Discover 7 delicious Korean noodle soup recipes that blend bold flavors, hearty broths, and satisfying noodles — perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special weekend meals.
There’s something magical about a warm bowl of Korean noodle soup. The steam, the rich aroma, and the mix of chewy noodles with flavorful broth create the ultimate comfort meal. In this post, we’ve curated a roundup of the best Korean noodle soup recipes from top food blogs. You’ll find spicy, mild, meaty, and vegetarian options to suit every craving. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, these recipes are easy to follow and full of authentic taste.
Contents
Why This Recipe?
Korean noodle soup is more than just a meal — it’s comfort in a bowl. The recipes in this roundup are packed with flavor yet simple enough for busy weeknights. You can make them with everyday ingredients, and most are ready in under an hour. They’re versatile too, with options for spicy heat lovers, mild broth fans, meat eaters, and vegetarians. Plus, these soups are perfect year-round, whether you need something warming in winter or light yet filling in summer.
1. Instant Pot Spicy Short Rib Noodle Soup

Flavor Summary: Rich, warming broth infused with tender short ribs, garlicky depth from ginger and garlic, plus a hint of gochujang’s spicy-sweet kick—perfectly hearty comfort food.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté and brown short ribs in Instant Pot.
- Add gochujang, tomato paste, shallots, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour in beef broth and pressure-cook.
- Switch to sauté, stir in ramen noodles until tender.
- Top with spinach, sesame oil, sesame seeds.
Time: 50 minutes
Tags: Hearty, Comfort Food, One-Pot
Recipe Credit: Pinch of Yum
Tip: Let the short ribs rest briefly before serving for even juicier, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
👉 Check full recipe: (Pinch of Yum)
2. Coconut Curry Ramen (Vegan)

Flavor Summary: Creamy coconut-milk broth with fragrant curry spices, umami-rich shiitake and crisp bok choy, rounded out with golden tofu—rich, warming, and plant-based.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Roast or bake tofu until golden.
- Sauté mushrooms and greens in oil.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, curry, broth, and coconut milk.
- Simmer then add ramen noodles to cook.
- Top with tofu, sesame oil, green onions, lime.
Time: 1 hour
Tags: Vegan, Comfort Food, Curry
Recipe Credit: Pinch of Yum (Pinch of Yum)
Tip: A squeeze of lime freshens the rich flavors perfectly.
👉 Check full recipe: Pinch of Yum
3. Quick Homemade Ramen

Flavor Summary: Light and customizable, this soup layers simple aromatics—garlic, ginger, mushrooms, broth—with your favorite veggies for a cozy, DIY bowl.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté garlic and ginger.
- Add broth and dried shiitake mushrooms for umami.
- Drop in ramen noodles.
- Toss in veggies like kale or carrots.
- Top with egg, chili oil, or panko for texture.
Time: Not specified directly (approx. 20 min)
Tags: Customizable, Weeknight, Simple
Recipe Credit: Pinch of Yum
Tip: Use whatever veggies you have on hand—this recipe is wonderfully forgiving.
👉 Check full recipe: (Pinch of Yum)
4. Homemade Spicy Ramen with Tofu (Vegetarian/Vegan)

Flavor Summary: Bold miso-ginger broth with a punch from sambal and red miso, enriched by tofu and ramen—savory, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Blend miso, sambal, garlic, ginger to form spicy paste.
- Heat broth and stir in the paste.
- Add ramen noodles and cook until tender.
- Add tofu and warm through.
- Garnish with scallions, sesame oil.
Time: 25 minutes
Tags: Vegetarian, Spicy, Hearty
Recipe Credit: Pinch of Yum
Tip: Add a soft-boiled egg on top for extra richness.
👉 Check full recipe: (Pinch of Yum)
5. Spicy Korean Noodle Soup (RecipeTin Eats)

Flavor Summary: A lively, approachable soup with kimchi and gochujang layers lending robust heat and tang; deeply flavorful yet balanced, not overpowering.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Simmer gochujang and kimchi to build the broth’s backbone.
- Add noodles and cook until al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame oil.
- Serve hot and slurp away.
Time: Quick (likely 30 min)
Tags: Spicy, Everyday, Korean
Recipe Credit: RecipeTin Eats
Tip: Adjust spice by starting with less kimchi juice, then increase to taste.
👉 Check full recipe: (RecipeTin Eats)
6. Spicy Vegan Korean Ramen Noodles (10-Minute, Plant-Based)

Flavor Summary: Fast, bold gochujang broth with soft tofu, slurpable noodles, veggies, and warming Korean chili—plant-based comfort in minutes.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté shallot whites in vegan butter.
- Stir in gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, mirin, maple syrup.
- Add water, bring to simmer.
- Stir in vegetables, then tofu and noodles to cook.
- Top with scallion greens, sesame seeds.
Time: 10 minutes
Tags: Vegan, Quick, Spicy
Recipe Credit: Greenheart Love (Healthy Vegan Recipes)
Tip: Keep tofu soft by adding it gently and stirring minimally.
👉 Check full recipe: (Healthy Vegan Recipes)
7. Korean Style Kimchi Ramen (Cooking with a Wallflower)

Flavor Summary: Spicy kimchi broth with mushrooms, soy depth, and silky poached eggs—spicy, tangy, and deeply comforting.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Toast gochugaru in chili oil, stir in garlic.
- Add stock, soy sauce, and mushrooms.
- Stir in sesame oil and chopped kimchi.
- Poach eggs directly in the broth.
- Add ramen noodles; cook, then serve warm.
Time: 20 minutes
Tags: Spicy, Tangy, Comfort
Recipe Credit: Cooking with a Wallflower
Tip: Stir lightly to keep poached eggs intact and silky.
👉 Check full recipe: (Cooking with a Wallflower)
More Recipe Details
These Korean noodle soups are versatile and easy to adapt. Here are some tips to make them even better:
- Spice Level: Most recipes use gochujang or gochugaru for heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. For a mild version, use less and balance with extra broth or vegetables.
- Protein Options: Swap beef with chicken, tofu, shrimp, or mushrooms. Seafood lovers can try mussels or clams for extra flavor.
- Noodle Choices: Ramen noodles are most common, but you can use udon, glass noodles, or buckwheat soba for a twist.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Bok choy, spinach, bean sprouts, napa cabbage, and carrots add texture and freshness.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with a soft-boiled egg, sesame seeds, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Storage: Store broth and noodles separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy.
- Reheating: Warm broth on the stove, then add fresh or pre-cooked noodles before serving.
History or Origin of the Dish
Korean noodle soup has deep cultural roots, with recipes evolving over centuries. Noodles first arrived in Korea from China, but local cooks adapted them with native ingredients like kimchi, gochujang, and regional vegetables. Soups such as kalguksu (knife-cut noodles in broth) and naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) became household staples. Over time, instant ramen and fusion variations grew popular, blending traditional flavors with modern convenience. Today, Korean noodle soups are enjoyed worldwide as a balance of comfort, spice, and heritage.
Tools & Equipment Needed
Making Korean noodle soup doesn’t require fancy tools, but having the right basics will make the process smoother:
- Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – for simmering broth and cooking noodles.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – to prep vegetables, meat, and garnishes.
- Ladle – for serving hot soup easily.
- Tongs or Chopsticks – to handle noodles without breaking them.
- Small Bowls – for mixing sauces like gochujang paste.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – for accurate seasoning.
- Colander – to drain noodles before adding to the soup.
FAQ Section
1. Can I make these recipes gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or sweet potato glass noodles. Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and check gochujang labels as some contain wheat.
2. What can I substitute for gochujang if I don’t have it?
You can mix miso paste with a little chili powder and honey for a similar sweet-spicy balance. Sriracha with a touch of soy sauce also works in a pinch.
3. How do I make the broth richer?
Simmer with bones, dried shiitake mushrooms, or kombu for extra depth. Letting it cook low and slow for an extra 20–30 minutes will also boost flavor.
4. Can I prepare these soups ahead of time?
Yes, but store the broth and noodles separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat the broth, then add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
5. What’s the best side dish to serve with Korean noodle soup?
Classic sides include kimchi, pickled radish, or simple vegetable pancakes (pajeon). These add texture and flavor contrast to the soup.
6. Can I make them less spicy?
Yes. Use less gochugaru or gochujang, or skip them entirely and focus on savory broth flavors. Add more vegetables for balance.
Conclusion
These 7 Korean noodle soup recipes are the perfect mix of cozy comfort and bold flavor. They’re easy to make, adaptable for any diet, and ideal for both quick weeknight dinners and slow weekend cooking. Whether you crave the heat of gochujang, the tang of kimchi, or a mild, soothing broth, there’s a recipe here for you.
If you try one, share your favorite in the comments, post your creation on social media, and pin this roundup to your Pinterest board. Let’s keep the joy of Korean comfort food going—one bowl at a time.