Korean Beef Noodles Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of warm noodles swimming in a deeply savory broth—and this Korean Beef Noodles Recipe delivers comfort with bold, irresistible flavor. Slow-cooked beef chuck becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in a rich, slightly spicy gochujang-infused broth, creating a dish that feels both cozy and exciting. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or hands-off weekend cooking, this recipe brings Korean-inspired flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum reward.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set-it-and-forget-it ease – Slow cooker does most of the work
• Deep, authentic flavor – Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and gochujang create rich umami
• Ultra-tender beef – Long, slow cooking makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth soft
• Comforting and hearty – Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep
• Customizable spice level – Easy to make mild or spicy

Ingredients

Beef and Broth

• Beef chuck – A well-marbled cut that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked
• Beef broth – Forms the savory base of the soup
• Water – Balances and lightens the broth

Sauce and Seasonings

• Soy sauce – Adds saltiness and deep umami flavor
• Brown sugar – Balances the savory elements with gentle sweetness
• Fresh ginger – Brings warmth and subtle spice
• Garlic – Enhances the richness of the broth
• Sesame oil – Adds nutty aroma and depth
• Black pepper – Provides mild heat and seasoning
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste) – Adds signature Korean heat and complexity

Noodles and Garnishes

• Fresh or dried noodles (udon or ramen) – Absorb the flavorful broth beautifully
• Green onions – Add freshness and mild sharpness
• Sesame seeds (optional) – Provide light crunch and nuttiness
• Fresh cilantro (optional) – Brightens the dish with herbal notes

How to Make Korean Beef Noodles

Prepare the Beef

Season the beef chuck pieces evenly with black pepper. This simple step helps build flavor right from the start.

Mix the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine beef broth, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and gochujang. Stir thoroughly until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth and well balanced.

Place in the Slow Cooker

Add the seasoned beef to the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the beef, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged and coated.

Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low heat for 6–8 hours, or high heat for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork. The longer cook time allows the flavors to deepen and develop.

Prepare the Noodles

About 15–20 minutes before the beef is done, cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.

Combine Beef and Noodles

Add the cooked noodles directly to the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine, allowing the noodles to soak up the savory, spicy broth.

Serve

Ladle the Korean beef noodles into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for added texture and freshness.

Tips for Success

• Cut beef into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking
• Taste the broth before serving and adjust spice or salt if needed
• Add noodles at the end to prevent them from becoming overly soft
• Let leftovers sit overnight—flavors deepen even more

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Pot for cooking noodles
• Ladle for serving

Recipe Variations

• Spicier Korean Beef Noodles – Add extra gochujang or red pepper flakes
• Vegetable-Loaded Version – Add bok choy, mushrooms, or spinach in the last hour
• Different Cuts of Beef – Substitute chuck with brisket or short ribs
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles

Serving Suggestions

Serve this slow cooker Korean beef noodles with kimchi, steamed dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad. A drizzle of sesame oil or extra chili paste on top adds even more flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, simmer gently for 2–3 hours until the beef is tender.

How spicy is this recipe?
Mild to medium. Adjust gochujang to suit your heat preference.

Can I store leftovers?
Yes, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Korean beef noodles?
Freeze the beef and broth separately; add fresh noodles when reheating.

Which noodles work best?
Udon for chewy texture or ramen for a lighter bite.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Beef Noodles Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, warming, and packed with bold Korean-inspired flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning cozy meals for the week, this slow cooker favorite is guaranteed to impress. Try it once, and it just might become a regular on your dinner rotation.

Print