Easy Buldak Ramen Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Buldak Ramen Recipe brings the fiery, savory flavors of Korean street food right to your kitchen. Inspired by the popular spicy “fire chicken” noodles, it’s bold, comforting, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you use store-bought ramen packets or make your own sauce, it’s a quick and satisfying dish for spice lovers.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

instant ramen noodles (buldak or any spicy ramen)chicken breast or thigh (optional)gochujang (Korean chili paste)soy saucesugargarlicbuttermilkmozzarella cheesegreen onions (for garnish)sesame seeds (optional)

directions

Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, saving a few tablespoons of the cooking water.

If using chicken, slice thinly and sauté in a pan with a bit of oil until fully cooked.

In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and a splash of water or milk to create a smooth, spicy sauce.

Add the cooked noodles and chicken to the pan. Toss until evenly coated with the sauce. Add a spoonful of reserved noodle water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Top with shredded mozzarella and cover for a minute or two until melted.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 1–2 people.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.

Add a soft-boiled egg or fried egg on top.

Use rice cakes (tteokbokki) for extra chewiness.

Add a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweet heat balance.

Swap mozzarella for cheddar or a cheese blend.

storage/reheating

Best eaten fresh while hot and cheesy.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and keep noodles soft.

FAQs

What does “buldak” mean?

“Buldak” translates to “fire chicken,” known for its spicy, flavorful kick.

Can I make it less spicy?

Use less gochujang or add more milk, butter, or cheese to mellow the heat.

Do I need the original buldak ramen?

No, any ramen works—you can create your own spicy sauce with gochujang.

Is this dish very spicy?

Yes, it’s meant to be bold and fiery, but you can adjust the heat level to your preference.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, skip the butter and cheese, and use plant-based alternatives.

Is it good for meal prep?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and chicken in advance for quick assembly.

What sides go well with it?

Kimchi, pickled radish, or a cool cucumber salad are great pairings.

Conclusion

Easy Buldak Ramen is the ultimate quick meal for spice fans—packed with flavor, creamy heat, and melty cheese in every bite. With simple ingredients and flexible options, it’s perfect for a fiery weeknight dinner or a bold late-night snack. Customize it to your spice level and enjoy the heat!

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