Name: Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces (can substitute with chicken breasts); 1/4 cup gochugaru (Korean hot pepper flakes); 1/4 cup gochujang (hot variety); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice syrup (or honey or corn syrup); 2-3 spicy Korean chili peppers, chopped (or other small spicy red chilies); 6 large garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons grated ginger; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup water or chicken stock; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (optional); Fresh chopped parsley or green onions; Extra hot pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe

Picture this: the sizzling sound of chicken cooking in a heavenly spicy sauce, the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and chili peppers wafting through your kitchen, and the irresistible sight of melted mozzarella bubbling on top, just waiting to be devoured. This is not just any chicken dish – it’s the fiery, flavorful magic of the Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe, a dish that’s taken the world by storm. It’s got everything you want: heat, depth, a little sweetness, and that ooey-gooey cheese finish that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. Whether it’s a casual dinner or the star of a gathering, this recipe will dazzle your taste buds and your guests alike.

Why You’ll Love This Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 25 minutes plus a simple marinade, this dish fits beautifully into a busy schedule without sacrificing bold, authentic flavors.
Simple Ingredients: It uses straightforward pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and chili powder, but packs a powerful punch thanks to the special Korean spices.
Perfect for Weeknights: Beyond being quick, it’s super satisfying, so you don’t have to settle for boring meals when the day’s been long.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant red sauce topped with melty mozzarella cheese and fresh green herbs makes for a feast both to the eyes and the palate.
Customizable: Adjust the heat levels, swap chicken thighs for breasts, or switch the syrup for honey—this recipe bends with your preferences without losing its soul.

Why This Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe Works

The secret to this Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe’s brilliance lies in the balance of heat and sweetness, plus the technique of marinating the chicken so the flavors seep right in. The use of gochugaru and gochujang brings authentic Korean spice and umami that you won’t find easily elsewhere. Simmering the chicken in its sauce locks in juiciness while the brief broil with mozzarella cheese adds a simmering, creamy blanket of goodness that perfectly contrasts with the fiery sauce. The whole process ensures every bite is tender, spicy, and delightfully cheesy.

Cast iron skillet filled with a whole baked cheesy chicken sausage skillet dish, topped with melted golden mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, scattered with chopped green onions and fresh herbs, all simmering in a rich, vibrant tomato sauce with visible chunks of sausage and peppers, presented in the full skillet on a white marble countertop, photographed from a 3/4 angle with natural lighting, professional food magazine hero shot, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe comes alive from just a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the depth and heat that you crave.

Boneless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they soak up marinade beautifully and stay moist throughout cooking.
Gochugaru: Korean hot pepper flakes that pack smoky heat and vibrant color.
Gochujang: A fermented chili paste providing sweet, spicy, and savory layers of flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds that essential salty umami base.
Vegetable oil and sesame oil: Help cook the chicken and impart a subtle nutty aroma.
Rice syrup: Provides just a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
Spicy Korean chili peppers: Add fresh heat and texture.
Garlic and ginger: Their pungent warmth is foundational in Korean cooking.
Water or chicken stock: Used to simmer the chicken for moist tenderness.
Mozzarella cheese: Optional but highly recommended for that creamy finish.
Fresh parsley or green onions: Brighten the dish at the end.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

Chicken thighs: Feel free to use chicken breasts for a leaner option, though thighs stay juicier.
Rice syrup: Substitute with honey or corn syrup to achieve similar sweetness and stickiness.
Gochujang: If unavailable, mix miso paste with chili powder and a bit of sugar, though it won’t be quite the same depth.
Spicy Korean chili peppers: Use any small red hot chilis if you can’t find Korean varieties.

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Marinate for at least an hour: This allows the chicken to fully absorb the spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Use a heavy pan: A cast iron pan works best for even heat and the ability to transfer directly to the broiler.
Adjust the heat: Start with fewer chili peppers if you’re sensitive to spice—it’s easy to add more later.
Don’t skip the cheese: Even if optional, mozzarella creates the perfect creamy contrast to the fiery sauce.
Serve immediately: Buldak tastes best hot and fresh, with the cheese still gooey.

How to Make Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Buldak Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, vegetable oil, sesame oil, rice syrup, chopped chili peppers, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt and black pepper. Stir them into a thick, vibrant paste that smells wonderfully spicy and aromatic.

💡 Pro Tip: Taste a tiny bit of the sauce beforehand to gauge the heat level and tweak if needed!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chopped boneless chicken thighs into the sauce mixture. Toss well so every piece is luxuriously coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—this step infuses the chicken with those bold, punchy flavors.

💡 Pro Tip: For maximum flavor, marinate up to 4 hours if you have the time.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large oven-proof pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken along with 1/4 cup of water or chicken stock to keep the sauce tasty and juicy. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens beautifully.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the lid on while simmering to ensure tender chicken and proper reduction of sauce.

Step 4: Broil with Cheese

Set your oven to BROIL. Remove the lid and sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken. Place the pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown enticingly, adding a creamy finish to your spicy fire chicken.

💡 Pro Tip: Watch closely as broilers can quickly burn the cheese if left unattended.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top, and add a pinch of extra chili flakes if you want to dial up the heat. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and cheesy flavors.

💡 Pro Tip: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can add bright contrast for an extra punch!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

Undermarinating the chicken: Skipping or rushing the marination leaves the chicken bland and less flavorful.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking too long dries out the meat; keep an eye on it during simmering.
Overbroiling the cheese: Leaving the chicken too long under the broiler can burn the cheese and ruin the dish’s balance.
Using too much water: Diluting the sauce too much makes it watery and less rich in flavor.
Skipping the sesame oil: It adds a distinctive nutty aroma that’s crucial to authentic Buldak flavor.
Ignoring heat level: Not adjusting the chili peppers to your tolerance can make the dish overwhelming.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe, why not experiment with these delicious tweaks while keeping it fully halal and authentic?

Cheesy Buldak with Mozzarella and Cheddar

Mix shredded cheddar with mozzarella before broiling for a sharper, tangier cheese finish that deepens the flavor complexity.

Honey Garlic Buldak

Add extra garlic and swap the rice syrup for pure honey to create a luscious, sweeter sauce that balances the heat perfectly.

Spicy Buldak with Vegetables

Add bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the pan before simmering to introduce a fresh crunch and colorful nutrition to your fiery feast.

Buldak over Rice or Noodles

Serve over steamed rice or toss with thick noodles to soak every drop of the luscious spicy sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Buldak with Tofu

For a lighter or pescatarian-friendly twist, swap half the chicken for firm tofu cubes, allowing the sauce to coat them just as beautifully.

How to Serve Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe

Single white bowl filled with a plated serving of cheesy baked skillet chili, showing a close-up angle with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese layers melted over tender beans, chunks of tomato, and bits of green onion, the vibrant red chili sauce glistening with spices and herbs, steam rising from the surface, garnished with fresh chopped green onions, set on a white marble surface, intimate plated serving photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finely chopped green onions or fresh parsley add vibrant color and fresh flavor on top. A sprinkle of extra gochugaru for heat lovers enhances the fire. Toasted sesame seeds lend crunch and nuttiness. Don’t forget a wedge of lime or lemon for that bright finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Korean steamed rice is the classic accompaniment since it cools and softens the heat. Serve alongside crunchy pickled radish or kimchi to brighten your palate. Lettuce or perilla leaves make perfect wraps, balancing the dish’s intensity with refreshing greens.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Buldak in an elegant cast iron skillet straight from oven to table for a rustic, cozy vibe. Layer it over a bed of rice in a large shallow bowl for sharing. For parties, turn it into a spicy Korean-inspired fondue by providing extra cheese and dipping sides for an interactive feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Buldak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken further and intensify in flavor; simply reheat gently on the stove to enjoy again.

Freezing

Freeze cooked Buldak in freezer-friendly containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, add fresh cheese only after reheating rather than before freezing.

Reheating

Warm leftovers over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to bring the sauce back to life. If desired, add a little splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Top with fresh mozzarella and broil briefly just before serving for that revived molten cheese goodness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat but be careful not to overcook as they dry out faster than thighs.

What’s the difference between gochugaru and gochujang?

Gochugaru is dried red chili pepper flakes with smoky heat while gochujang is a thick fermented chili paste that’s spicy, sweet, and savory.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a good kick but you can adjust the heat by using fewer chili peppers or milder varieties, and by reducing gochugaru quantity.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your gochujang is gluten-free to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I prepare the marinade a day ahead?

Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavors even more, making the chicken irresistibly spicy and tender.

What should I serve with Buldak?

Steamed rice, kimchi, pickled radish, or fresh greens like lettuce work perfectly to balance the fiery heat.

Is the mozzarella cheese traditional in Buldak?

No, cheese is a more modern addition that has become popular for its creamy contrast and delightful meltiness.

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Yes! Mild, melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mild cheddar work, but mozzarella’s texture and flavor are ideal.

Final Thoughts

This Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe is a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures — spicy, sweet, garlicky, and irresistibly cheesy. Sharing it feels like sharing a little spark of Korean culinary tradition with your loved ones, bringing warmth and excitement to your dinner table. It’s a dish that turns everyday chicken into something exciting and memorable, perfect for those who crave a little heat and a lot of soul in their meals.

Have you tried this Buldak Recipe (Korean Fire Chicken) Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🔥🍗🧀