Buldak Ramen Recipe – 20-Min Guide to Fiery, Delicious Noodles

Name: Buldak Ramen Recipe – 20-Minute Spicy Korean Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 packs Korean ramen noodles; 2 tbsp gochujang; 1 tbsp gochugaru; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional); 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 2 scallions, chopped

Buldak ramen is a fiery Korean noodle dish made with gochujang and gochugaru that comes together in just 20 minutes. The standout trait is its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami with fully customizable toppings.

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Buldak Ramen Recipe – Ultimate 20-Min Guide to Fiery, Delicious Noodles

Total

25 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$22–$36

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Flavorsofrecipes · by Ethan

Ingredients

2 packs Korean ramen noodles
2 tbsp gochujang
1 tbsp gochugaru
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional)optional
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 scallions, chopped

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Instructions

1
Boil ramen noodles until al dente; drain and reserve 1/4 cup water.
2
Sauté garlic and ginger in oil.
3
Add chicken or tofu if using and cook through.
4
Stir in gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar.
5
Thin sauce with reserved water; toss in noodles.
6
Drizzle sesame oil and stir to coat.
7
Top with cheese if using and cover to melt.
8
Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.
9
Serve hot.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Don't overcook the ramen noodles—boil for the minimum time on the package to keep them chewy, not mushy.
Mince garlic and ginger finely so they dissolve evenly into the sauce instead of leaving chunks.
Mix the sauce ingredients into the broth while it's hot (after cooking noodles) so flavors meld fully.
Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1 minute before garnishing to deepen their nutty flavor.

Substitutions

gochujang → sambal oelek or sriracha (use 1 tbsp, slightly different heat profile)
gochugaru → cayenne pepper (use 1/2 tsp, much hotter, reduce to taste)
brown sugar → honey or regular sugar (same amount for sweetness)
sesame oil → avocado oil (note: will lose nutty Korean flavor)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat noodles in boiling water and warm sauce separately, then combine.

Common Questions

Can I make buldak ramen less spicy?

Yes. Reduce gochugaru to 1/2 tsp and gochujang to 1 tbsp, or use milder gochugaru varieties. Add more soy sauce or brown sugar to taste.

Can I use instant ramen packets instead of Korean ramen?

Yes, but drain the seasoning packet and discard it. Use the noodles only and follow the recipe as written for best results.

Is mozzarella cheese traditional in buldak ramen?

No, but it's a popular modern addition that adds creaminess. Use it if you like; it's entirely optional.

How do I store leftover buldak ramen?

Store noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat noodles in boiling water and warm sauce separately, then combine.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes, mix all sauce ingredients (gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil) up to 24 hours ahead. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge.