Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef & Creamy Sauce
Experience a symphony of bold flavors with this Spicy Korean Ramen featuring perfectly grilled beef and a luscious creamy sauce. This elevated ramen dish transforms simple instant noodles into a gourmet meal, combining the smoky richness of marinated steak with the fiery kick of gochujang and gochugaru, all harmonized by a cool, tangy chili-mayonnaise drizzle. It's an unforgettable culinary journey that's both comforting and exhilarating, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend feast.
Prep Time
40 minutes (including marinating time)
Cook Time
10-15 minutes
Total Time
50-55 minutes
Servings
2 generous servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Transforms instant ramen into an elevated, gourmet meal.
- Features tender, richly marinated grilled beef for a satisfying protein boost.
- Boasts a unique creamy chili sauce that adds a cool, tangy counterpoint to the spice.
- Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner with impressive results.
- Offers a customizable spice level to suit all palates.
Ingredients
- 300 grams (approximately 10.6 ounces) ribeye or sirloin steak
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) soy sauce
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) sesame oil
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (approximately 10 grams)
- 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) ground black pepper
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 475 milliliters (2 cups) chicken or beef broth
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) soy sauce
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) rice vinegar
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- 45 milliliters (3 tablespoons) mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred)
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) sriracha or Korean chili sauce
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) sesame oil
- 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- Pinch of sugar (optional, for balance)
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) chopped green onions
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) toasted black sesame seeds
- Optional: extra chili oil or gochugaru
Instructions
- Prepare the beef marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) soy sauce, 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) gochujang, 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) sesame oil, 5 grams (1 teaspoon) brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Marinate the beef. Add the 300 grams (approximately 10.6 ounces) ribeye or sirloin steak to the prepared marinade, ensuring it is fully coated. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For an even deeper flavor profile, you may marinate the beef overnight.
- Craft the creamy chili sauce. In a separate small bowl, combine 45 milliliters (3 tablespoons) mayonnaise (Kewpie brand is recommended for its richer, eggier, and slightly tangier profile), 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) sriracha or Korean chili sauce, 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) sesame oil, 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) garlic powder, and an optional pinch of sugar. Whisk until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the ramen broth. In a medium pot or saucepan, bring 475 milliliters (2 cups) of chicken or beef broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, stir in 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) gochugaru, 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) soy sauce, 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) rice vinegar, and 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) sesame oil. Taste and adjust with salt as needed to achieve your desired flavor balance. Keep the broth at a bare simmer.
- Cook the ramen noodles. Add the 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discarding their seasoning packets) to the simmering broth. Cook the noodles according to package directions, typically about 3 minutes, until they are al dente and slightly chewy. Avoid overcooking, as they will continue to soften slightly after being removed from the heat. Remove the pot from the heat once noodles are cooked.
- Grill the beef. While the noodles cook, heat a grill pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until it is smoking slightly. Carefully place the marinated beef steak onto the hot pan. Sear the beef for 2 to 3 minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium doneness, aiming for a beautiful caramelized crust. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness and steak thickness.
- Rest and slice the beef. Once cooked, transfer the grilled beef to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. After resting, slice the beef thinly against the grain. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.
- Assemble the ramen bowls. Divide the cooked ramen noodles and flavorful broth evenly between two serving bowls. Artfully arrange the sliced grilled beef on top of the noodles. Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared creamy chili sauce over the beef and noodles. Finish by garnishing with 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) of chopped green onions and 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) of toasted black sesame seeds. For an extra kick, add optional chili oil or a sprinkle of gochugaru. Serve immediately and enjoy the complex layers of flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Medium pot or saucepan
- Grill pan or heavy-bottomed skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overcrowd the grill pan when cooking the beef; cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.
- Allow the beef to rest adequately after grilling. This crucial step ensures juicy, tender slices.
- Taste the ramen broth before adding the noodles and adjust seasonings. A well-seasoned broth is key to a flavorful bowl.
- Cook ramen noodles to al dente; they will continue to cook slightly in the hot broth.
- Use good quality instant ramen noodles (not just the cheapest kind) as the base, discarding the seasoning packets for better flavor control.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To achieve an even deeper sear and crust on your grilled beef, pat the steak completely dry with paper towels before marinating. Excess moisture will steam the meat instead of searing it.
- Infuse an extra layer of umami into your ramen broth by adding a small piece of kombu (dried kelp) to the cold broth, bringing it to a simmer, then removing the kombu before adding other seasonings.
- For an ultimate creamy texture in your sauce, consider using Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise, known for its richer, eggier, and slightly tangier profile compared to standard mayonnaise.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover grilled beef can be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The ramen broth and noodles are best consumed fresh, as noodles can become soggy.
- Variations: For a vegetarian option, replace beef with grilled marinated tofu or mushrooms. Adjust broth to a vegetable broth. For an extra protein boost, add a soft-boiled egg.
- Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochugaru in the broth and sriracha in the creamy sauce. A dash of chili oil at the end can also kick it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while ribeye or sirloin are recommended for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use flank steak or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice them against the grain after resting for maximum tenderness.
What if I don't have a grill pan?
A heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan will work perfectly. The key is to get the pan very hot to achieve a good sear and caramelization on the beef.
Can I make the creamy sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often deepen and meld beautifully over time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Estimated per serving: Calories: 650-700, Protein: 45-50g, Fat: 35-40g, Carbs: 45-50g. (Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.)
Allergy Information
Contains wheat (from ramen noodles), soy (soy sauce, possibly ramen), egg (mayonnaise), and sesame. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free mayonnaise substitute.
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