Spicy Korean Beef Noodles from Noodles & Company feature tender marinated beef, chewy noodles, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a bold, spicy gochujang sauce, delivering a flavorful and satisfying Korean-inspired meal.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) lo mein noodles or udon noodles
- 3/4 lb (340g) flank steak
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin or rice wine
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 cups napa cabbage
- 2 green onions
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Flank steak is the best choice for tender, flavorful beef but make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for optimal texture. Gochujang, a Korean chili paste, is key to achieving the authentic bold spiciness; if unavailable, your favorite chili paste can be substituted but expect a variation in flavor. Lo mein or udon noodles work well for this dish, so pick whichever is easier to find in your local supermarket. Vegetables like napa cabbage and red bell pepper add vibrant color and crunch, so ensure they're fresh and cut into uniform sizes for even cooking. This Spicy Korean Beef Noodles copycat replicates Noodles & Company's bold, satisfying meal with a balanced blend of savory, sweet, and spicy ingredients.
Instructions
- Slice flank steak thinly across the grain.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin or rice wine, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add sliced steak to the marinade, toss to coat, and let marinate for 20–30 minutes.
- Slice onion, red bell pepper, napa cabbage, and green onions.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sauté marinated beef until browned but not overcooked; remove and set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet.
- Add onion, carrots, and red bell pepper; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
- Add napa cabbage, green onions, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and beef broth.
- Add cooked noodles, beef, and sauce mixture to the skillet.
- Toss everything together with tongs until evenly coated and heated through.
- Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Substitution
Spicy Korean Beef Noodles from Noodles & Company copycat menu captures the essence of Korean cuisine with its spicy gochujang sauce and marinated beef. You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak for similar tenderness and flavor. If gochujang is unavailable, try using a mix of chili paste and a touch of miso for a comparable spicy umami taste. Udon noodles can be replaced with lo mein or rice noodles depending on your preference, while napa cabbage may be swapped with bok choy or regular green cabbage. Adjust seasoning gradually when making substitutions to maintain the balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
Tips
Make sure to slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. When marinating, allow the beef to rest for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors properly. Cooking noodles just until al dente prevents them from becoming mushy when tossed with the sauce and other ingredients. When stir-frying, maintain high heat and cook vegetables quickly to retain their crispness and vibrant color for the best texture and flavor in your dish.
Nutritions
Spicy Korean Beef Noodles from Noodles & Company provide a balanced meal rich in protein from the tender flank steak, essential for muscle repair and growth. The dish incorporates vibrant vegetables like napa cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, contributing valuable vitamins A and C as well as dietary fiber to support digestion and immune health. The gochujang sauce, while adding a spicy kick, also offers antioxidants and probiotics that promote gut health. Your meal is elevated with sesame oil and seeds, supplying healthy fats and minerals that enhance heart and bone health.
Storage
Store leftover Spicy Korean Beef Noodles in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3-4 days to ensure the beef and vegetables retain their optimal texture and flavor. When reheating, stir gently over medium heat to evenly warm the noodles and sauce without drying out Your meal.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap flank steak with thinly sliced sirloin or ribeye for a richer flavor and tender bite. If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce gochujang to 1 tablespoon and add a splash of hoisin sauce for sweetness. Try stir-frying the vegetables separately to retain their crunch before combining with the noodles and beef for better texture contrast. You can also use soba noodles as an alternative for a nutty flavor and whole-grain option that enhances your meal's nutritional profile.
Allergies
Spicy Korean Beef Noodles contain common allergens such as soy from soy sauce and sesame from sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes wheat-containing noodles, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. You should exercise caution if you have allergies to any of these ingredients to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Spicy Korean Beef Noodles from Noodles & Company offer a bold blend of tender beef, spicy gochujang sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles that create a satisfyingly rich and savory flavor profile. The dish balances heat and umami, appealing to those who enjoy vibrant Asian-inspired cuisine with a kick. Making a copycat version lets you customize the spice level and ingredients to your taste, bringing restaurant-quality flavor right into Your kitchen. This recipe is worth trying because it delivers an authentic taste experience that is both comforting and exciting.