Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will ignite your taste buds? Then get ready for Buldak Stew, a delicious and surprisingly easy twist on the classic Korean fire noodle dish. This recipe takes the fiery, umami-rich flavors of Buldak Bokkeummyeon and transforms them into a hearty, comforting stew perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. It's a fantastic blend of healthy meals and delicious dishes, making it a winner for both weeknight convenience and special occasion enjoyment. Get ready to experience the best recipes without the fuss!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (4 oz) package of Buldak sauce (or your preferred brand of gochujang-based spicy sauce)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) - optional, for extra heat
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
- Cooked noodles or rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew.
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Simmer the Stew: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, Buldak sauce, water, soy sauce, and brown sugar. If using, add the gochugaru for an extra kick. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot over cooked noodles (ramen or udon work well) or rice.
Tips for the Best Buldak Stew:
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the amount of Buldak sauce or omit the gochugaru. For extra heat, add more Buldak sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to your stew. Add them along with the chicken for even cooking.
- Make it a one-pot meal: If you’re short on time, you can add your noodles directly to the stew during the last few minutes of cooking time.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Buldak Stew: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Seafood Buldak Stew: Add shrimp, scallops, or other seafood during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Buldak Stew recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It’s quick, customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy this delicious and fiery fusion!