Korean Spicy Fire Chicken with Cheese

Korean Spicy Fire Chicken with Cheese, also known as Cheese Buldak (불닭 치즈), is a fiery and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, a spicy-sweet gochugaru (Korean chili powder) sauce, and a blanket of melted, gooey cheese. “Buldak” literally translates to “fire chicken,” and true to its name, this dish is bold, spicy, and intensely flavorful. The addition of cheese tempers the heat, creating a harmonious balance between the spicy, sweet, and creamy elements.

Cheese Buldak has become a global phenomenon, with its roots in Korean street food culture. Popular in Korean barbecue restaurants and bars, it’s often served as a main dish or a side to pair with drinks. The signature spicy sauce is made from Korean staples like gochujang (fermented chili paste) and gochugaru, blended with soy sauce, garlic, and honey for a sweet and spicy kick. It’s then topped with a generous layer of cheese and broiled until melted and bubbly.

This recipe will guide you through making authentic Cheese Buldak at home, with tips to adjust the spice level, variations to suit your taste, and serving suggestions that will turn your kitchen into a Korean street food haven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Cheese Buldak:

1. Bold Flavors: The sweet, spicy, and savory sauce is packed with umami and will awaken your taste buds.
2. Comfort Food: The gooey, melted cheese takes the heat down a notch, making this dish ultra-comforting.
3. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.
4. Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, making it as mild or fiery as you like.
5. Perfect Party Food: Cheese Buldak is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, especially for those who love bold, spicy flavors.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 portion

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Fire Chicken:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavor)

Optional Garnishes:

• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Red chili flakes (for extra heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spice to your preference. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
3. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat each piece evenly. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the chicken.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheese Buldak

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
2. Transfer the cooked chicken and sauce to an oven-safe dish or keep it in the skillet if it’s oven-safe. Spread the chicken evenly across the bottom.
3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, covering the chicken completely.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

1. Place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
2. Alternatively, if you don’t have a broiler, cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the Cheese Buldak from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and extra chili flakes if desired.
3. Serve hot with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or on its own as a main dish or appetizer.

Ingredient Background

Chicken

Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and tenderness, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Gochujang

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste with a balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. It’s the star ingredient of the sauce and gives the dish its bold flavor.

Gochugaru

Gochugaru, or Korean chili flakes, adds additional heat and a smoky, slightly fruity flavor to the dish. Adjust the quantity to control the spice level.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella’s creamy, melty texture is perfect for this dish. You can mix it with cheddar or use a Korean mozzarella blend for more flavor.

Technique Tips

1. Control the Heat: For a milder version, reduce the amount of gochugaru and use more honey. For extra heat, add fresh chilies or more chili flakes.
2. Even Cheese Melt: For perfectly melted cheese, shred your own mozzarella instead of using pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly.
3. Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: Cooking the chicken and finishing it under the broiler in the same skillet minimizes cleanup and retains the flavorful sauce.
4. Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce ensures that it absorbs all the bold flavors.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Fire Chicken Tacos: Use the spicy chicken and melted cheese as a filling for soft tortillas, topped with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of sour cream.
• Rice Bowl: Serve the cheese-topped chicken over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with fresh herbs and pickled vegetables.
• Party Appetizer: Skewer the chicken pieces before cooking, then serve them with melted cheese on a platter for easy party bites.
• Noodle Dish: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked udon or ramen noodles for a spicy noodle dish.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor in the sauce.
• Broil the cheese at the last minute to serve the dish piping hot with a gooey topping.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or a mix of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Seafood Buldak: Swap the chicken for shrimp or squid for a seafood version.
• Extra Spicy: Add diced Thai chilies or a spoonful of Korean hot pepper paste for more heat.
• Cheese Blend: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for added flavor and texture.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration

Store leftover Cheese Buldak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

1. Allow the cooked chicken and sauce to cool completely.
2. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat with fresh cheese on top.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use chicken breasts or skinless thighs for a leaner option.
• Replace the cheese with a smaller portion or a low-fat version to reduce calories.
• Serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of steamed rice for a low-carb option.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Cheese Buldak is versatile and fits into various dining scenarios:

• Game Night: Serve it as a spicy, cheesy snack alongside cold beers.
• Korean-Themed Dinner: Pair it with other Korean dishes like kimchi, japchae, and scallion pancakes.
• Casual Gatherings: Present it in a cast-iron skillet as a shareable, sizzling centerpiece.

Special Equipment

• Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet works best for stovetop-to-oven cooking.
• Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
• Broiler: To achieve the perfect golden-brown cheese topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes! Reduce the amount of gochugaru and add more honey or sugar to balance the heat.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but simmer it in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors before adding the cheese.

3. What can I substitute for gochujang?

You can use sriracha or a mix of miso paste and chili flakes, but the flavor won’t be as authentic.

4. Is Cheese Buldak gluten-free?

Ensure you use gluten-free gochujang, soy sauce, and other condiments to make the dish gluten-free.

5. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture.

6. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Keep a close eye on the broiler and remove the dish as soon as the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, refrigerate, and broil with fresh cheese just before serving.

8. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, use tofu or seitan instead of chicken, and vegan cheese for the topping.

Conclusion

Korean Spicy Fire Chicken with Cheese (Cheese Buldak) is the ultimate fusion of spice, sweetness, and creamy indulgence. This dish captures the bold flavors of Korean street food, delivering an unforgettable dining experience that’s perfect for weeknight meals, parties, or a cozy night in. Whether you love spicy food or are new to it, this recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste. Try it today, and enjoy the fiery goodness of Cheese Buldak at home!

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