Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Buldak (Korean Fire Chicken) – The Perfect Spicy Comfort Food!


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Benjamin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 servings 1x

Description

This Buldak (Korean Fire Chicken) is a spicy, smoky, and irresistibly flavorful dish that will set your taste buds on fire! Juicy chicken is cooked in a bold, fiery sauce made with gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, and honey, creating the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Topped with melty mozzarella cheese, this dish is a must-try for spicy food lovers and fans of Korean cuisine. Serve it with rice or cold pickled radish for the ultimate experience!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Spicy Buldak Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup water

For Toppings (Optional but Recommended!):

    • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
    • 1 green onion (sliced)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken:
    • Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel.
  • Make the Buldak Sauce:
    • In a bowl, mix gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and water. Stir well.
  • Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
    • Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly browned.
    • Pour the Buldak sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
    • Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the Cheese (Optional):
    • Transfer the cooked chicken to an oven-safe dish.
    • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until melted.
  • Garnish & Serve:
    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
    • Serve hot with steamed rice, pickled radish, or a cold beer!

Notes

  • Adjust Spice Level: Reduce the gochugaru and gochujang if you prefer milder heat.
  • Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier than chicken breasts.
  • Caramelized Sauce: Let the sauce thicken slightly for the best texture.
  • Pairing: Enjoy with steamed rice, kimchi, or a refreshing cucumber salad.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Korean