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Gochujang Ramen with Bulgogi Ground Beef and Fresh Garnishes Recipe

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4.3 from 67 reviews

This flavorful Gochujang Ramen recipe combines spicy Korean chili paste with savory bulgogi-style ground beef, tender ramen noodles, and a deliciously balanced sauce. The dish is rich with umami from soy sauce, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and mirated elements, and aromatic notes from fresh garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Ready in 35 minutes, it serves 5 and makes a comforting yet exciting meal perfect for any night.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Bulgogi Ground Beef

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic (grated using a microplane)
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger (grated using a microplane)
  • 1 tbsp yellow onion (grated using a microplane)
  • 1/2 small red apple (grated using a microplane)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tsp mirin
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (finely ground)

Gochujang Ramen Sauce & Toppings

  • 9 oz ramen noodles
  • 2-3 tbsp gochujang (depending on heat preference)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp mirin
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves (grated using a microplane)
  • 3 green onions (sliced thin)
  • white sesame seeds (toasted)
  • fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Bulgogi Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, grated apple, grated onion, mirin, garlic, ginger, toasted sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula into small pieces. Cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes, draining any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Simmer Beef with Sauce: Pour the bulgogi sauce over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes so the sauce mostly evaporates and the beef slightly caramelizes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Make Gochujang Sauce: In another small bowl, whisk together gochujang, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, grated garlic, and brown sugar. Set aside.
  5. Cook Ramen Noodles: Prepare ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually boiling for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly.
  6. Toss Noodles with Sauce: Transfer the drained noodles to a large bowl and toss with the prepared gochujang sauce until noodles are evenly coated.
  7. Assemble and Garnish: Top the sauced noodles with the bulgogi ground beef. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, toasted white sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of gochujang to make the ramen milder or spicier to your taste.
  • Grating the apple and onion with a microplane adds subtle sweetness and moisture to the beef, enhancing its flavor.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ramen noodles.
  • For extra texture, consider adding steamed or sautéed vegetables like bok choy or spinach as a topping.
  • The bulgogi beef can be cooked ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean