3. Can I make the creamy sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. What if I don’t have gochugaru?

You can use regular chili flakes as a substitute, though the flavor will be a bit different. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.

5. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can add more sriracha to the sauce or extra gochugaru to the broth for additional heat.

6. How do I avoid overcooking the noodles?

Keep a close eye on the noodles as they cook. Once they’re al dente, remove them from the heat immediately, as they’ll continue to soften in the broth.

7. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Add spinach, bok choy, or mushrooms to the broth for extra flavor and texture.

8. Can I use a different type of noodle?

While ramen noodles work best, you can use udon noodles or soba for a different texture.

9. How do I store leftover ramen?

Store the noodles and broth separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. The beef should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

10. Can I freeze this ramen?

It’s best not to freeze the noodles, but the broth and grilled beef can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat the broth before serving.

Conclusion

This Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef & Creamy Sauce is a delightful mix of bold flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, spicy broth, and juicy beef come together in a perfect balance of heat, richness, and comfort. Whether you’re enjoying it for a solo meal or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to satisfy.