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Korean Fire Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 60 reviews

Korean Fire Chicken, also known as Buldak, is a fiery, flavorful dish featuring boneless chicken thighs marinated in a spicy blend of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), red pepper paste (gochujang), soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Cooked in an ovenproof skillet, this dish is served with optional chewy rice cakes and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a creamy balance to the heat. Garnished with green onions, Buldak is a vibrant combination of intense spice and umami, perfect for lovers of bold Korean flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice syrup (or honey)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice cakes (tteok), soaked and drained
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, rice syrup, minced garlic, and ginger to create a spicy, flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to infuse.
  3. Prepare Rice Cakes (Optional): If using rice cakes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain thoroughly before cooking.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken along with any remaining marinade from the bowl, and include the soaked rice cakes if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10–12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened and glazed the pieces.
  5. Add Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Place the skillet under a broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot. Enjoy with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or pickled sides to balance the spicy heat.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of gochugaru and gochujang to control spiciness according to your heat tolerance.
  • Rice syrup can be substituted with honey for a slightly different sweetness effect.
  • Add dairy like mozzarella or pairing the dish with milk or yogurt can help neutralize spiciness.
  • Serving Buldak with steamed rice or pickled radish helps mellow the intense heat.
  • For a variation, try adding vegetables such as bell peppers or onions for extra texture and flavor.
  • Ensure the skillet used is ovenproof if you plan to broil cheese on top.

Keywords: Buldak, Korean Fire Chicken, spicy chicken, Korean cuisine, gochujang chicken, gochugaru chicken, cheese buldak, tteokbokki chicken, spicy Korean recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/korean-fire-chicken-recipe/