Hot Cheese Buldak (Korean Fire Chicken)

Korean fire chickenAlso known as Buldak cheese, is a popular Korean fusion dish. It combines the tangy flavor of spicy chicken, seasoned with gochujang, and the smooth, rich texture of melted cheese. This dish is a concentration of flavours, perfect for those who love a good spicy touch in their meals.

If you love spicy food, Korean Fire Chicken with Cheese, also known as buldak cheese, is a must try. It is a popular anju (a dish typically enjoyed with drinks) in Korea, famous for its mix of savory, sweet, spicy and cheesy flavors. Often shared among friends, it’s great for gatherings.

You may have heard of spicy Korean buldak ramen, especially the Samyang brand. This cheese buldak recipe is very different from the instant noodle version.

Here we use chicken and cheese instead of noodles. If you like spicy foods and are ready to try something new, this recipe is perfect for you.

What is buldak?

Buldak, a popular fusion dish from South Korea, takes its name from the Korean words “bul,” meaning fire, and “dak,” meaning chicken. This literally translates to “chicken on the fire” in English, perfectly capturing his fiery nature.

Known for its intense heat and bold flavors, buldak is also often called “Cheese Buldak” due to the generous amount of melted cheese often added on top.

The dish’s spicy flavor comes mainly from gochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste) and gochugaru (Korean red chili pepper flakes), which give it a deep red color and a spicy but slightly sweet taste.

This recipe differs from buldak ramen, a Korean instant noodle dish with similar flavors. Samyang, the most renowned brand, is known for its extremely spicy noodles, which attract an international following. They black label ramen it is noticeably warmer than version with pink label.

In contrast to buldak ramen’s blend of spicy sauce and noodles, traditional buldak features marinated and grilled chicken, topped with melted cheese. This cheese adds a creamy texture that soothes and balances the intense spiciness of the dish.

How spicy is Buldak cheese?

Korean fire chicken is particularly spicy, similar to a bite of a hot chili pepper, with intense, immediate heat. It can be compared to the hottest spicy wings or a powerful hot sauce.

This level of spiciness tingles the mouth and can induce sweating, remaining pronounced even after the first bite. However, the melted cheese added on top acts as a balancing agent, helping to neutralize and soothe some of the spiciness, making it more manageable and adding a creamy texture to the dish.

This makes for an exciting choice for those who love spice, but also provides some relief for those who might find the heat oppressive.

Recipe ingredients

• Boneless chicken thighs or breast: Go for chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor, or cheesy chicken breast as a leaner alternative.
• Rice cake rolls (optional): These chewy, starchy rounds add a delicious texture. They absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. You can find them in Korean or Asian markets. Omit them if not available.
• Melted cheese: It melts into a sticky, creamy layer that helps balance the spiciness of the dish. Mozzarella is most commonly used, but any melting cheese will do.
• Green chilli (optional): Adds extra heat and a fresh, bold flavor for those who like more spice.

Buldak sauce

• Korean Chili Paste (Gochujang): Thick, flavorful paste with a hint of sweetness, essential in Korean cuisine for its unique depth of flavor. Gochujang is widely available in the international sections of local grocery stores in the United States, as well as in Korean markets.
• Korean Chili Flakes (Gochugaru): These chili flakes are a key ingredient that offers a vibrant red color and a spicy, slightly smoky flavor. For a less spicy alternative, consider using mild paprika
• Buldak sauce in a bottle (optional): This sauce offers the authentic spiciness of buldak ramen, perfect for super spicy chicken dishes.
  • Available at Korean markets or online, or substitute with spicy sriracha or similar hot sauces if unavailable.
• Other ingredients: Soy sauce, sweet rice wine, onion, garlic, ginger, sugar, corn syrup (optional)

How to make Buldak cheese, step by step

Prepare the Buldak sauce: In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the buldak sauce. Mix well. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat with the sauce.

Cook chicken and rice cakes: Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, onion and rice cakes to the pan. You should hear a sizzling sound when the chicken hits the pan. Saute the mixture until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice cakes are tender and chewy.

Add green chilli: Add the green chilli to the pan, mixing well.

Add cheese: Move the chicken mixture to the center of the pan. Sprinkle cheese around. Place the pan in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

To get a charred look on the cheese, turn the oven on to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown spots appear on the cheese. Garnish the dish with green onion before serving.

Alternative cooking method on the stovetop: If using the stovetop instead of the oven, simply cover the pan with a lid after adding the cheese. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted.

What to serve with Korean fire chicken

This spicy cheesy chicken makes a great standalone dish but also pairs well with other dishes that complement its spicy flavor. Here are some great options:

• Steamed rice: A bowl of cooked short grain white rice is ideal to offset the intense heat of the chicken. Not only does it help balance the flavors, but it also makes the meal more filling and substantial.
• Pickled radishes: These provide a crisp, spicy contrast to the heat of the dish.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can refresh your palate between bites of spicy chicken.
• Lettuce wraps: Use lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken pieces. It’s a fresh and crunchy way to enjoy the dish.
• Korean Beer or Soju: These drinks are popular choices to cut out the spiciness and refresh your taste buds.

3 useful tips for the best result

1. Choose the right pan: To melt cheese under the broiler, make sure your pan is oven-safe. A 9 inch cast iron skillet It works perfectly for the amount specified in this recipe.
2. Cooking without an oven-safe pan: If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, use the stovetop method. Even though you won’t get brown spots on the cheese, the taste remains delicious. Just use a regular pan and melt the cheese over low heat.
3. Adjusting Spice Levels: Customize the spiciness to your tastes by modifying the sauce. Increase or decrease the amounts of chili paste and chili powder based on your heat tolerance. This allows you to enjoy the dish at the spice level you prefer.

More Korean fusion recipes