8-Minute Jjapaguri (Easy Ram Don Korean Noodles)

Ram Don Jjapaguri – An easy recipe for spicy Korean Ram Don Noodles with seared ribeye steak. This quick Jjapaguri is made with instant ramen noodles for a satisfying dish ready in under 10 minutes.

Korean Noodle Soup

If you haven’t heard of Ram Don Noodles, it’s not surprising.

If you have heard of this dish, it has likely been within the last few years. Because although it is delicious, the name is a little confusing… Ram Don is not a traditional Asian recipe, but is actually a dish that became popularized by the 2019 Korean thriller Parasite.

The name “Ram-Don” comes from the use of two popular instant noodles, ramen and udon noodles. However, the more modern name “Jjapaguri” comes from two well-loved types of Korean ramen, Chapajetti and Neoguri. The first is black bean ramen (jjajang) while the second is a spicy udon-style seafood noodle (jjamppong.) Therefore, chapagetti/jjajang + neoguri… Jjapaguri. I did tell you ahead of time, this was a little hard to follow.

In the movie Parasite, dirty dealings are happening in a home. The housekeeper (who is involved in the misdeeds) gets a call from the homeowner and discovers the family will be home in 8 minutes and wants Jjapaguri for dinner. Her accomplices continue their criminal activities while she rapidly whips together spicy noodles with steak, just as they walk in the door. Although it is fully possible to make this dish in 8 minutes, if you have something to hide, 10-15 minutes is more realistic. *wink*

Ram Don Jjapaguri (Spicy Korean Noodles)

Even if you’re not in a feverish rush to make dinner for your bosses, you’ll love how quick and easy this Korean ramen and udon noodles recipe is to prepare. Start to finish you need less than 15 minutes, so it’s terrific for a nearly effortless weeknight dinner when you simply… Can’t.

Simply sear the steak, boil the pasta, season, and combine. Done!

The first few times we made the movie’s Rom Don Jjapaguri recipe, we honestly found it a little lackluster. Therefore, we’ve seared the ribeye steak in sesame oil, then added the steak and oil to the ramen, to give it nutty depth of flavor. For an extra kick of spicy goodness we also add some Korean gochujang sauce.

There are many different ways you can customize Korean spicy ramen noodles to your tastes. Try some of our suggestions below for Jjapaguri your family will love!

Ingredients You Need

These ingredients can be found in any Asian market, or online. I suggest you stock up! You will be making this dish again and again.

If you can’t find the specific brands in the movie, buy any Korean Jjajang black bean ramen, and any Jjamppong spicy seafood instant udon.

• Jjajang black bean ramen – Chapagetti or Jjajangmen
• Jjamppong spicy seafood udon noodles – Neoguri or Odong Tong
• Ribeye steak – thick-cut
• Sesame oil – for an earthy, nutty taste
• Gochujang sauce – adds a sweet and spicy flavor to the Korean ramen noodles
• Scallions – sliced
• Salt and pepper – to taste

How to Make Ram Don Korean Noodles

First, set a large skillet and a medium sauce pot on the stovetop. Pour 3 cups of water into the pot, and turn both burners to high heat.

As the skillet heats, cut the ribeye steak into large ¾ -1 inch cubes. Cut out any large chunks of fat, but leave the marbled pieces intact. The bit of fat will keep the steak moist and flavorful.

Salt and pepper the steak chunks liberally. Chop the scallions.

Add the sesame oil to the hot skillet. Swirl to coat, and once hot, sear the steak pieces for 2-3 minutes. Rotate every minute, until they are cooked to medium-rare. Don’t overcook them! Remove the steak from the heat as soon as they’re done.

Meanwhile, when the water in the large pot starts boiling, open the noodle packages and drop the noodles in the boiling water. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, until almost cooked through.

Pro Tip: It might seem like there’s not enough water, but just stir and flip the noodles until they loosen into the liquid.

Once the noodles are mostly soft but not totally cooked, add all the seasoning packets. *If you are very sensitive to sodium, use the full black bean seasoning packet and half of the spicy seafood packet. (you do not drain these noodles)

Stir, and add in 1-2 teaspoons of Gochujang hot sauce. Stir again and simmer for another minute to thicken the sauce.

Finally, mix the seared steak and the pan juices into the spicy Korean noodles.

Stir to coat the seared steak in the Jjapaguri sauce, and turn off the heat.

Top with fresh scallions and serve the Ram Don noodles warm.

Serving Suggestions

This Korean noodle dish with steak eats like a full meal in a bowl. But you can certainly enjoy it with any number of side dishes for a more filling dinner!

Serve this main dish with steamed white rice and vegetables. Also try it with Super Greens, Tempura Shishito Peppers, Kimchi Grilled Corn on the Cob, and Korean Pancakes for fun and flavorful sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What other proteins can I use to make Jjapaguri?

You definitely can skip the beef if you prefer. Prepare Korean ramen noodles with chicken or pork, but note, you will need to cook them longer so they are completely cooked through. For a meatless meal, you can use cubed tofu. And you can always add a perfectly cooked egg to your ramen for an extra oomph of protein!

How do I make Ram Don less spicy?

Use only 1 teaspoon of gojuchang or skip it entirely for not-quite-so spicy Korean noodles.

How long do Korean noodles keep well?

This steak and ramen dish is delightful to enjoy the next day. Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

This is a great dish to make for those who are living the gluten-free lifestyle because many ramen packets are made from buckwheat and sweet potato starch or other gluten-free ingredients. Just make sure to look at the ingredients on the package of noodles that you choose. 

Dangmyeon noodles are made from sweet potato starch and are almost translucent. Because of the cool look, some people call them glass noodles. 

What Can I Add To This Ramen Soup Broth?

This recipe is specifically for a Korean-style ramen, but that does not mean you cannot add your favorite toppings. Ramen is a fun dish because you can doctor it for whatever you are craving. Consider adding in: mushrooms, garlic, carrots, red pepper flakes, green onion, cucumber, spinach, or seaweed.

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