This Easy Buldak Ramen is a fiery, flavor-packed noodle dish that brings serious heat and serious satisfaction—without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s bold, cheesy, spicy, and totally addictive. Whether you’re craving something comforting or just need to spice up your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers in under 20 minutes. No fuss, just flavor. And the best part? You can tweak it exactly how you like. Let’s dive into this cozy bowl of heat and happiness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: You’ll have a steaming, spicy bowl of buldak ramen on the table in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” moments.
Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: Smoky, spicy, savory—this dish hits every note, and all it takes is a handful of ingredients.
Easily Customizable: Like it spicier? Creamier? Meatier? This dish plays well with others, and you can totally make it your own.
Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy cheese and chewy noodles wrapped in a spicy, garlicky sauce is just downright comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these pantry and fridge staples and get ready for a spicy treat:

Instant Buldak Ramen Noodles: These are the star—spicy, chewy, and rich in flavor. Use the kind that comes with the sauce packet.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic deepens the flavor and adds a punch of warmth to the sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and mellows out the spice just enough to keep things enjoyable.
Milk: Helps tone down the fire a bit while giving the sauce a slightly creamy texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully into the noodles, adding gooey, stretchy goodness that balances the heat.
Green Onions: For freshness, color, and a gentle crunch on top.
Egg (optional): Fry one sunny-side-up or poach it right in the broth for extra protein and richness.
Sesame Seeds: A little sprinkle adds a nutty crunch that rounds out the flavors.

Variations

Extra Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.
Less Spicy: Use only half of the sauce packet or add more milk and cheese to mellow it out.
Protein Boost: Toss in sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more filling meal.
Veggie Upgrade: Add sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, shredded carrots, or even kimchi for an extra flavor layer.
Korean-Style Carbonara: Skip the seasoning packet and use gochujang, soy sauce, and an egg yolk whisked into the sauce for a creamy, spicy twist.

How to Make Easy Buldak Ramen

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles until just tender. Don’t overcook—they’ll continue cooking slightly in the sauce. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of the cooking water.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sauce packet from the noodles, milk, and a bit of the reserved noodle water. Stir until the sauce is smooth and bubbling gently.

Step 3: Add the Noodles

Toss the cooked noodles into the sauce and stir well to coat them evenly. Let them simmer for a minute so they soak up that bold flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella on top, turn off the heat, and cover for a minute to allow the cheese to melt. Give it a gentle mix for that melty, stretchy effect.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a bowl and top with green onions, sesame seeds, and a fried or poached egg if using. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Butter: It’s the secret to rounding out the spice and giving the sauce a velvety texture.
Control the Heat: You’re the boss here. If the full sauce packet feels too fiery, start with half and add more as needed.
Reserve Some Noodle Water: That starchy water helps the sauce cling to the noodles and keeps everything silky.
Cheese Timing is Key: Add it last so it melts smoothly without clumping.

How to Serve

This buldak ramen is a complete comfort meal all on its own, but you can easily elevate it with:

Garnishes:

Top with a soft-boiled or fried egg, sliced green onions, seaweed flakes, or extra sesame seeds.

Side Dish:

Pair with Korean-style cucumber salad, kimchi, or quick-pickled radish to contrast the heat.

Beverage:

Cool things down with a glass of cold milk, iced barley tea, or even a crisp light beer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The noodles may absorb more sauce as they sit.

Freezing

Not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the noodles can get mushy. Best to enjoy fresh!

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce and bring back the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this with regular ramen instead of buldak?
Yes! You can use any instant ramen. Just add your own spicy sauce using gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes to mimic the buldak flavor.

What if I don’t like too much spice?
Totally fine! Just use half the sauce packet and increase the milk or cheese to balance things out. You’ll still get all the flavor with less of the fire.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
It can be! Just double-check your ramen’s ingredient list (some use meat-based broths), and skip the egg if needed. Add tofu or mushrooms for a satisfying plant-based twist.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar, provolone, or a melty blend will all work. Just make sure it’s something that melts well to keep the texture creamy and luscious.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Buldak Ramen is everything you want in a quick, spicy, and soul-satisfying dish. It’s fast, comforting, and totally customizable—just the kind of meal that brings the heat and the heart to your table. Try it once, and you might just find yourself craving it every week!

Easy Buldak Ramen Recipe