Buldak, also known as Korean Fire Chicken, is a popular spicy chicken dish known for its fiery kick and bold flavors. Originating from Korea, this dish has gained widespread popularity for its intense spiciness and delicious taste. If you're a fan of spicy food, Buldak is a must-try dish that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500 grams of chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red chili pepper flakes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons water
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, vegetable oil, black pepper, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In another bowl, mix together gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, honey (or corn syrup), brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and water. Stir until well combined.
Cooking:
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of vegetable oil.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken pieces.
Serve:
- Transfer the Buldak to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with steamed rice and pickled radishes or kimchi.
Tips for the Best Buldak
- Adjust the amount of gochugaru (red chili pepper flakes) according to your spice tolerance.
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of gochujang (red chili paste) and increase the amount of honey or sugar.
- Use chicken thigh meat for a juicier texture.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness.
Variations
- Cheese Buldak: Add mozzarella cheese on top of the cooked chicken and melt it under a broiler for a cheesy twist.
- Seafood Buldak: Incorporate shrimp or squid along with the chicken for a seafood-infused dish.
- Vegetarian Buldak: Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Calorie Information
The calorie content of Buldak can vary based on ingredients and portion size. On average, a serving of Buldak (about 200 grams of chicken) contains approximately 300-350 calories.
Conclusion
Buldak is a delightful Korean dish that combines bold flavors with a fiery kick. Whether you enjoy it for its spiciness or its savory sweetness, Buldak offers a unique culinary experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Try this recipe at home and enjoy the delicious taste of Korean Fire Chicken!
