Discover 5 quick and flavorful Korean noodle soup recipes perfect for busy weeknights. These easy dishes deliver big comfort with minimal effort—ideal for when you need something warm, spicy, and satisfying fast.
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Korean noodle soup after a long day—especially when it’s quick, easy, and bursting with bold flavor. Whether you’re craving something spicy, creamy, or loaded with umami, this curated roundup of Korean ramen recipes has you covered.
Each recipe is hand-picked from trusted food blogs and designed for busy nights when time is short but comfort is a must. You’ll find satisfying noodle bowls featuring gochujang, kimchi, miso, and more—with options for meat-lovers, vegetarians, and everyone in between.
So grab your favorite ramen pack, and let’s turn a simple pantry staple into something spectacular.
Contents
Why This Recipe?
Korean noodle soup is the ultimate go-to meal when you want something fast, cozy, and full of flavor. These recipes are perfect for weeknights—ready in 30 minutes or less, using simple ingredients you may already have on hand.
From spicy to creamy, they’re versatile enough to suit any craving. You can add protein, load up on veggies, or keep it simple and comforting. Plus, many of these bowls are easy to tweak for vegan or gluten-free diets.
Whether you’re a ramen lover or new to Korean flavors, these dishes deliver bold taste with barely any prep.
10-Minute Korean Ramen Roundup
1. Quick and Easy Kimchi Ramen (The Woks of Life)
Flavor Summary: A bold, tangy broth enriched by kimchi and shiitake mushrooms, resulting in a savory, slightly spicy noodle soup that feels like a warm kitchen hug.
Quick 5‑Step Summary:
- Stir-fry mushrooms in oil.
- Add kimchi and cook briefly.
- Pour in kimchi juice, stock, gochugaru, sugar, sesame oil; simmer.
- Boil noodles separately, discard flavor packet.
- Place noodles in bowl; ladle broth on top, garnish with scallions.
Time:15 minutes
Tags: Comfort Food, Quick Meal
Recipe Credit:The Woks of Life
Check Full Recipe:(The Woks of Life)
Tip: For extra depth, omit the flavor packet and swirl in a dash of soy sauce before serving.
2. Quick Kimchi Ramen With Shiitake Mushrooms and Soft‑Cooked Egg (Serious Eats)
Flavor Summary: Deep, umami-rich broth blending gelatinous chicken stock, miso, and kimchi—full-bodied and nuanced, with silky mushrooms and a soft egg enriching every slurp.
Quick 5‑Step Summary:
- Sauté shiitakes until browned; set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, ginger.
- Add broth, kimchi + liquid, miso, soy; simmer.
- Cook noodles (angel hair or ramen, with baking soda option); drain.
- Serve noodles with broth, mushrooms, soft egg, scallions, nori.
Time:30 minutes
Tags:Umami-Rich, Guest-Worthy
Recipe Credit:Serious Eats (Daniel Gritzer) (Serious Eats)
Tip: Baking soda in pasta water gives noodles that authentic ramen texture without specialty noodles.
3. Kimchi Ramen (Table for Two by Julie Chiou)
Flavor Summary: A savory‑sweet, mildly spicy broth built on kimchi, mushrooms, gochujang, and chicken broth—topped with an egg for creamy richness. Inviting and cozy.
Quick 5‑Step Summary:
- Sauté mushrooms, then garlic.
- Add kimchi; cook briefly.
- Stir in kimchi liquid, soy, gochujang, broth; simmer.
- Cook instant ramen; drain.
- Serve noodles with broth, green onion, and soft-boiled egg.
Time:30 minutes
Tags:Cozy, Weeknight-Friendly
Recipe Credit:Table for Two – Julie Chiou (Table for Two® by Julie Chiou)
Tip: For extra texture, throw in bok choy or tofu just before simmering.
4. Kimchi Ramen (Foodland – Chloe Ting’s Version)
Flavor Summary: Bright, tangy kimchi broth enhanced with miso and gochugaru, loaded with earthy mushrooms and bok choy, crowned with egg and seaweed—simple but flavorful.
Quick 5‑Step Summary:
- Boil egg to preferred doneness; quarter bok choy and slice mushrooms.
- Brown mushrooms; set aside.
- Simmer kimchi, kimchi juice, broth, and gochugaru; stir in miso.
- Cook ramen noodles; drain.
- Place noodles in bowl, top with broth, mushrooms, egg, bok choy, seaweed, scallion.
Time:25 minutes
Tags:Fresh, Balanced
Recipe Credit: Chloe Ting via Foodland
Check Full Recipe:(Ázijské potraviny | e-shop Foodland)
Tip: Swap in tofu or shredded chicken for extra protein.
5. Kimchi Ramen (Cup of Yum)
Flavor Summary: A savory, spicy noodle bowl featuring kimchi, gochujang, and gochugaru in a rich chicken broth with mushrooms and poached eggs—a quick, comforting classic.
Quick 5‑Step Summary:
- Poach eggs in simmering water; remove.
- Reuse pot to boil broth; add kimchi, gochujang, gochugaru, and noodles.
- When noodles are halfway, add mushrooms and sesame oil; season.
- Divide noodles and broth into bowls.
- Top with poached eggs and scallions.
Time:15 minutes
Tags:Fast, Family-Friendly
Recipe Credit: Cup of Yum (Cup of Yum)
Tip: Add a splash of rice vinegar for a bright flavor lift.
More Recipe Details
These Korean noodle soup recipes are as flexible as they are flavorful. Here are a few tips to make them work for your pantry, preferences, and schedule:
Ingredient Variations:
– Protein: Add tofu, shredded chicken, or thinly sliced beef.
– Veggies: Toss in bok choy, spinach, zucchini, or carrots.
– Broth Base: Use chicken, vegetable, or anchovy broth for depth.
– Heat Level: Adjust gochujang or gochugaru to taste—or leave it out for milder versions.
Dietary Swaps:
– Use gluten-free noodles or rice noodles to make it gluten-free.
– Choose low-sodium broth to reduce salt content.
– Substitute miso for soy-free versions if needed.
Serving Suggestions:
– Top with soft-boiled eggs, scallions, sesame seeds, or nori.
– Serve with a small plate of banchan (Korean side dishes) for an authentic touch.
– Pair with kimchi pancakes or a cold cucumber salad for contrast.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
– Store broth and noodles separately to prevent sogginess.
– Refrigerate up to 3 days.
– Reheat broth gently on the stove; add noodles just before serving.
– Avoid freezing if eggs or tofu are included—they don’t thaw well.
History or Origin of the Dish
Korean ramen, or “ramyeon,” has roots in Japanese ramen but quickly took on its own identity in Korean cuisine. Instant ramyeon became popular in the 1960s and evolved into a cultural staple—both in convenience and comfort.
Koreans often enhance basic ramen with ingredients like kimchi, cheese, eggs, or meat, creating hearty, flavorful meals that reflect both tradition and innovation. Today, it’s more than just a quick meal—it’s comfort food with character.
These upgraded versions blend everyday ingredients with bold Korean flavors, showing how a humble instant noodle can become something special.
Tools & Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy to whip up these Korean noodle soups—just a few kitchen basics:
- Medium to large pot (for boiling broth and noodles)
- Small saucepan (for soft-boiled eggs or prepping toppings)
- Sharp knife & cutting board (for chopping kimchi, veggies, and garnishes)
- Soup ladle (for serving broth neatly)
- Strainer or slotted spoon (to remove eggs or noodles with ease)
- Measuring spoons & cups (for sauces and broth ratios)
- Serving bowls (deep enough to hold broth and toppings comfortably)
Optional but helpful:
- Ramen strainer basket
- Chopsticks or soup spoons for authentic serving
- Tongs (for handling noodles and greens)
FAQ Section
Can I make these noodle soups gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free ramen or rice noodles and switch out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Be sure to check your gochujang—some brands contain wheat.
What can I use instead of gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, try a mix of sriracha with a bit of miso or chili garlic sauce. It won’t be quite the same but still offers heat and depth.
How spicy are these recipes?
Most recipes are medium spicy, but the heat is easy to adjust. Reduce or omit gochugaru and gochujang for milder versions—add more if you like it hot!
Can I make these ramen soups ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to store the broth and noodles separately. Noodles can get mushy if left in broth too long. Reheat and combine just before eating.
What toppings go well with Korean ramen?
Soft-boiled eggs, scallions, sesame seeds, kimchi, shredded nori, and even American cheese are popular and delicious options.
Are these recipes kid-friendly?
They can be! Reduce the spice, use a mild broth, and add simple toppings like egg or cooked chicken for a more neutral flavor.
Can I use any type of ramen noodles?
Yes, but fresh or Korean-style instant noodles give the best texture. You can also use rice noodles or even spaghetti (with baking soda trick) in a pinch.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in airtight containers—broth and noodles separately—for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat the broth over low heat, then add noodles and toppings before serving.
Conclusion
If you’ve been craving something warm, quick, and bursting with flavor, these Korean noodle soup recipes are your new best friend. They’re bold, easy to customize, and seriously comforting—perfect for chilly nights or when time is short.
Whether you’re a spicy ramen fan or prefer creamy, cheesy versions, there’s a bowl here for every taste.
👇 Love these recipes?
✨ Comment below with your favorite version
📌 Pin it to your dinner board
📤 Share with a friend who needs dinner inspiration tonight!
Let the noodle slurping begin! 🍜
