Description
Korean Cheesy Buldak is a spicy and creamy Korean chicken dish combining tender chicken thighs with a bold gochujang sauce and melty mozzarella cheese, perfect for a comforting meal that can be easily customized and enjoyed by spice lovers and mild palates alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 500g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 150g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Optional Additions
- 100g rice cakes (tteok), soaked if desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and maximum sauce coverage. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure a crispy texture when fried.
- Make the Spicy Sauce: In a bowl, combine gochujang, minced garlic, soy sauce (or tamari), and brown sugar or honey. Stir until the sauce is smooth and balanced with spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the spicy sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir continuously to evenly coat all pieces and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken in the pan. Cover with a lid and cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, stretchy layer.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid and top the dish with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice or pickled sides.
Notes
- Use chicken thigh meat for a juicy and tender texture that holds up well to the spicy sauce.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve a crispy and caramelized surface.
- You can add the cheese in two batches for extra cheesiness and richer flavor.
- Cook over medium heat and stir frequently to prevent burning the sauce and ensure even cooking.
- A non-stick pan helps prevent cheese from sticking and allows for easier cleanup.
- Adjust spiciness by reducing gochujang or adding a splash of milk to mellow the heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Korean Cheesy Buldak, spicy chicken, cheesy chicken, Korean chicken recipe, gochujang chicken, comfort food, quick dinner
