Name: Korean Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces linguine noodles; 1 pound lean ground beef; 3 cloves minced garlic; ½ cup packed brown sugar; ½ cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; Sliced green onions for garnish; Sesame seeds for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 90 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings together bold flavors with comforting noodles, you’re in for a treat with this Korean Beef Noodles Recipe. It’s a fantastic quick-fix meal that balances savory, sweet, and a touch of spice, all coated in a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of linguine. Whether you need something to whip up after a busy day or want to impress friends with minimal effort, this recipe has your back with its vibrant taste and straightforward prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white frying pan, there is a layer of cooked ground beef with a brown and slightly pink color, showing a crumbly texture. Small pieces of minced garlic are mixed in with the beef, visible as off-white bits. Steam rises gently from the pan, which sits on a stovetop. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be fooled by its simplicity; every ingredient here plays a crucial role in making your Korean Beef Noodles Recipe shine. From the fragrant garlic to the rich soy sauce, each component layers flavor, texture, and that irresistible umami kick.

8 ounces linguine noodles: Offers a sturdy, slightly chewy base that holds the sauce beautifully.
1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and absorbs the seasonings well.
3 cloves minced garlic: Adds a fragrant and pungent depth to the dish.
½ cup packed brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a natural sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce.
½ cup soy sauce: Brings salty, savory flavor that’s quintessentially Korean-inspired.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Delivers a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the entire recipe.
½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle warmth and slight zing to the sauce.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives just enough heat for a subtle kick without overwhelming the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat every noodle perfectly.
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Essential garnishes that bring freshness and a hint of crunch.

How to Make Korean Beef Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling your linguine noodles until they are al dente, which means they still have a slight bite to them—this way they won’t turn mushy when combined with the sauce later. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside, ready to soak up all the amazing flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high and add your lean ground beef. Cook and crumble it for about 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink. This process creates a savory base for your sauce. Toss in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking to soften it and infuse the meat with its fragrant goodness.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Sauce

Whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour this luscious mixture over your browned beef, then simmer for one to two minutes. This step is crucial as the cornstarch thickens the sauce, making it cling deliciously to the noodles.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Beef

Finally, add the cooked linguine noodles into the meat and sauce mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly so the sauce coats every single noodle and you get a harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every bite.

How to Serve Korean Beef Noodles Recipe

A white pan holds a large serving of thin, yellowish-brown noodles mixed with small pieces of cooked ground meat that are dark brown. The noodles and meat are coated evenly in a glossy brown sauce with small red chili flakes and bits of green onions scattered throughout. A gray tong with a wooden handle lifts a bundle of the noodles above the pan, showing their long and smooth texture as they drip slightly. The background features a soft white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tones of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! Scatter sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. These garnishes add a pop of color, a fresh crunch, and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the richness of the beef and the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pairing this dish is a breeze. Consider serving it alongside a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar for a refreshing balance, or some steamed broccoli to add a healthful, crunchy contrast. Pickled vegetables also work wonderfully, cutting through the rich flavors with their tangy brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Korean Beef Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra texture. You can also wrap it all up in lettuce leaves for a light, hand-held experience that’s perfect for sharing at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Keeping the noodles separate from the sauce isn’t necessary since this recipe’s sauce holds up well, but if you want, you can toss them together right away for convenience.

Freezing

This Korean Beef Noodles Recipe freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months. When freezing, it’s best to slightly undercook the noodles to avoid them becoming overly soft upon reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, you can microwave your noodles for a minute or two, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth. Alternatively, warming them in a skillet with a splash of water or broth will revive the sauce and keep the noodles from drying out, bringing back that freshly-cooked taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully because of its texture, you can swap it with spaghetti, rice noodles, or even soba noodles. Just make sure to cook according to the package instructions to maintain the perfect chew.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by replacing ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even sautéed mushrooms. Just follow the same steps for cooking and simmering with the sauce.

How spicy is the Korean Beef Noodles Recipe?

The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that warms the palate without overpowering the dish. If you prefer it milder, simply reduce or omit the pepper flakes; if you love spicy food, add a bit more or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can cook everything ahead and combine the noodles and beef just before serving. Keep the garnishes fresh and ready to sprinkle on at the last minute to maintain their crunch and vibrancy.

What is the best way to keep the noodles from sticking together?

After draining your noodles, toss them lightly with a touch of sesame oil or neutral oil. This prevents clumping and also adds a nice flavor that blends well with the sauce later on.

Final Thoughts

This Korean Beef Noodles Recipe is genuinely a keeper—quick, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, it’s a dish that feels special but is straightforward enough to become a weeknight favorite. Take a chance on it, and I promise you’ll come back craving it time and again!