What is Gochujang and can I substitute it?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented red chili paste with a complex sweet-spicy flavor. While nothing perfectly replicates its taste, you can substitute with a mixture of sriracha and a bit of miso paste, or Thai chili paste with a touch of honey. The flavor profile will be different but still delicious.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce (verify it's gluten-free), and ensure your Gochujang and rice noodles are certified gluten-free. Most ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy adaptation.

How can I make this dish less spicy for kids?

Reduce the Gochujang to 1 tablespoon or less, and increase the honey slightly to balance the flavors. You can also serve the spicy sauce on the side for adults to add to their portions, keeping the base dish mild for children.

What's the best cut of beef to use if I can't find flank steak?

Skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye are excellent alternatives. The key is to slice the meat very thinly against the grain. For an economical option, chuck steak can work well too—just make sure to trim excess fat and slice it extra thin.

20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles Recipe

Name: 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger; ½ cup tamari or soy sauce; ¼ cup honey; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 ½ tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 8 oz brown rice noodles; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cups mixed stir fry vegetables; 3 shallots, sliced; 1 lb flank steak or chicken breast, sliced thin; ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds; ½ cup fresh basil

Description

A quick and flavorful 20-minute recipe for Korean Beef Sesame Noodles that combines tender beef, stir-fried vegetables, and rice noodles tossed in a savory and mildly spicy sauce, finished with fresh basil and sesame seeds for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Sauce

4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger
1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 1/2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

Stir Fry

8 oz brown rice noodles
2 tbsp sesame oil
3 cups mixed stir fry vegetables
3 shallots, sliced
1 lb flank steak or chicken breast, sliced thin
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
1/2 cup fresh basil

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Instructions

Make the sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients (garlic, ginger, tamari/soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, gochujang, and toasted sesame oil) in a glass jar. Shake or whisk thoroughly to mix.
Cook the noodles: Prepare the brown rice noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking.
Stir-fry the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the mixed stir-fry vegetables and cook until they are wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce, cooking until the sauce evenly coats the vegetables. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the beef/chicken: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the sliced shallots and cook for 2 minutes, until they are deeply softened. Add the sliced beef or chicken and spread it out in the pan without stirring, allowing it to sear for about 2 minutes. Toss the meat, then pour in the remaining sauce. Simmer for 1 minute.
Combine and finish: Stir the cooked noodles and stir-fried vegetables back into the skillet with the beef/chicken and sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the noodles evenly. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil and toasted sesame seeds.
Serve: Transfer the noodles to serving plates and garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier dish, add more Gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
This recipe works equally well with chicken or tofu as an alternative to beef.
Feel free to customize the mixed stir-fry vegetables with your favorites, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 1150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 55mg