If you love quick meals with bold flavors, this Korean Spicy Ramen Noodles with Cheese recipe is about to become your new obsession. Ready in just 5 minutes, this fiery, cheesy bowl of noodles hits all the right notes: spicy, savory, creamy, and perfectly satisfying.
Inspired by the popular Korean dish known as “rabokki” or simply cheese ramen, this comfort food classic has become a global sensation thanks to the spicy magic of gochujang and the melt-in-your-mouth appeal of gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect meal when you’re short on time but still craving something indulgent, cozy, and a little bit addictive.
Perfect as a solo lunch, late-night snack, or a simple dinner, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor without any of the wait. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—throw in some veggies, switch up the cheese, or add more protein for your own personalized twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Quick – Just 5 minutes from stove to bowl
- Minimal Ingredients – Pantry staples and ramen noodles
- Big, Bold Flavor – Thanks to gochujang, garlic, and soy
- Comfort Food Goals – Gooey cheese + spicy broth = magic
- One Pan, No Fuss – Fewer dishes, more flavor
- Customizable – Add veggies, proteins, or different cheeses
- Perfect for Solo Meals – No leftovers, just satisfaction
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2–3 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 250 ml water (adjust as needed)
- 1 packet ramen noodles (instant is fine)
- 1½ tsp soy sauce
- Squeeze of honey
- 70 g grated mozzarella cheese
Garnishes (Optional but Recommended)
- Fried egg
- 1 spring onion, finely chopped
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Garlic
Heat a nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil. Once hot, finely grate or mince the garlic cloves and sauté them in the oil for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be lightly golden.
2. Add the Gochujang
Stir in the gochujang and cook for another 30–60 seconds, allowing the flavors to deepen and the paste to slightly caramelize.
3. Cook the Noodles
Add 250 ml of water directly to the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the ramen noodles. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 2–3 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still springy. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if it reduces too much—there should still be a bit of broth left at the end.
4. Season the Broth
Once the noodles are almost done, add the soy sauce and a squeeze of honey. Stir everything together to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
5. Melt the Cheese
Turn off the heat and immediately sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the hot noodles. Stir gently until the cheese melts and creates a creamy, spicy, cheesy coating on the noodles.
6. Garnish and Serve
Slide the noodles into a bowl. Top with a fried egg, sprinkle over chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for crunch and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use Good Quality Gochujang – It’s the heart of this dish and sets the flavor tone
- Don’t Skip the Honey – A little sweetness balances the spice
- Adjust Spice Level – Add more or less gochujang to control the heat
- Add a Splash of Milk – For a creamier broth, stir in 1–2 tbsp of milk with the cheese
- Cook Noodles to Just Al Dente – Overcooked noodles will turn mushy in the sauce
- Top with Soft-Boiled Egg – For even more richness and texture
Variations
- Creamy Cheese Ramen – Add 2 tbsp of cream or milk with the cheese for extra silkiness
- Vegetarian – Use plant-based ramen and skip the egg, or use vegan cheese
- Add Protein – Toss in tofu cubes, rotisserie chicken, or even sliced beef
- Spicy Miso Version – Stir in 1 tsp miso paste for added umami depth
- Extra Veggies – Add spinach, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for a nutritious boost
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead – Best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep garlic and sauce base in advance
- Store Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day (no longer, as noodles soften quickly)
- Reheat Gently – Add a splash of water or milk and reheat over low heat
- Avoid Freezing – The noodles and cheese won’t hold up well to freezing
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste with a spicy, slightly sweet flavor. It’s essential for this dish’s heat and depth. -
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Cheddar, pepper jack, or even cream cheese can work. Mozzarella melts best for stretchiness. -
Do I need special ramen?
Nope! Any instant ramen pack works, just discard the flavor packet. -
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of gochujang and skip the red pepper flakes if using. -
Is this healthy?
It’s a comfort dish, but you can make it healthier by adding veggies or using whole-grain noodles.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, these Korean Spicy Ramen Noodles with Cheese deliver the ultimate instant gratification. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cheat meal but is secretly made with just a few pantry staples and comes together in no time.
From the savory depth of gochujang to the gooey cheese and the perfectly cooked noodles, every bite is a warm hug of flavor. Add a fried egg and your favorite toppings, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy meal in 5 minutes flat.
So go ahead, spice up your ramen routine. You’ll never look at instant noodles the same way again.
Korean Spicy Ramen Noodles with Cheese
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 –3 garlic cloves grated or minced
- 1 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 250 ml water adjust as needed
- 1 packet ramen noodles instant is fine
- 1½ tsp soy sauce
- Squeeze of honey
- 70 g grated mozzarella cheese
Garnishes (Optional but Recommended)
- Fried egg
- 1 spring onion finely chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Sauté the Garlic
- Heat a nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil. Once hot, finely grate or mince the garlic cloves and sauté them in the oil for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be lightly golden.
Add the Gochujang
- Stir in the gochujang and cook for another 30–60 seconds, allowing the flavors to deepen and the paste to slightly caramelize.
Cook the Noodles
- Add 250 ml of water directly to the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the ramen noodles. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 2–3 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still springy. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if it reduces too much—there should still be a bit of broth left at the end.
Season the Broth
- Once the noodles are almost done, add the soy sauce and a squeeze of honey. Stir everything together to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Melt the Cheese
- Turn off the heat and immediately sprinkle the grated mozzarella over the hot noodles. Stir gently until the cheese melts and creates a creamy, spicy, cheesy coating on the noodles.
Garnish and Serve
- Slide the noodles into a bowl. Top with a fried egg, sprinkle over chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for crunch and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
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