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Buldak Korean Fire Chicken

Section: BBQ & Grilling Recipes: Master the Flames for Perfect Outdoor Cooking

Buldak, also known as Korean fire chicken, is packed with intense spicy flavors. Tender boiled chicken is marinated and fried, then simmered in a rich sauce made with yogurt, tomato, and green chilies for heat, while onions and ketchup add tangy sweetness. Gentle simmering allows the flavors to develop, resulting in juicy chicken pieces enveloped in a bold, layered sauce. Ideal for spice lovers, this dish balances heat with savory undertones and is perfect served with rice or your favorite sides.

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Sofia Pitt sofia
Most recent update: Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:06:01 GMT
A bowl of food with chicken and potatoes. Save
A bowl of food with chicken and potatoes. | iamcooker.com

Recipe Q&A

→ How spicy is Buldak?

Buldak is known for its bold, fiery taste, thanks to green chilies and chili powder. You can adjust the heat by reducing their quantities.

→ Which cut of chicken works best?

Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but any chicken pieces can be used for this dish.

→ What can I serve alongside Buldak?

Popular accompaniments include steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or fresh salads to balance the heat.

→ How can I make the dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of chili powder and green chilies. Adding a little extra yoghurt or milk also mellows the heat.

→ Why is ketchup added to the sauce?

Ketchup brings a sweet tang that balances out the strong heat and rounds out the sauce flavors.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat gently before serving for best flavor.

Buldak Korean Fire Chicken

Smoky hot chicken in a fiery, tangy Korean-inspired sauce

Prep Duration
20 min
Cooking Period
45 min
Entire Time Required
65 min
Sofia Pitt: sofia


Difficulty: Moderate

Regional Style: Korean

Output: 4 Portions (Generously serves 4)

Dietary Attributes: Gluten-Free

Needed Ingredients

→ Boiled Chicken

01 2.2 pounds chicken pieces
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
04 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 1/2 cup water
06 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sauce Slurry

07 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
08 1/2 medium tomato, chopped
09 1 teaspoon chili powder
10 1 teaspoon salt
11 2 small green chilies, chopped (or 1/2 large green chili, chopped)
12 1/2 cup whole milk

→ Final Sauce Components

13 1 medium onion, chopped
14 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
15 1 cup ketchup
16 Coconut oil, for frying
17 Fresh coriander, for garnish

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Combine chicken pieces with salt, cumin, pepper, and turmeric. Place in a pot with water and simmer on medium heat until the meat is tender. Reserve the cooking liquid as chicken stock and set the cooked chicken aside.

Step 02

In a blender, combine yogurt, 1/2 cup reserved chicken stock, chopped tomato, green chilies, milk, chili powder, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Step 03

In a skillet, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat. Fry the cooked chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the frying oil.

Step 04

In a large pan, use 2 tablespoons reserved chicken oil to sauté onions over medium heat until caramelized. Add ginger garlic paste and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the blended slurry and stir well. Adjust consistency with remaining chicken stock if needed.

Step 05

Stir ketchup into the sauce and let it come to a gentle bubble. Add the fried chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Supplementary Details

  1. Use gloves when handling chili peppers to avoid skin irritation.

Necessary Tools

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Blender
  • Slotted spoon

Allergen Advisory

Review each item for allergens. Consult a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from yogurt and milk.

Nutrient Breakdown (per serving)

This information is provided for reference and should not replace consultation with a health professional.
  • Caloric Value: 420
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
  • Proteins: 38 g