Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef & Creamy Sauce

This Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef & Creamy Sauce delivers the perfect balance of heat, richness, and texture. Smoky grilled beef, spicy broth, and a creamy topping come together to create a flavorful and satisfying bowl of ramen. Ideal for a quick dinner, weekend indulgence, or cozy meal, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ramen is a delicious fusion of bold, spicy, and creamy flavors. The grilled beef adds a smoky richness, while the spicy broth delivers a satisfying heat. The creamy sauce rounds it all out, bringing a velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the noodles and beef. It’s quick to prepare, customizable to your preferred spice level, and absolutely delicious—perfect for any occasion when you want something comforting and indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Grilled Beef:

• 300g ribeye or sirloin steak

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp chili paste or a mild hot sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

For the Ramen:

• 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet)

• 2 cups chicken or beef broth

• 1 tbsp red chili flakes

• 1 tsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• Salt, to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred)

• 1 tbsp sriracha or your preferred chili sauce

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Pinch of sugar (optional)

Garnishes:

• 2 tbsp chopped green onions

• 1 tsp toasted black sesame seeds

• Optional: extra chili oil or chili flakes for added heat

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the Beef:

In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, chili paste, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Add the beef, making sure it’s well coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar (optional). Whisk together until smooth. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to use.

3. Cook the Ramen and Broth:

In a large pot, bring the broth to a simmer. Add the red chili flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and salt. Stir to combine, and cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions, about 3 minutes, until al dente. Remove from heat.

4. Grill the Beef:

Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat. Sear the marinated beef for 2–3 minutes per side, or until caramelized and cooked to your desired level. Let the beef rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.

5. Assemble the Bowl:

Divide the cooked ramen and broth into two serving bowls. Spoon a generous amount of creamy sauce over the noodles. Top with the sliced grilled beef, chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and additional chili oil or chili flakes for extra heat, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 2 generous servings

Variations

• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bok choy to your ramen.

• Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chili paste and red chili flakes. For more spice, add extra chili oil or hot sauce to the broth and creamy sauce.

• Use Chicken or Tofu: Swap the grilled beef for grilled chicken or tofu to suit your preferences.

• Use Fresh Ramen: For a more authentic taste, use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant noodles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover ramen can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the ramen in a pot on the stove, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to loosen the noodles and keep it from becoming too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use any cut of beef you prefer. Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin all work well. Just slice thinly against the grain after grilling for the best texture.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can make this dish vegetarian by substituting the beef with grilled tofu or tempeh, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.

3. Can I skip the creamy sauce?

While the creamy sauce adds richness and depth to the dish, you can skip it for a lighter version of this ramen. You can also replace it with a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.

4. How spicy is this ramen?

The spiciness of the ramen depends on how much chili paste, chili flakes, and sriracha you use. Adjust these ingredients to suit your spice tolerance.

5. Can I make this ramen ahead of time?

You can prepare the ramen and creamy sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and heat when ready to serve.

6. Can I use different noodles?

Yes, you can use any type of noodles you prefer, such as udon, soba, or even rice noodles. Adjust the cooking time depending on the type of noodles you choose.

7. How do I know when the beef is cooked?

For medium-rare beef, sear it for 2-3 minutes per side. If you prefer it more well-done, cook it for an additional minute per side. Let the beef rest before slicing to retain its juices.

8. Can I use a non-stick pan instead of a grill pan?

Yes, you can use a regular non-stick skillet to cook the beef. Just make sure to get it nice and hot to achieve that perfect sear on the meat.

9. Can I freeze the leftovers?

While ramen is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the beef and broth for up to a month. Reheat the broth gently when you’re ready to serve.

10. How do I make this dish even richer?

For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the creamy sauce for a creamy, nutty twist that complements the spicy broth.

Conclusion

This Spicy Korean Ramen with Grilled Beef & Creamy Sauce is a bowl of comfort that packs a punch of flavor. The spicy broth, smoky grilled beef, and creamy topping make it a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Quick to prepare and customizable to your taste, it’s the ultimate comfort food for ramen lovers. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this bold dish!

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