Description
Korean Fire Chicken (Buldak) is a spicy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a fiery sauce made from authentic Korean ingredients. This dish is perfect for spice lovers and can be customized to your heat preference. Serve it with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that brings bold Korean flavors to your table.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, rinsed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice syrup (or honey/corn syrup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 spicy chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup chicken stock or water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Garnishes: chopped parsley, green onions, sesame seeds, hot pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, vegetable oil, sesame oil, rice syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Mix until it forms a thick, paste-like consistency. Add the chopped chili pepper if desired for extra heat.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken thoroughly with the prepared sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken along with any remaining sauce. Pour in chicken stock or water to prevent burning. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Optional – Add Cheese:
- Preheat the oven’s broiler. Spread shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the cooked chicken. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and browns slightly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with parsley, green onions, sesame seeds, or hot pepper flakes. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Adjusting Heat: Reduce the gochugaru and use mild gochujang for a less spicy version.
- Marination: For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap mozzarella with cheddar or a blend of cheeses.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Broiler (optional)
- Cuisine: Korean