Buldak Recipe

Buldak, or Korean Fire Chicken, is a bold and spicy dish packed with smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. This popular Korean street food combines tender chicken with a fiery sauce made from gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and gochujang (Korean chili paste). Finished with gooey melted cheese, it’s an irresistible dish perfect for spice lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in one dish.
• Quick and easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
• Perfect for fans of bold, fiery Korean cuisine.
• Customizable spice level to suit your preference.
• A crowd-pleaser for gatherings, game nights, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

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

• Chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Soy sauce
• Rice syrup or honey
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• Brown sugar
• Sesame oil
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice syrup, minced garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix gochujang, gochugaru, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Adjust the amount of gochugaru to control the spice level.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked and slightly caramelized, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Add the sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Cover the pan with a lid and cook until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice or as a spicy topping for noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3-4
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Marinating time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian buldak: Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based option.
• Less spicy: Reduce the amount of gochugaru or mix the sauce with extra honey or brown sugar.
• Extra cheesy: Add more mozzarella or mix in some cheddar for a cheesier dish.
• Seafood version: Substitute chicken with shrimp or squid for a seafood twist.
• Grilled buldak: Grill the marinated chicken for a smoky flavor, then toss in the sauce and melt the cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked buldak (without cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Add cheese and melt before serving.

FAQs

1. What does “buldak” mean?

Buldak translates to “fire chicken” in Korean, referring to its intense spiciness.

2. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor.

3. How can I make the dish spicier?

Add extra gochugaru or a dash of chili oil for more heat.

4. Can I make buldak without gochujang?

Gochujang is essential for the authentic flavor, but you can substitute with a mix of miso, chili powder, and honey if necessary.

5. What type of cheese works best for buldak?

Mozzarella is ideal for its melty and stretchy texture, but you can use a cheese blend for added flavor.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat and add cheese just before serving.

7. Is buldak gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and confirm that your gochujang is gluten-free to make this dish suitable.

8. What pairs well with buldak?

Steamed rice, kimchi, pickled radish, or a crisp cucumber salad complement the spicy flavors.

9. Can I bake buldak instead of frying?

Yes, bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, then toss in the sauce and top with cheese.

10. How do I control the spice level?

Reduce the gochugaru and balance the heat with more sugar or honey.

Conclusion

Buldak is a fiery and flavorful dish that’s perfect for spice lovers and fans of bold Korean cuisine. Whether served with rice, noodles, or as a standalone dish, its combination of tender chicken, spicy sauce, and melty cheese is irresistible. Give this recipe a try for an unforgettable meal!

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