Name: Buldak Ramen Recipe: Fire Chicken Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 packs of Samyang Buldak ramen; 8 –10 oz chicken thighs; Extra gochujang + garlic; American or mozzarella cheese; Green onions + sesame

Introduction

Table of Contents

Buldak Ramen (Korean “fire chicken” ramen) is the gloriously spicy, cheesy, addictive instant noodles that broke the internet and your taste buds—in the best way. This homemade version takes the famous Samyang packets and turns them into a full-blown meal with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and that signature nuclear sauce. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, optionally garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this Buldak Ramen offers a fiery red glow and dramatic aesthetic that screams late-night indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Buldak Ramen (serves 2 hungry people):

2 packages Samyang Buldak Original (or Hot Chicken Flavour) instant ramen
8–10 oz boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) – optional extra heat
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2–3 slices American cheese or ½ cup shredded mozzarella
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds and roasted seaweed flakes (optional)

For Serving:

Extra cheese, soft-boiled egg, and kimchi
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in deep white ceramic bowls

Step-by-Step Process

Mix chicken with gochujang, gochugaru (if using), soy sauce, sugar, and garlic. Let marinate 10–15 min (or overnight).
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauce; stir-fry 5–7 minutes until cooked and edges are caramelised.
Meanwhile, cook ramen noodles in boiling water for 2 minutes (do NOT overcook). Reserve ½ cup of noodle water.
Drain noodles and add them directly to the chicken pan.
Add the two Buldak sauce packets + ¼–½ cup reserved noodle water (start with less—adjust for sauciness).
Toss everything over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until the sauce coats every strand and thickens.
Turn off the heat. Lay cheese slices on top; cover for 1 minute until melted and gooey.
Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and seaweed flakes.
Serve immediately—warn everyone it’s lava-hot.

Tips for Better Buldak Ramen

Use thighs, not breast—stays juicy even with the intense heat.
Reserve noodle water—controls sauce thickness perfectly.
Add cheese off the heat—prevents oil separation.
Start with 1 packet of sauce if scared—then add more.
Keep cold milk nearby—capsaicin is fat-soluble.
Make double sauce and freeze—future buldak nights in 10 minutes.

Variations and Customisation

Classic 2x Spicy: Use Buldak 2x packets + extra gochugaru.
Cheesy Carbonara Buldak: Use Carbonara flavour packets + ¼ cup cream.
Healthier Light Version: Use zucchini noodles + half the sauce.
Vegetarian Buldak: Replace chicken with mushrooms + tofu.
Kid-Friendly Mild: Use only ½ sauce packet + extra cheese.
Luxe Truffle Buldak: Finish with truffle oil + black pepper.

Storage and Serving Tips

Day 1: perfect texture; Day 2: still goo, but noodles soften.
Fridge up to 2 days (sauce separates—stir well when reheating).
Best reheating method: skillet with a splash of water.
Refresh trick: add fresh cheese on top when reheating.
Ideal serving temperature: nuclear hot.
Pair with ice-cold milk, beer, or iced plum tea; serve in a white ceramic bowl with plenty of napkins.

Nutritional Information

Based on 2 servings:

Calories: 820 kcal
Total Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 2,400mg (yes, really)
Total Carbohydrates: 78g
Dietary Fibre: 4g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 38g
Vitamin A: 30% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
Calcium: 25% Daily Value
Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Sodium is off the charts—balance with lots of water.

Conclusion

This buldak ramen is dangerously addictive—the kind of meal that makes you sweat, cry, and immediately reach for another bite. One bowl and you’ll understand why millions of people willingly set their mouths on fire for it. Keep a pack of Samyang in the pantry and you’ll always be 15 minutes away from the spiciest, cheesiest, most satisfying dinner of your life.