Buldak Kimchi Hot Chicken Ramen
Buldak Kimchi Hot Chicken Ramen
Samyang's Buldak meets the tangy punch of kimchi — a spicy, fermented combination with a satisfying kick that doesn't overwhelm. At a moderate 5 out of 10 on the heat scale, it's the friendliest Buldak in the range. Rich, tangy, and crafted for those who want fire with flavour. Soupless, from Korea.
- Boil the water
Bring 600ml of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan. While you are waiting for it to heat up, open the packet and lay out your sachets so everything is within easy reach and ready to go.
- Cook the noodles
Add the noodles to the boiling water and let them cook for 5 minutes. Give them a gentle stir every now and then to stop them from clumping together. You want them cooked through but still a bit chewy.
- Drain the water
Carefully drain all the water from the noodles using a colander or the pot lid. Be careful here as the water will be very hot. You want the noodles as dry as possible so the sauce coats them properly rather than sliding off.
- Add sauce and serve
Add the seasoning sachet to the drained noodles and toss everything together until every single strand is evenly coated in sauce. Serve straight away while it is still hot and add your favourite toppings.
Background
Every packet has a story behind it. Here's where this one comes from, what makes it tick, and why it made the cut for the box.
Samyang Foods was founded in 1961 as South Korea's first instant noodle company. They changed the game in 2012 with their Buldak Hot Chicken Ramen, which went viral worldwide and built a cult following among spice lovers. Their factory in Wonju produces over a million packs daily.
Korean ramyun culture is distinct from Japanese ramen. The noodles are typically chewier, the broths spicier, and the flavours bolder. Korean ramyun is usually cooked in a pot rather than a cup, and sharing a pot of ramyun is a social ritual.
The signature Buldak sauce is a thick, fiery red chilli paste that clings to every noodle. It is made from a blend of hot peppers, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness that balances the intense heat. The flavour hits in waves, starting sweet before the spice takes over.
Chewy, springy noodles built for a soupless format. The texture is designed to hold sauce on every surface rather than swimming in broth. After draining, the noodles grip the seasoning tightly, so the flavour stays concentrated and consistent with every bite.
Samyang's Buldak ramen went viral in 2016 thanks to the 'fire noodle challenge' on YouTube and TikTok. Millions of people filmed themselves attempting the extreme heat. The trend turned a regional Korean product into a global phenomenon almost overnight.
The perfect balance between heat and flavour. It has enough spice to keep things exciting without overwhelming the other ingredients. It is the kind of noodle that satisfies both spice lovers and people who usually play it safe. A crowd pleaser with an edge.
Topping Suggestions
A few toppings that take this bowl from good to great. Most are already in your kitchen, and every one is optional.
Cheese
Cheese melts into a creamy, rich, and savory sauce, adding a decadent and indulgent dimension to the noodles.
Nori (Seaweed)
Nori adds a delightful umami and oceanic essence to instant noodles, giving them a subtle, briny flavor reminiscent of the sea.
Fried Egg
A fried egg brings crispy, golden edges and a runny yolk that melts into the broth for a rich, savoury finish.