Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef & Creamy Sauce

This Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef & Creamy Sauce is a flavor-packed bowl of comfort that blends the bold heat of Korean chili, the smoky richness of grilled beef, and the indulgent touch of creamy, savory sauce. Each slurp of the fiery noodles wraps your taste buds in a warm, satisfying hug, while tender slices of marinated beef offer an irresistible smoky bite. Finished with a drizzle of creamy mayo-like sauce and garnished with black sesame seeds and fresh scallions, this dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger—it seduces the soul.

Whether you’re craving a cozy meal on a rainy day or planning an impressive dish for your next food night, this ramen masterpiece is sure to steal the show. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and rich flavors all in one hearty bowl. Best of all, it’s a fun and easy recipe to recreate at home, making it a fantastic addition to your quick dinner ideas or late-night comfort food repertoire.

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Ingredients for this Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef & Creamy Sauce

• 2 packs of Korean instant ramen noodles (preferably spicy like Shin Ramyun or Buldak)
• 250g beef sirloin or ribeye, sliced into strips
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon water (to thin out sauce if needed)
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cooking oil

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Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by preparing the beef. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef into the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes—this helps the flavors deeply infuse into the meat.

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Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and a splash of water. Stir until smooth and slightly pourable. Taste and adjust spice or tanginess if needed. Set aside—this is your creamy finish for the ramen.

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Step 3: Cook the Ramen Noodles

Boil water in a pot and cook the Korean instant noodles according to package instructions (usually around 4–5 minutes). Once done, drain partially, keeping just a bit of the starchy water to mix with the seasoning. Add in the included spice packets and stir thoroughly to coat the noodles in that deep red broth.

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Step 4: Grill or Sear the Beef

While the noodles are cooking, heat a pan or grill over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of oil, then sear the marinated beef strips until they’re caramelized and slightly charred on the edges—about 2–3 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove and let rest for a moment.

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Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Divide the spicy ramen into serving bowls. Top generously with grilled beef slices. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top, then sprinkle black sesame seeds and chopped green onions for crunch and contrast. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy-creamy-sweet explosion of flavors.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), you can store the components separately for best results. Place the cooked ramen noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The grilled beef can be stored in another container for up to 3 days. Avoid storing the creamy sauce already mixed into the noodles—keep it in a small sealed jar or container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. When reheating, warm the beef and noodles separately and reassemble with fresh toppings if possible for best flavor and texture.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~680 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: ~1700mg (varies depending on ramen brand)

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken or tofu instead of beef?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breast work great when marinated similarly. For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu and pan-sear until golden.

2. Is this dish very spicy?

It has a strong kick due to the gochujang and spicy ramen, but you can adjust the heat by reducing the seasoning packets or adding more creamy sauce to balance it out.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free ramen noodles and make sure your soy sauce and gochujang alternatives are certified gluten-free.

4. What can I use instead of gochujang?

If gochujang isn’t available, try mixing chili paste with a bit of soy sauce and sugar. It won’t be exact, but it’s a close flavor profile.

5. Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

You can marinate the beef and mix the sauce in advance. Cook the noodles fresh for best texture, but everything else can be prepped ahead.

6. How can I make it even more flavorful?

Add a soft-boiled egg, sautéed mushrooms, or a dash of chili oil to take the flavor even further.

7. Is this good for meal prepping?

Yes, if stored properly in separate containers. Keep the sauce and noodles apart until ready to serve.

8. What kind of mayonnaise is best?

Japanese Kewpie mayo is ideal for its rich umami flavor, but regular mayo works just fine too!

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