Buldak, also known as “Fire Chicken,” is a Korean dish famous for its bold, spicy, and flavorful profile. This dish combines tender chicken with a fiery sauce made from gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), gochujang (Korean chili paste), and a touch of sweetness for balance. Topped with melted cheese, itโs a crowd-pleaser perfect for spice enthusiasts.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Packed with bold, spicy, and smoky flavors.
- Simple and easy-to-follow steps.
- Versatile โ can be customized to your spice level.
- Perfect for sharing with friends or family during gatherings.
- A satisfying combination of tender chicken and gooey melted cheese.
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
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Soy sauce
- Honey or sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Sesame oil
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Optional toppings: green onions and sesame seeds
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce:ย In a bowl, mix gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.
- Marinate the Chicken:ย Coat the chicken pieces with the prepared sauce. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Chicken:ย Heat a non-stick skillet or grill over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Assemble the Dish:ย Transfer the cooked chicken to a heat-proof dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Melt the Cheese:ย Broil or bake the dish in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve:ย Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4
- Prep Time:ย 40 minutes (including marination)
- Cook Time:ย 15 minutes
- Total Time:ย 55 minutes
Variations
- Milder Version:ย Reduce the amount of gochugaru and gochujang or add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce.
- Extra Spicy:ย Add chopped fresh chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option:ย Use tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Cheese-Free:ย Skip the cheese for a lighter dish, or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Grill Option:ย Cook the marinated chicken on a barbecue grill for a smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Store leftover buldak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If needed, add a bit of water to loosen the sauce while reheating.
FAQs
What is buldak?
Buldak, or “Fire Chicken,” is a Korean dish known for its spicy, smoky flavor, typically made with chicken and a chili-based sauce.
How spicy is buldak?
Buldak is very spicy, but you can adjust the heat by reducing gochugaru and gochujang in the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and cook when ready.
What can I serve with buldak?
Serve buldak with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or a side of kimchi for a complete meal.
Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for different variations.
Can I make it without cheese?
Yes, cheese is optional. You can skip it entirely or use a plant-based alternative.
How do I tone down the spice?
Add less gochugaru and gochujang, or mix in a bit of honey, sugar, or cream to balance the heat.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is the most popular choice, but you can use any melty cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze cooked buldak?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked buldak in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
Buldak is a fiery, flavorful dish thatโs perfect for spice lovers. Its combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and melty cheese makes it an irresistible addition to any meal. Whether youโre hosting a dinner or simply craving something bold and delicious, this recipe will leave you and your guests impressed. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful heat of Korean cuisine!
Print
Buldak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove and Broiler
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Buldak, or “fire chicken,” is a popular Korean dish known for its intense spiciness and flavorful sauce. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a fiery marinade, topped with melted mozzarella cheese to balance the heat.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Marinade:
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1/4 cup gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes), optional
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water or chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice syrup (or honey), sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper. Mix until a smooth paste forms.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Optional – Prepare Rice Cakes:
- If using rice cakes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked.
- If using rice cakes, add them to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of water or chicken stock. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to cook through.
- Add Cheese and Broil:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the chicken (and rice cakes, if using).
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice or a side of pickled vegetables to balance the spiciness.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Levels:ย Buldak is traditionally very spicy. To reduce the heat, decrease the amount of gochugaru or use a milder chili powder.
- Rice Cakes:ย Adding tteokbokki provides a chewy texture that complements the dish. Ensure they’re softened before cooking.
- Cheese:ย While mozzarella is commonly used, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses to suit your preference.
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