Buldak ramen—also known as “fire chicken ramen”—has become one of the most iconic spicy noodle dishes worldwide.
Known for its intense heat, bold flavors, and satisfying chewiness, this Korean instant noodle gained viral fame through challenges and mukbangs.
But you don’t need a packet to enjoy it.
With a few simple ingredients, you can make a homemade buldak ramen that tastes even better than the store-bought version, with complete control over spice levels.
Buldak Ramen Recipe
This homemade buldak ramen brings together chewy noodles, a fiery chili sauce, garlic, soy, and a touch of sweetness for balance.
It mirrors the flavor of the famous Samyang spicy noodles but allows you to adjust the heat and customize toppings—making it perfect for anyone who loves bold, Korean-style spicy food.
Ingredients
For the noodles:
- 2 packs ramen noodles (or 200g fresh noodles)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1–2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- ½ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For toppings (optional but recommended):
- 1 boiled egg, halved
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, sliced
- Mozzarella cheese
- Seaweed flakes
- Cooked chicken, tofu, or mushrooms
Step-by-Step Process
1. Cook the Noodles
Bring water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles until just tender. Do not over-cook; they will continue cooking in the sauce. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Spicy Buldak Sauce
In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in:
- gochugaru
- gochujang
- soy sauce
- sugar (or honey)
Mix well until it becomes a thick, glossy paste.
3. Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in ½ cup of water or broth. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add Noodles
Add the cooked noodles directly into the pan. Toss well to coat every strand in the spicy buldak sauce.
5. Add Finishing Touches
Mix in the butter and sesame oil. These balance the spice and give the noodles a smooth, glossy finish.
6. Garnish and Serve
Serve hot topped with sesame seeds, green onions, a soft-boiled egg, chicken, or melted cheese.
Different Variations of Buldak Ramen
| Variation | What It Includes | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Buldak Ramen | Melted mozzarella or cheddar on top | Creamy, spicy, rich |
| Creamy Buldak Ramen | Add ¼ cup heavy cream or milk | Mild heat, smooth texture |
| Rose Buldak Ramen | Tomato sauce + cream | Sweet, creamy, slightly spicy |
| Chicken Buldak Ramen | Add sliced grilled chicken | High-protein, smoky spice |
| Vegetable Buldak Ramen | Mushrooms, carrots, bok choy | Fresh, crunchy, spicy |
| Carbonara Buldak Ramen | Add egg yolk + cheese | Rich, silky, less spicy |
| Seafood Buldak Ramen | Shrimp, squid, or fish cakes | Spicy with ocean flavor |
Conclusion
Buldak ramen is more than just a spicy noodle—it’s a customizable comfort dish that can be made as hot, creamy, cheesy, or mild as you prefer.
With this homemade recipe, you can transform simple pantry ingredients into a restaurant-style Korean dish bursting with bold flavors.