The globally popular Samyang Buldak Bokkeum Myun has expanded beyond instant ramen into various other food products. Today, I’ll introduce five must-try Buldak series items.
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The Global Popularity of Buldak
Buldak went viral through social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok thanks to the Buldak Challenge. Since then, it has gained immense popularity among spicy food lovers worldwide. As a result, you can now easily find it in local supermarkets overseas.
- Buldak Ramen: https://amzn.to/4hQO7Yb (US), https://amzn.to/4iZ7oYq (DE), https://amzn.to/42isYBs (NL, BE)
Expansion into Various Products
Following the success of Buldak Bokkeum Myeon, Samyang has introduced a wide range of Buldak series products.
1. Ramen Flavors: The original Buldak flavor remains a classic, but variations like Carbo Buldak bokkeummyun (carbonara buldak ramen) and Cheese Buldak have gained massive popularity. Samyang also creates region-specific flavors, such as Yakisoba Buldak in Japan and Buldak Tom Yum or Curry Buldak in the U.S. and even Buldak habanero lime! They also release trendy flavors, like Mala Buldak during the hot Mala craze in Korea. Among the most popular in Korea are the original Buldak, Carbonara Buldak, and the extra-spicy Nuclear Buldak, reflecting the country’s love for extreme heat.
- Variety Flavors of Buldak Ramen: https://amzn.to/4l5Qn0o (US), https://amzn.to/4ch3aJC (NL, BE), https://amzn.to/43niTEu (DE)
2. Buldak Snacks: The Buldak series has expanded into snacks like dumplings, tteokbokki, and chips, bringing the signature fiery flavor to a variety of treats.
3. Glass Noodles: Alongside the Mala trend in Korea, flat glass noodles (napjak dangmyeon) also gained popularity. This led to the launch of the Buldak Flat Glass Noodles series, offering a satisfyingly chewy texture instead of traditional ramen noodles.
The Appeal of the Buldak Series
Buldak is known for its intense, tongue-numbing spiciness, but its addictive umami flavor keeps people coming back for more. Many Koreans also find that eating spicy food helps relieve stress, making Buldak a go-to meal during exam periods or busy workdays.
How to Make Buldak Even Tastier
One of the best ways to enjoy Buldak is by adding shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese helps balance out the heat while adding a rich, savory flavor that enhances Buldak’s signature umami. Once you try it, you might find yourself adding cheese to every Buldak series product you eat!
Buldak-Inspired Dishes
Buldak sauce isn’t just for ramen—it can be used to create a variety of delicious dishes!
Buldak Omelet
A trending dish in Malaysia, the Buldak omelet is made by wrapping Buldak ramen inside a fluffy egg omelet. Adding cheese and sausage inside creates an irresistible combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Below is a recipe for making your own Buldak omelet at home.
Buldak Cream Pasta
With Buldak sauce, you don’t always need instant ramen—you can simply pour the buldak sauce over different types of noodles. This Buldak cream pasta combines Buldak sauce with a rich, creamy sauce, making it both spicy and indulgent. It’s a great option for those who can’t handle extreme heat but still want to enjoy Buldak’s signature kick.
- Buldak Hot Sauce: https://amzn.to/42duK6Z (US), https://amzn.to/429KIxR (DE), https://amzn.to/4j8vnoe (NL, BE)
5 Buldak Series You Must Try
With so many Buldak variations out there, here are five must-try options for every spice lover!
1. Buldak Jjaltteok (Buldak Chips)
This is the snack version of Buldak ramen! “Jjaltteok” refers to short, rice cake-shaped snacks, and these are coated in Buldak seasoning for a fiery crunch. The balance of spiciness and sweetness makes it so addictive that you’ll keep eating even as your nose runs. It’s one of my all-time favorite Korean snacks—perfect with a cold beer!
- Buldak Jjaltteok: https://amzn.to/41KMPcr (DE)
2. Rosé Buldak Flat Glass Noodles
Rosé Buldak Flat Glass NoodlesInstead of traditional noodles, this version uses chewy flat glass noodles, creating a satisfyingly bouncy texture. The sauce is a creamy, thick rosé sauce instead of the usual fiery Buldak sauce, making it extremely popular among younger Koreans. It’s easy to prepare in the microwave and much milder than the original, making it a great choice for Buldak beginners. Of course, if you prefer the classic spicy kick, there’s also an original Buldak flat glass noodle version available!
- Rosé Buldak Flat Glass Noodles: https://amzn.to/425472V (US), https://amzn.to/4l9ROv2 (DE), https://amzn.to/4j5rrUY (UK)
3. Buldak Tteokbokki (Buldak Topokki)
This spicy rice cake dish features chewy rice-based tteok, not flour-based ones. The rice cakes are small and thin, allowing the sauce to soak in perfectly. It’s super easy to prepare in the microwave, and many Koreans love topping it with shredded cheese for a creamy, cheesy twist. If you’re not great with spice, adding cheese is a must! Unlike ramen, Buldak tteokbokki has a uniquely chewy texture. It comes in two flavors: original Buldak and carbonara Buldak (Carbo Buldak).
- Buldak Tteokbokki: https://amzn.to/4c2gIby (US), https://amzn.to/4jazY9s (DE)
4. Buldak Dumplings (Buldak Mandu)
Buldak dumplings have a chewy wrapper and a fiery Buldak-flavored filling. When you cut one open, you’ll see the bright red spicy filling inside! Koreans usually dip them in a soy sauce and vinegar mix, but some younger people have started dipping them in ketchup and mayo to balance the heat.
There are two flavors available: original Buldak and carbonara Buldak. If you’re not a fan of extreme spice, go for the carbonara version—it’s much milder.
My favorite way to eat Buldak dumplings? Melt shredded mozzarella cheese on top to turn them into cheesy dumplings. The creamy, salty cheese pairs perfectly with the spicy filling. Once you try it, you might start adding cheese to every dumpling you eat! They also make an amazing beer snack. This is a cheese mandu recipe.
5. Buldak Fried Rice
This ready-made frozen Buldak Fried Rice is super convenient—you can cook it in a frying pan or simply heat it in the microwave. However, I highly recommend pan-frying it for the best texture. In just four minutes, you’ll have a spicy and flavorful Buldak fried rice ready to eat. It contains chicken breast and vegetables, adding a nice bite to each spoonful.
For an upgraded version, try adding kimchi while stir-frying to make Buldak Kimchi Fried Rice—it’s an absolute must-try! And if you want to take it to the next level, melt shredded mozzarella cheese on top. The creamy, salty cheese balances the spiciness perfectly, creating an unforgettable Buldak fried rice experience. It comes in two flavors: original Buldak and carbonara Buldak.