Buldak (Korean Fire Chicken with Cheese) Recipe
Buldak, also known as Korean Fire Chicken with Cheese, is a spicy and savory dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a fiery gochujang sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. This bold and addictive dish is perfect for spice lovers and can be served with rice or lettuce wraps for a delightful heat-and-cheese combo.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Marinade:
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) – adjust to heat preference
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp mirin or rice wine
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
Additional:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix all marinade ingredients. Add chicken and coat well. Let sit for 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the chicken. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or lettuce leaves.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by reducing gochugaru or adding more cheese.
- Pairs great with cold cucumber salad or pickled radish for contrast.
- Use a cast iron pan for a sizzling cheese effect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Buldak, Korean Fire Chicken, Spicy Chicken with Cheese, Gochujang Chicken Recipe