Kimchi Ramen

Published Feb 24, 2017 Updated Sep 25, 2024

Homemade Spicy Kimchi Ramen

Recently, I have been obsessed with Korean food and now, I want to try Korean cooking at home. This kimchi ramen is my current favorite! It’s so easy to prepare for a quick lunch even if I don’t use any of the seasoning packages in the ramen. Instead, I make the soup base and add my ingredients and seasonings. I swear, it’s perfect for cold, gloomy, and rainy days that just beg for a hot bowl of noodles. Serve it with a side of Korean soy sauce eggs (Mayak eggs) for that added punch of flavor! This recipe is an upgrade to instant ramen or ramyeon by skipping the salty flavor packets and using chicken broth and traditional Korean condiments and spices for the soup base. Got leftover kimchi? Add it to other Korean dishes like Kimchi Fried Rice and Kimchi Jjigae!

What Is Kimchi Ramen

Kimchi ramen is a Korean-style noodle soup with kimchi in its broth for a spicier and tangier flavor than the usual instant ramen. The main components are the noodles, broth, and toppings like egg, vegetables, and meat. Kimchi is a staple Korean side dish made with salted and fermented vegetables, often cabbage, flavored with fish sauce, chili flakes, and garlic. It is usually eaten with meat and rice, added to soup dishes like kimchi stew and kimchi ramyeon, or even as is. For the noodles, you can opt to use instant, dry, or fresh ramen noodles. And for toppings, it’s all up to you! Personally, I love adding a soft-boiled egg because it provides a richer flavor to the soup and it just completes the bowl.

Kimchi Ramen Ingredients

Instant ramen – feel free to choose any brand since you will only need the noodles. You can use dry or fresh ramen noodles too. Kimchi – use cabbage kimchi for this recipe. As much as you can, don’t buy bottled, mass-produced kimchi. Buy one from your favorite Korean restaurant as they usually make them fresh in the restaurant. Chicken broth – for the soup base. You can also substitute this with beef or vegetable stock. Gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste) and Gochugaru (Korean chili powder) – these two add that really spicy kick and red color to the ramen. Egg – I use poached eggs, but soft-boiled or easy-over eggs are good options. I love it when the yolk is still runny and mixes well with the broth. Mushrooms – for added texture, flavor, and nutrition. My favorites are white button, buna shimeji, and shiitake mushrooms. Sesame oil – gives the dish a nutty taste and aroma.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.

Recipe Variations

Make it cheesy – Cheese and kimchi ramen instant noodles obviously go well together! Add a slice (or two!) of cheese on top while the soup is still piping hot and mix well. Kimchi noodles – When it’s too warm to sip hot soup, omit the broth and make a spicy and tangy sauce instead. Mix kimchi, sesame oil, gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar and combine well with your cooked and drained noodles. Top with an egg and chopped scallions. Sundubu ramen – Make your kimchi ramen more filling by adding sundubu or silken tofu. Slice the tofu and add it towards the end so it will not overcook.

How To Make Kimchi Ramen

Turn instant ramen into a restaurant meal by using chicken broth and your favorite toppings like eggs and vegetables. And of course, kimchi for that spicy and tangy twist!

Helpful Tips For Home Cooks

Use different broths or stocks to change up the flavor profile of your kimchi ramen. You can use vegetable broth, pork bone broth, or dashi, which you can either make at home or buy pre-made. You can also add miso for a richer soup. If you can’t make kimchi at home, I recommend buying it from your local Korean or Asian store. Ask the waiter or cashier, they will most likely sell their kimchi to you. Skip the bottled and mass-produced ones found in supermarkets for the freshest and most authentic flavor! Add more vegetables, meat, or seafood to your kimchi ramen to make it more flavorful, filling, and nutritious. Make a vegetarian or vegan ramen for an even healthier meal.

What To Serve With Ramen Kimchi

For a wholesome meal and an easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes: I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.