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When it comes to Korean ramen noodles, you may think they're all spicy. But they actually come in a range of flavor profiles, from savory chicken and vegetable, to spicy-sour kimchi, and to sweet and salty beef. Some are so spicy they're popular for challenges on social media, though!
We recommend Nongshim's Shin Ramyun as our top choice because it's full of flavor, has a perfect noodle texture, and comes in various types of packaging. Check out our top 10 list for more highly recommended Korean ramen noodles. One of our top picks is Nongshim's Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup. It's spicy, flavorful, and has a rich beef broth. Also, don't skip the buying guide full of helpful information to guide you towards your perfect noodle dish.
Cody Mizuno is the editor and founder of Ramen Guide Japan, a website dedicated to sharing ramen with the English-speaking masses. He has eaten at over 500 ramen restaurants throughout Japan and documents his trips on his website where he writes detailed reviews and translates menus, as well as on his Instagram where he uploads photos of all the bowls he eats.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
Check all these tips and suggestions before making your decision, especially if you can't read Korean and don't know what the ingredients are!
Korean ramen noodles come in many flavor options, and many of them are spicy. If you want to try a spicy one, figure out the heat level you can handle before buying.
Bulgogi, or Korean barbecued beef, is made from thinly sliced beef that's marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Then it's grilled on a charcoal grill or hot skillet. Bulgogi ramen offers salty and sweet tastes with a hint of smoky flavor and aroma.
Jajangmyeon is a noodle dish topped with chunjang sauce, a thick black bean sauce. The sauce is made with soybeans, fermented wheat flour, and caramel sauce. It has sweet, savory, bitter, nutty, and smoky flavors.
Both bulgogi and jajangmyeon are packed with flavor with just a little or no hot spices. Thus, they're a good flavor option for kids and people who don't like spicy foods.
Jajangmyeon is actually a Korean rendition of the popular Chinese black bean noodles, Zhajiangmian. The Korean version showcased here typically uses a fermented bean paste which gives the dish a more umami enriched, tangier flavor profile.
The long history of Jajangmyeon has made it a staple in many Korean restaurants and is usually served alongside an array of banchan, Korean side dishes. For a more filling and authentic Jajangmyeon experience, definitely prepare some kimchi or grab some banchan at your local Korean supermarket!
Kimchi is a staple dish in Korean cuisine. It's made with a variety of ingredients like fermented vegetables, salt, sugar, hot pepper flakes, and spices. Thus, it has a complex flavor, including sour, salty, sweet, and spicy notes.
Jjamppong is a spicy seafood noodle soup that is made from a pork broth, chili powder, vegetables, and various kinds of seafood. It packs a rich, spicy, and refreshing flavor. Many Koreans like eating Jjamppong in the winter to keep the body warm.
If you're a fan of spicy foods, you can't miss buldak! Buldak, or fire chicken, is a popular Korean street food that is made from fried chicken, chili powder, chili paste, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. It's extremely spicy and has a Scoville heat level of about 10,000 units, which can be compared to the heat level of Serrano peppers.
When most people think of Korean instant noodles, most go straight to the spicy Buldak that have taken over social media in the last few years with the Fire Noodle Challenge. While it is incredibly spicy, there are a few ways to help dampen the heat for those wanting to see what it tastes like without burning their taste buds off.
First, prepare an egg with a runny yolk. The yolk will coat the noodles and give them a creaminess to help lessen the spicy impact. A bit of Kewpie mayo can also serve the same purpose and both together will be a godsend for those struggling to get through a bowl!
Cold, soupless ramen noodles are perfect for hot summer days! They're sweet, sour, and have just a hint of spice.
Unlike other types that come with dehydrated vegetables and meat, jjolmyeon and Paldo brand Bibim Men usually come with just noodles and a thick sauce. Many people like to add extra ingredients like a hard-boiled egg, cucumber, and meat.
Another popular Korean cold noodle is the Naengmyeon, which is a North Korean dish typically prepared with buckwheat and potato or sweet potato starch. Adding the spicy red sauce is actually what distinguishes this from the Bibim men. Naengmyeon is perfect for those who would rather avoid the spice with a delicious, vinegary option. Oftentimes, the dish is topped with some daikon radish and boiled beef for an incredibly filling and satisfying meal.
Cheese makes a great option for kids and people who can't handle spice. You'll find cheese ramen that comes with soup and without soup.
Cheese can help to neutralize the heat of chili peppers, too! If you want to try a less spicy version of buldak, we recommend you choose one that comes with a cheese flavor to tone down the spiciness.
Clear soup comes in many flavor profiles like vegetable, chicken, and beef. The main ingredients are bone broth and seasoned with salt or soy sauce.
They offer a simple, light, clear soup, making them easy to eat. Plus, many of them are nutritious! We highly recommend a clear ramen soup for people looking for a healthy ramen soup and people who can't tolerate spicy foods.
If you can’t find any cheese option, don’t sweat; adding whatever cheese you have in your fridge is a more than adequate replacement. Adding processed cheese to instant noodles is a popular practice in Korea since the war and is often added to give it more substance and flavor. For the more adventurous, consider adding in some cubed Spam for some extra protein and a bit of pickled radish for some acidity!
We can't forget to mention "jjapaguri," a combination of the Nongshim brand's Chapagetti and Neoguri, which you might recognize from the Academy Award-winning Korean film Parasite!
Chapagetti is made with chewy noodles in a black bean sauce while Neoguri is Japanese-style udon noodles in a spicy seafood soup. The combination of these two ramen noodles creates a sweet, salty, and smoky flavor with a kick of heat.
The black bean sauce not only pairs well with spicy seafood, but it also goes well with buldak (spicy chicken flavor) noodles. The sweetness from black bean sauce helps to balance out the heat from buldak, making it easier to eat for people who can't handle a ton of spice.
Another suggestion is a mix of Shin Ramyun and Nagasaki. Shin Ramyun has a spicy beef broth, while Nagasaki is a rich vegetable and seafood soup. When combing them together, you'll get umami flavor with a hint of spice.
One of the beauties of Korean instant noodles is the possibility to customize to just about every person’s flavor palette. In addition to combining different instant noodles into one, experiment adding different toppings as well.
Something that turns out quite thick could benefit from a bit of kimchi, which has some acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce. For something that is a bit light, perhaps add a bit of spicy dried fish for some extra umami kick!
Most Korean noodles have a thick, chewy texture that doesn't get soggy easily in broth. That's why they often need to be cooked on the stovetop for about three to five minutes.
However, if you don't have a lot of time to cook or don't have access to a stovetop, there are some instant Korean noodles that require only hot water to cook. The texture of those noodles are usually thinner, so they can be cooked quickly. However, do know that they are a bit softer and get soggy more quickly.
Another thing to pay attention to is the consistency of the broth. Soup bases made from animal fats and bones tend to be rich, thick, and heavy, while those made with vegetable stock are light and easy on the stomach. If you don't like soupy noodles, consider soupless noodles! They are flavorful and usually spicier than the soupy type.
In general, ramen noodles come in three types of packaging: bags, cups, and bowls. Ramen noodles that come in bags require a serving bowl, so they're not convenient to eat away from home compared to cup noodles.
However, they make a great option for people who have limited kitchen cabinet space and those who like to add a lot of toppings to their ramen noodles.
The downside of cup noodles and bowl noodles is they take up more storage space than bags. Since they have limited room in their containers, they're also not suitable for people who like to add a lot of extra ingredients.
However, they're fast and easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for taking to work or school. Additionally, many of them come in microwave-safe packaging and offer a free plastic fork, making it even more convenient to eat them away from home.
Some cups and bowls of dried noodles also have drainage holes, so you can conveniently drain out hot water and mix the sauce or seasoning packet in.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup | $3.98 Low Mid | A Flavorful Beef Broth With Some Heat | ||
2 | Samyang 2X Spicy Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen | $8.77 Low Mid | Best Spicy Noodles to Challenge Yourself | ||
3 | Paldo Fun & Yum Chapagetti | $20.82 High Mid | Best Noodles in Black Bean Sauce With a Sweet and Savory Flavor | ||
4 | Nongshim Bowl Noodle Soup|12 pack | $14.21 Mid | Best for the Convenient Packaging and the Simple Flavor | ||
5 | Nongshim Spicy Seafood | $3.98 Low Mid | Best Umami-Filled Seafood Soup With Thick Japanese Noodles | ||
6 | Ottogi Cheese Ramen | $13.99 Mid | Best Cheesy and Creamy Noodles That Are Also Vegetarian-Friendly | ||
7 | Nongshim Noodle Soup Seasoned With Real Kimchi | $17.99 High Mid | Best for the Addition of Dried Kimchi Flakes | ||
8 | Paldo Bibim Men | $14.99 High Mid | Best Cold Noodles in a Sweet and Spicy Sauce | ||
9 | Paldo TeumSae Ramen | $4.62 Low Mid | Best for the Peppery, Intensely Spicy Taste | ||
10 | Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup | $16.95 High Mid | Best Vegan Korean Noodles |
Pros:
The main seasonings here are salt, soy sauce, sugar, red pepper, garlic, onion, and ginger in a spicy beef broth. Since these noodles have a high heat level, they are great for those who are spicy food lovers. Also, each contains a small packet of dehydrated vegetable flakes, including mushrooms, green onions, and carrots.
Although a few buyers find the noodles too salty, most comment that they offer umami flavor with the perfect amount of spice. Some people even say they have a similar taste to ramen at a restaurant. They also like that the noodles are not too thin or too thick. According to many buyers, the noodles are filling and come in perfect portion sizes.
Pros:
This product is popular because of the Extreme Spicy Noodle Challenge. It's a soupless style ramen that's twice as spicy as the brand's original. Each bag contains stir-fried ramen noodles, buldak sauce, sesame, and dried seaweed.
Some people mention that this product has less chicken flavor compared to the original one. But overall, most people verify that it's extremely spicy and like that it has a balance of sweet and salty in every bite. They say the flavors go well with sesame oil, garlic powder, and fried eggs. Many people are satisfied with the thick and chewy noodles, too.
Pros:
This is soupless noodles in chajang sauce, a thick Chinese-style black bean sauce. It has a very earthy taste with a slightly bitter flavor. It's free from MSG and has no hot peppers, making it a great choice for people who can't handle spicy foods. You can upgrade your noodles by adding carrots, corn, peas, onions, or pork.
A couple of buyers find the sauce to be too sweet for their preferences. Yet, the majority agree that the sauce is savory, flavorful, and thick but doesn't feel too heavy. They also compliment the thick, firm, and chewy noodles. There are some reports saying that these noodles taste really close to the ones at a Chinese restaurant.
Pros:
This noodle soup offers a clear chicken broth with vegetables and is made without added MSG or spices. It comes in convenient packaging and is easy to prepare. Simply add hot water or pop it in the microwave for three minutes and your meal is ready!
Overall, most people like the mild flavor because it allows them to adjust the seasonings based on their personal taste preferences. Some people like to add Sriracha sauce to pump up the heat, while others prefer adding egg, vegetables, and meat. It's said the noodles have a soft texture, too.
Pros:
This ramen noodle soup contains different kinds of seafood, including bonito, tuna, squid, and mussels. For those who like seafood, this is a great option! Plus, it includes big pieces of dried seaweed in a small packet. It's udon-style noodles, which are thick and chewy Japanese noodles.
A few reviewers complain that the flavor packet is too strong. But overall, most people say it has umami and comes with the right amount of spice. Additionally, they are satisfied with the big portion size, and they also like the thick noodles that absorb the broth well.
Pros:
Cons:
Ottogi's noodles come with a cheese powder mix made from milk cream powder and cheese powder that will add creaminess and cheesiness to the broth. There is also a separate spice packet that allows you to spice the noodles just the way you like them. These noodles are even vegetarian-friendly!
Some reviewers recommend using less water than in the instructions. But overall, most reviewers enjoy the flavor and texture of the noodles. They mention that adding the spice packet gives the noodles a nice kick. You can also add some cheese slices to make the noodles cheesier.
Pros:
Cons:
The highlight of these noodles is that they come with dried kimchi flakes made from Napa cabbage, red chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and salt. Made from a combination of anchovy extract, beef extract, beef fat, beef stock, and other spices and vegetables, the soup is also flavorful.
Many reviewers enjoy the sour and salty flavor. They say it has a kick but doesn't feel too overwhelming. The noodles are also chewy and don't get soggy quickly, buyers mention. It's said adding extra kimchi and eggs will help further enhance the flavor of the noodles.
Pros:
Cons:
Bibim Men is soupless noodles served cold with sweet and spicy sauce. It tastes refreshing and is great to eat during the hot summer. Since it doesn't include dehydrated vegetables and meat, we recommend adding toppings like a hard-boiled egg, cucumber, pickled vegetables, or sliced beef to make the meal more fulfilling.
A few buyers don't like the thin, soft texture of the noodles. Nonetheless, most say that the sauce is flavorful and has a hint of apple juice. They further mention that it isn't too spicy and goes well with eggs, seaweed, cherry tomatoes, and sesame seeds. Overall, they say it's a great summer dish.
Pros:
Cons:
This product is from Teumsae Ramyun, the popular ramen restaurant in Seoul. Along with Samyang's Fire Chicken Noodles, this product is another top pick for a spicy ramen challenge on social media. Made with red pepper powder and black pepper powder, it has an intensely spicy and peppery taste.
According to some reviewers, the spice overwhelms the overall flavor. Nevertheless, spicy food lovers say that these noodles are a must-try and the heat level is so intense that they don't have to add any extra chili peppers. Some buyers find the noodles spicier than Shin Ramyun. Another bonus for some buyers is that the noodles are vegetarian-friendly.
Pros:
Cons:
Soon Veggie Noodle Soup is a vegan version of Shin Ramyun, Nongshim's best-selling product. Made with only vegan ingredients, it has a clear, savory broth with mild spiciness. It comes in microwave-safe packaging and is quick to prepare. In fact, it takes only three minutes of your time!
A few reviewers complain that the noodles taste too salty. But many others like the convenient packaging. They also note that the noodles are not really chewy, but they don't get soggy easily. Most buyers praise the rich, mildly spicy broth. Overall, this product makes a quick and easy meal for people with busy schedules.
They're great for lunches, easy dinners, late-night cram sessions, and even breakfast after a night spent partying! Keep your noodle cabinets stocked up with these other options.
No. 1: Nongshim|Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup
No. 2: Samyang|2X Spicy Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen
No. 3: Paldo Fun & Yum|Chapagetti
No. 4: Nongshim|Bowl Noodle Soup|12 pack
No. 5: Nongshim|Spicy Seafood
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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