Buldak Yakisoba Hot Chicken Ramen
Buldak Yakisoba Hot Chicken Ramen
Samyang's Buldak meets Japanese yakisoba in this bold Korean-style stir-fry. Chewy ramen noodles drenched in that famously fiery chicken sauce, finished with a drizzle of Buldak mayo. The heat is real, the craving is instant, and the empty bowl speaks for itself. Soupless, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
- Boil the water
Bring 550ml 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 and flakes to the boiling water and let them cook for 3 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. Drizzle the mayo across the top to finish. 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.
Springy, chewy noodles designed for a soupless format. Without broth to carry the flavour, these noodles need to hold the sauce on their surface, and their texture is built to do exactly that. Every strand grips the seasoning so you taste the full flavour in each 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.
This one is not for everyone, and that is exactly why we love it. The heat is serious and the flavour backs it up completely. If you are the kind of person who adds extra chilli to everything, this was made for you. A favourite among our spice-chasing subscribers.
Topping Suggestions
A few toppings that take this bowl from good to great. Most are already in your kitchen, and every one is optional.
Cabbage
Cabbage provides a refreshing, slightly sweet crunch, adding a vegetable-based lightness and freshness to the dish.
Boiled Egg
A soft-boiled egg brings a creamy richness that complements the noodles perfectly, providing a luscious, slightly savory contrast.
Nori (Seaweed)
Nori adds a delightful umami and oceanic essence to instant noodles, giving them a subtle, briny flavor reminiscent of the sea.