20 Minute Korean Noodle Soups that Will Change Your LIFE!

gochujang

🥗Healthier: red pepper flakes

💰Cheaper: sriracha

Red pepper flakes provide heat without added sugars.

fresh wheat noodles

🥗Healthier: whole wheat noodles

💰Cheaper: instant ramen

Whole wheat noodles add fiber, while instant ramen is budget-friendly.

tofu

🥗Healthier: tempeh

💰Cheaper: canned chickpeas

Tempeh offers a protein boost, while chickpeas are economical.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasonings

Vegetable broth is lighter and lower in calories.

Slice half an onion not too thin, not too thick.

Cut 120 grams of zucchini into thin matchsticks.

Slice 2 or 3 shiitake mushrooms.

Cut 1 potato into thin matchsticks to ensure it cooks faster.

Chop some green onions, separating the white part for cooking and the green part for garnish.

In a wok or pot, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and heat over medium heat.

Add 150 grams of ground beef and sauté for 1-2 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.

Add half a tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a few shakes of black pepper; stir for about 1 minute.

Lower the heat and add the white part of the green onions, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 3 tablespoons of Korean chili paste, 1 tablespoon of Korean soybean paste, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, and chili pepper flakes; stir-fry for about 3 minutes until fragrant and a chili oil forms.

Add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, add the potato and shiitake mushrooms.

Add 1 tablespoon of curry and beef stock powder or chicken bouillon powder, and optionally, a quarter teaspoon of MSG.

When the potatoes are halfway cooked, add in the onion and noodles; cook for about 5-6 minutes or according to package instructions.

If using Kalguksu noodles, rinse them quickly before adding to prevent thickening the broth.

When the noodles are nearly done, add the zucchini and cook for about 1 minute.

Transfer the noodles and broth to serving bowls.

Top with toasted seasoned seaweed and green onions, and finish with ground sesame seeds.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens