Craving something spicy, savory, and totally satisfying? This easy Buldak Ramen recipe brings the fiery Korean flavor of the viral “fire noodles” into your kitchen in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re a fan of instant ramen or want to make a homemade version with simple ingredients, this dish delivers bold heat, umami, and a deliciously chewy noodle experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its quick cook time, customizable spice level, and seriously addictive flavor. “Buldak” means “fire chicken” in Korean, and this dish channels that intense spice and smoky sweetness into every bite of noodle. It’s fast, easy, and perfect for late-night cravings or when you just need a satisfying, spicy comfort food fix.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Instant ramen noodles (any kind, discard seasoning packet)
- Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar or honey
- Garlic (minced)
- Sesame oil
- Water
- Optional protein: cooked chicken, egg, tofu
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, shredded cheese, seaweed
directions
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 23 tablespoons of the noodle water.
- In a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar (or honey), garlic, sesame oil, and 23 tablespoons of water or reserved noodle water.
- Stir and simmer the sauce for 12 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat in the sauce evenly.
- Optional: stir in cooked chicken or top with a soft-boiled or fried egg for extra protein.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, cheese, or seaweed as desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy kick!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 serving (easily doubled or tripled).
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 710 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1
Variations
- Cheese buldak: Melt shredded mozzarella or cheddar over the top for a creamy contrast to the heat.
- Creamy version: Stir in a tablespoon of milk or cream to mellow the spice.
- Egg drop style: Whisk an egg into the sauce while cooking for a silky texture.
- Rice cake addition: Add Korean tteok (rice cakes) for a chewy, filling twist.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and load up on sautéed mushrooms or tofu cubes.
storage/reheating
Buldak ramen is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and rehydrate the noodles. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the noodles.
FAQs
What does “buldak” mean?
“Buldak” translates to “fire chicken” in Korean. It refers to spicy, grilled or sauced chicken, which inspired the famous fiery noodle flavor.
How spicy is buldak ramen?
It’s very spicy! You can reduce the heat by using less gochujang and gochugaru, or by adding cheese or cream.
Do I need Korean ingredients?
Yes, gochujang and gochugaru are essential for the authentic flavor. They’re available at most Asian markets or online.
Can I use store-bought buldak ramen?
Yes, you can dress it up with toppings like egg, cheese, or protein—or use this recipe to make a homemade version from scratch.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Definitely. Use half the amount of gochujang and gochugaru, or add milk/cream to mellow the heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce, and check that your gochujang is gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Stir-fry vegetables like spinach, cabbage, mushrooms, or bell peppers go great with the spicy sauce.
Can I meal prep this?
It’s best fresh, but you can cook the sauce and protein in advance, then quickly reheat and toss with fresh noodles.
What’s the best noodle type to use?
Instant ramen or Korean-style wheat noodles are ideal for their chewy texture, but rice noodles work too.
What protein works best?
Grilled chicken, sliced beef, tofu, or a fried egg all pair well with the bold, spicy flavors.
Conclusion
This easy Buldak Ramen recipe brings all the fire and flavor of your favorite spicy Korean noodles with a simple, customizable twist. Whether you keep it classic or add your own toppings, it’s an irresistible bowl of comfort with serious heat. Perfect for quick lunches, late-night cravings, or any time you need a bold, satisfying dish in a hurry.
Description
This easy buldak ramen recipe is a fiery, creamy, and cheesy twist on Korean spicy chicken noodles. Made with instant ramen, gochujang, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect quick meal for spice lovers. Ready in under 15 minutes!
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Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions, but discard most of the water, leaving about 23 tablespoons in the pot.
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While noodles cook, in a small bowl mix gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons of water to make the sauce.
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Drain the noodles, return to the pot, and stir in the sauce mixture and the buldak flavor packet (if using).
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Stir over low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles.
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Turn off the heat and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the noodles. Cover for 12 minutes until melted.
Notes
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Adjust gochujang to your spice level. Use less or skip the included spice packet for a milder version.
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Add protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or beef to make it a full meal.
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You can swap mozzarella for a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor.
