Description
Spicy, bold, and wildly addictive, Buldak (Korean Fire Chicken) is a fiery dish made for heat seekers. With its rich, gochujang-based marinade, juicy chicken, and gooey mozzarella topping, it’s the ultimate balance of heat, sweetness, and savory depth. Whether served over rice or wrapped in lettuce, it’s a dish that’s as thrilling to eat as it is to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs (or breasts), chopped
- 1/4 cup gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice syrup (or honey)
- 2–3 spicy Korean chili peppers, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken stock or water
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Extra chili flakes
Instructions
- Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, vegetable oil, sesame oil, rice syrup (or honey), chili peppers, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. - Marinate the Chicken:
Add chopped chicken to the sauce.
Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add marinated chicken and chicken stock.
Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until cooked through and tender.
Uncover and continue cooking for 5 more minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. - Broil with Cheese (Optional):
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the chicken in the skillet.
Place under a broiler for 2–3 minutes until melted and lightly golden. - Garnish & Serve:
Top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a pinch of extra chili flakes.
Serve with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or noodles.
Notes
- Don’t skip the marination it deeply infuses the chicken with flavor.
- Use high-quality gochujang for maximum depth and heat.
- Add rice cakes (tteok) for extra texture.
- Make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or replacing with a vegan alternative.
- Buldak is meal prep-friendly just add cheese when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop + Broiler
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Sugar: ~9g
- Sodium: ~820mg
- Fat: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~10g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~18g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~35g
- Cholesterol: ~110mg
Keywords: buldak, korean fire chicken, spicy chicken recipe, gochujang chicken, cheesy buldak, korean chicken skillet, fire chicken, broiled chicken, street food recipe, bold spicy chicken