Name: Buldak Ramen: Spicy Korean Chicken Flavored Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 8.4 ounces instant ramen noodle packs (2 packs) (discard seasoning packets); 1 tablespoon gochujang (mild Korean chili paste); 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes); 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder or paste; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 2 sliced scallions; 2 sunny side up fried eggs

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a fiery, flavor-packed noodle dish that will launch your taste buds into overdrive, then you absolutely must try this Buldak Ramen: Spicy Korean Chicken Flavored Noodles Recipe. It’s a brilliant fusion of tender noodles drenched in a spicy, smoky sauce inspired by the famous Korean fire chicken, delivering a perfect balance of heat, umami, and a subtle tang that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you want a quick weeknight treat or an impressive dish to wow friends, this recipe promises bold flavors with simple, accessible ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine small bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left, there is a white speckled bowl containing two square blocks of uncooked, pale yellow instant noodles with wavy texture. To the right, two small clear glasses hold dark soy sauce and light vinegar. Below the glasses, a small black bowl contains white granulated sugar. Moving down, there is a small clear bowl with a bright red chili paste. To the bottom left of the chili paste, a clear bowl with dried red chili flakes is placed. Below the noodle bowl is a small white bowl with light brown liquid, probably sesame oil. Next to this, a small gray-green bowl has a yellowish powder, likely garlic powder. Finally, a small white bowl on the right contains a dark, thick paste. The items are cleanly arranged with bright lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your hands on the right ingredients is key to making the magic happen in this Buldak Ramen: Spicy Korean Chicken Flavored Noodles Recipe. Each element brings its own unique note — from heat and depth to a touch of sweetness and acidity — making the final dish irresistibly well-rounded.

8.4 ounces instant ramen noodle packs (2 packs): Use any brand you like but toss the seasoning packets to keep control of the flavor and spiciness.
1 tablespoon gochujang: This mild Korean chili paste gives the sauce its characteristic depth and vibrant redness.
1 tablespoon gochugaru: Korean chili flakes add extra smoky heat and texture to the sauce.
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty umami base without overpowering the other flavors.
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder or paste: Boosts the chicken flavor in the sauce without needing real meat.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens the sauce and balances out the spiciness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory undertone to the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential to tame the heat and create harmony.
½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil: A nutty aroma that finishes the sauce with a fragrant sheen.

How to Make Buldak Ramen: Spicy Korean Chicken Flavored Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Sauce

Start by mixing gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, chicken bouillon, rice vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl until you get a thick paste. This sauce is the fiery heart of your dish, packed with complex flavors and spice that will coat the noodles beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Ramen Noodles

Boil the ramen noodles according to the package instructions but remember not to add the seasoning packet. Reserve some of the cooking water before draining the noodles — this starchy water will help loosen the sauce in the next step.

Step 3: Toss Noodles in Sauce

Place the drained noodles in a large mixing bowl, then pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss vigorously to coat every strand of noodle. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved ramen water, one tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is just right: luscious and clingy without being runny.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top the finished noodles with sliced scallions for freshness and a sunny side up fried egg for creaminess and a rich contrast to the spicy sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, spicy flavors at their peak.

How to Serve Buldak Ramen: Spicy Korean Chicken Flavored Noodles Recipe

A black bowl filled with a thick layer of curly, orange-red noodles coated in sauce, topped with scattered bright green sliced scallions. On the right side of the bowl sits a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg with a smooth white edge and a runny yellow yolk, drizzled with reddish sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a pair of chopsticks nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While scallions and fried eggs are classic, feel free to elevate the dish with toasted sesame seeds for crunch or a sprinkle of seaweed flakes for an extra umami hit. Thinly sliced fresh chili peppers can be added for those who want to turn up the heat even more.

Side Dishes

Buldak Ramen makes for a bold main course, so consider pairing it with refreshing sides like pickled radishes or a crisp cucumber salad. These sides provide a cooling counterpoint that balances the spiciness perfectly without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve this spicy noodle dish in individual bowls with the egg perched right on top, each sprinkled with bright green scallions and sesame seeds. Another fun twist is to turn Buldak Ramen into a fusion stir-fry by adding sautéed vegetables or shredded chicken for added texture and substance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buldak Ramen can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the noodles will continue to absorb the sauce, so they might get a bit thicker and more intense in flavor.

Freezing

Because of the texture changes in cooked noodles, freezing is not recommended for Buldak Ramen: Spicy Korean Chicken Flavored Noodles Recipe. For best quality, enjoy freshly made or refrigerated leftovers.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This way, the noodles regain their saucy, silky texture, and the flavors stay vibrant and delicious.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Absolutely! Reducing the gochugaru or substituting it with a milder chili powder works well. You can also cut back on the gochujang, which adds both spice and umami, so adjusting those ingredients helps tailor the heat to your liking.

What if I don’t have gochujang or gochugaru?

Gochujang and gochugaru are key to authentic flavor, but if unavailable, try combining sriracha or chili garlic sauce with a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the heat and smokiness. However, the unique complexity of Korean chilis is hard to replicate perfectly.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! While this recipe shines on its own, grilled chicken, tofu, or a fried egg add extra protein and make it more filling. Just be mindful not to overpower the signature sauce flavors.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

You can make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken bouillon or using a vegetarian substitute. The bold sauce and noodles will still deliver lots of flavor without the chicken essence.

How spicy is Buldak Ramen?

Buldak Ramen is known for its fiery heat. This recipe balances that heat with sweetness and acidity, but it’s still a dish for those who enjoy a serious kick. Adjust chili amounts based on your tolerance to spicy food.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly addictive about Buldak Ramen: Spicy Korean Chicken Flavored Noodles Recipe that keeps you coming back for more. Its rich, spicy sauce clinging to tender noodles with a perfect blend of heat, tang, and sweetness is comfort food at its finest. Give this recipe a try soon — I promise it will light up your kitchen and your taste buds in the best possible way!

Buldak Ramen: Spicy Korean Chicken Flavored Noodles Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need