If you relish the thrill of tantalizing spices, then homemade Buldak Ramen is a dish you must try. Buldak, or “fire chicken”, is a savory, spicy Korean dish that packs a punch. Combined with ramen, it offers a unique fusion of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
## Introduction to Buldak Ramen
Buldak Ramen isn’t just your typical noodle dish. It’s a fiery hot, rich, and flavorful delight that has won over the hearts of spice lovers worldwide.
What is Buldak?
Buldak, translating to “fire chicken”, is a renowned Korean dish that is relatively new but has gained popularity rapidly since its inception in the early 2000s. Comprising bite-sized chicken pieces smothered in a distinctive spicy sauce, Buldak delivers a unique flavor profile that has become a favorite in Korean cuisine. The sauce is a blend of gochugaru (Korean chili powder), gochujang (a spicy Korean paste), soy sauce, jocheong (rice syrup), garlic, and ginger.
What is Buldak Ramen?
Buldak Ramen, popularized by the Korean brand Samyang, is an instant noodle variety that has taken the world by storm. Known as buldak bokkeum myeon or hot chicken flavor ramen, these noodles are among the spiciest instant noodles you can find. The noodles are cooked, drained, and then tossed in the enticing Buldak sauce, resulting in a saucy, fiery dish that is truly unforgettable.
Making Buldak Ramen at Home
Here’s how you can prepare your delicious Buldak Ramen at home:
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine 1 tablespoon each of gochujang and gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder, 1 clove of garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl.
- Cook the Noodles: Follow the instructions on the noodle packet.
- Mix the Noodles and Sauce: Drain the noodles and toss them in the prepared sauce. If necessary, loosen the mixture with some noodle water.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Buldak Ramen is now ready to serve.
Buldak Ramen: Spice Level
Buldak is notoriously spicy, and the same applies to Buldak Ramen. However, the beauty of homemade Buldak Ramen is that you can adjust the spice level to suit your palate. The original Buldak bokkeum myeon hot chicken flavor ramen has a staggering 4,404 Scoville units, but the spiciest noodle by Samyang, the Buldak bokkeum myeon mini, reaches a whopping 12,000 Scoville units.
The Secret: Buldak Sauce
The crux of the Buldak Ramen’s unique flavor lies in its sauce. Here are the key ingredients:
- Gochugaru: Korean chili flakes that add smokiness and a touch of heat.
- Gochujang: This is the primary source of the dish’s intense spice. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less of this ingredient.
- Soy Sauce: This adds umami and saltiness to the dish.
- Sugar: A hint of sweetness complements the spicy heat, a characteristic trait of Korean food.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic contributes to the heat of the dish.
Gochujang vs Gochugaru
If you’re new to Korean cuisine, you might be wondering what the difference is between gochujang and gochugaru.
- Gochujang is a spicy Korean paste made from chili powder and sticky rice. It’s savory, sweet, and spicy, providing a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Gochugaru, on the other hand, are Korean chili flakes. They’re fruity, sweet, smoky, and mildly spicy, offering a subtle heat to the dish.
Choosing Noodles for Buldak Ramen
While you can use any noodles for your Buldak Ramen, instant ramen noodles are the best choice if you’re aiming for the authentic Samyang style. Nongshim Shin Ramyun noodles are a popular choice due to their thickness and chewiness. If you don’t have instant ramen noodles available, don’t worry. You can also use spaghetti or udon noodles.
Recipe for Homemade Buldak Ramen
Enjoying a bowl of Buldak Ramen at home is a breeze with this simple recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 portion cooked noodles of choice
- 2-4 tablespoons noodle water (as needed)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, chicken bouillon, rice vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, and toasted sesame oil.
- Cook the instant ramen according to the package instructions. Save 1/4 cup of the water and drain the noodles well.
- Toss the noodles in the sauce, adding extra noodle water if needed. Top with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and seaweed, and enjoy!
Wrapping Up
Buldak Ramen is a must-try dish for anyone who loves spicy food. This homemade version allows you to adjust the spice level to your liking, giving you all the flavors without the pain. So why wait? Get your spice on and enjoy a bowl of homemade Buldak Ramen today!