Spicy Korean Cold Noodle Bowl with Sesame and Cucumber

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chewy cold noodles tossed in a fiery gochujang sauce with fresh cucumber and toasted sesame seeds, offering a cool yet spicy summer dish. This korean-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs naengmyeon noodles or buckwheat noodles, medium cucumber, julienned, scallions, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Korean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 8 ounces naengmyeon or buckwheat noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Drain and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Prepare an ice bath with 1 cup ice cubes and cold water. Transfer rinsed noodles into the ice bath and let cool for 2 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Toss the cooled noodles with the spicy sauce until evenly coated. Add 1 medium julienned cucumber and 2 thinly sliced scallions, mixing gently.
  5. Step 5: Divide noodles into bowls, garnish with 2 halved hard-boiled eggs and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately chilled for a refreshing kick.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean Cold Noodle Bowl with Sesame and Cucumber take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Korean Cold Noodle Bowl with Sesame and Cucumber?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium cucumber, julienned from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean Cold Noodle Bowl with Sesame and Cucumber?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Korean Cold Noodle Bowl with Sesame and Cucumber for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Korean Cold Noodle Bowl with Sesame and Cucumber?

Korean pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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