Name: Sweet and Spicy Korean Stir Fry Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 8 oz Korean wheat noodles or udon noodles; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, sliced; 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green); 1 cup shredded cabbage or bok choy; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sweet and Spicy Korean Stir Fry Noodles are packed with flavor, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy all in one dish. The noodles are stir-fried with vibrant vegetables, juicy protein (such as chicken, beef, or tofu), and coated in a delicious Korean-inspired sauce. This dish is fast, easy to make, and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it mild or fiery hot, this recipe lets you adjust the spice level to your liking. With just the right amount of heat, sweetness, and umami, these noodles will quickly become a go-to weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and full of bold flavors.

Sweet and Spicy Korean Stir Fry Noodles Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz (about 225g) noodles (any type, but typically udon, soba, or rice noodles work best)
1 tbsp sesame oil (for stir-frying)
1/2 lb (225g) protein of choice (chicken breast, beef strips, or tofu, sliced thin)
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1/2 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

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

Directions

Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Toss the noodles with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the sweetness or spice level to taste.
Stir-Fry the Protein: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced protein (chicken, beef, or tofu) and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if needed. Add the garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles and protein back into the skillet. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the stir-fry to serving plates. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 2-3 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.
Add More Veggies: You can add more vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the stir-fry for added nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Add extra gochujang or crushed red pepper flakes to intensify the heat if you prefer a spicier dish.
Peanut Butter Twist: For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free noodles and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (tamari works well as a substitute).

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small amount of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave the noodles in a microwave-safe container for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes! You can use any type of noodle you prefer, such as rice noodles, ramen noodles, or soba. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! If you like it spicier, you can add more gochujang, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a fresh sliced chili to increase the heat level.

Is gochujang necessary for this recipe?

Gochujang gives this dish its distinct flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce, a little sriracha, and sugar. However, gochujang is what truly makes this dish special, so it’s worth seeking out.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the noodles, sauce, and veggies ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just stir-fry everything together for a quick and easy meal.

Can I make this dish without sesame oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable or olive oil if you don’t have sesame oil. While sesame oil gives a unique flavor, the dish will still taste great without it.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! You can make this dish vegan by using tofu or tempeh instead of meat and replacing the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for sweetness.

How can I make this dish less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, simply use less honey or brown sugar in the sauce. You can also add a little extra soy sauce or vinegar for a more savory flavor.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

To avoid mushy noodles, make sure to cook them al dente and drain them immediately. Toss the noodles with sesame oil after draining to prevent them from sticking together.

Conclusion

These Sweet and Spicy Korean Stir Fry Noodles are a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines savory, sweet, and spicy elements in a single, delicious meal. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving a bold, Asian-inspired dish. With its customizable ingredients and balance of textures, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Jane