Spicy Cheese Buldak: Korean Fire Chicken Recipe

INTRODUCTION

The most favorite food in Korea is Cheese Buldak, also known as Korean ‘fire chicken’. It consists of melted cheese and spicy chicken seasoned with a spicy paste known as gochujang. This dish will surely be the favorite of spicy food-loving people, such as me because it exhibits great flavors.

Cheese buldak, also known as Korean cheese fire chicken, is a must-try if you love spicy food. Known for its sweet and sour spices and cheesy taste, this dish is known in Korea as ‘anju’, a dish served with drinks. It is also perfect for parties and get-togethers where you want to share food with your friends.

However, it is a little different from the Korean buldak ramen you may have seen. In this, chicken and cheese are used instead of noodles. If you are looking for a new and exciting experience, then this dish is perfect for you. The melted cheese along with the spicy spices gives it a special taste, which makes it different from other dishes.

What is cheese bulk?

Buldak is yet another spicy Korean dish, known to the Western people as Korean Spicy Chicken with Cheese. Buldak is derived from the Korean words ‘bul’ (fire) and ‘dak’ (chicken), so that it can also be known as the Korean Fire Chicken.

This dish is called “cheese bulk” because it is often served with lots of melted cheese. When you wrap cheese around chicken pieces, it’s fun to watch how the cheese flexes and stretches.

The main sources of its spicy spiciness are gochujang (Korean red chili paste) and gochujang (Korean red chili flakes). These two ingredients give it a spicy and slightly sweet taste with a deep red color, which makes it very special.

What to serve with Korean fire chicken

It is delicious on its own, and yet, it tastes even better with little variation in dishes that can neutralize the spiciness of it. Here are some really good choices below:

• Steamed Rice: A bowl of white short-grain rice will balance out the intense spiciness of the chicken quite perfectly. The level of flavor they complement makes the food much more filling and healthy.
• Pickled Radishes: Other mild and tangy salads will also make a great contrast to the spiciness of the dish.
• Cucumber Salad: Eating it in spicy chicken can freshen your taste buds, soften your taste buds and you can also add fresh cucumber salad.
• Lettuce Wraps: Additionally, you can wrap chicken pieces in green leafy vegetables, such as lettuce leaves. It is a crisp and refreshing way of eating, which gives a different taste experience.
• Korean Beer or Soju: Some special beverages are also among the most popular choices to reduce the pungency of spicy food and refresh the taste buds.

Why It Works

• By adding different types of chilies and peppers to the sauce, its flavor can be enhanced and deepened. Sweet ingredients not only balance the taste but also add good charm while grilling.
• If you grill chicken thighs whole and then cut them into smaller pieces, it will retain its moisture and avoid drying out.
• Sometimes you may find a dish too spicy. In order to cut down the spice, you can add a layer of melted cheese over the chicken, and that will make it a little less spicy.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp oil
• 1 lb of boneless chicken thigh, diced
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 handful rice cake rounds, (opt)
• 8 oz (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese or other meltable cheese
• 1 fresh green chili, sliced, (opt)

Fire chicken seasoning

• 2 tsp gochujang
• 2 tsp gochugaru
• 1 tsp bulk sauce, optional
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sweet rice wine
• 2 tsp corn syrup
• 1 tbsp garlic
• 2 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• 9-inch cast iron skillet

Instructions

To make fire chicken seasoning

1. To prepare the bulk sauce, combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. After mixing well, add the marinated chicken pieces to the bowl and mix until the chicken is completely coated in the sauce.

To cook cheese bulk

1. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Now add rice cakes, chicken, and onion and mix all the ingredients well. You should hear a sizzling sound as soon as the chicken contacts the pan.
2. Fry all the ingredients together to cook the chicken completely and make the rice cakes soft and chewy. Also, put green chilies in the pan and mix well.
3. Then place the chicken mixture in the center of the pan and sprinkle with the cheese. Place the pan in a preheated oven to 350°F. After about ten minutes, the cheese will start to melt.
4. Preheat the oven before roasting. For a slight char, finish by placing the cheese under the broiler for a couple more minutes, or until golden flecks begin to appear on the cheese. Serve with a sprinkle of green onions.
5. Another way to cook on gas is to put a lid on the pan when you add the cheese instead of once in the oven if you are using gas. Then you can cook it for two to three minutes until it melts completely. Reduce the flame then.

Cooking Tips

• Adjust the amount of spice: To make this less spicy, you can reduce the amount of gochugaru or omit the green chili.
• Add Vegetables: If you want some extra sweetness and texture, you can add vegetables like onions, celery, or mushrooms, which will add flavor.
• Chicken breast replacement: For a lightweight replacement for chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs remain juicy when cooked, making them even more delicious.

CONCLUSION

Hot Cheese Buldak is a very interesting dish because of the balance of cheesy and spicy flavors. You can prepare it in very little time, and it proves to be a hit with all those who enjoy strong and deep flavors. Whether you are making it to eat with your family or for a spicy food challenge with your friends, this spicy and delicious dish will satisfy all your cravings.

FAQ’s