Build up your spice tolerance with Buldak Cream Pasta

The Korean Buldak Challenge

Thinking of dating a Korean? Well, there’s something you should know. You need to pass the spice test! Why is that? Because Koreans are practically born with kimchi in their hands, and we’ve been training for spicy food from an early age with dishes packed with red pepper flakes. Most Koreans have developed a natural tolerance for heat, and that’s how we ended up with iconic dishes like Shin Ramyun and Buldak (fire chicken).

Buldak’s worldwide fame

Buldak Cream Pasta — Photo : samyangfoods

Speaking of Buldak, it has become a global sensation! Just 10 years ago, it was hard to find Korean Ramyun overseas. But now? I live in Belgium and I can find Buldak Ramyun in almost every local grocery store. It’s amazing to see flavors like habanero and kimchi next to the originals.

Interestingly, I’ve noticed that the classic spicy Buldak isn’t as popular here as variations like Carbo Buldak(samyang buldak cream carbonara hot) or Cheese Buldak, which often fly off the shelves. In fact, Carbo Buldak is so popular that it’s often sold out. And here’s the twist. People abroad mix it with extra cheese or milk to tone down the spice.

A Spicy Adventure for Non-Koreans

Spicy food is not very common in Belgium, so most of my Belgian friends are not used to the heat. Local menus even have tiny chili icons next to spicy dishes as a warning. For someone like me who loves spicy food, even 3 chili icons don’t bother me. But my Belgian friends? They sweat and cry as they eat, which I find both endearing and amusing.

A Variety of Buldak Fusion Dishes

As the home of Buldak, Korea has endless creative recipes using it, from Buldak Risotto to Cheesy Buldak Corn and even Buldak Fried Rice. One of my personal favorites is Buldak Omelette, which I highly recommend you try!

Buldak Omelet

Do you like Buldak Ramen? I love it because it reminds me of the fiery heat of Korean food, especially when I'm abroad. It's amazing how popular Buldak has become globally, even being sold in most supermarkets here in Belgium. I recently saw a creative Buldak fusion dish from Malaysia—Buldak Omelet, where spicy noodles are wrapped in a soft omelet with cheese and ham. This simple dish balances the spiciness and is perfect for those wanting to enjoy Buldak in a less intense way!

Check out this recipe

Buldak Cream Pasta for Beginners

But today, I want to introduce a beginner-friendly Korean recipe: Buldak Cream Pasta. It’s spicier than creamy buldak ramen carbonara. If you’re new to spicy food, don’t worry! You don’t want to end up crying on a spicy food date with your Korean partner, right? This creamy, cheesy pasta tones down the heat and helps you ease into the world of spice and of course, it’s really tasty.

One-Pan Pasta

The best part? This is a one-pan pasta. What does that mean? No need to cook the noodles separately. One-pan pasta is very popular in Korea right now. This recipe simplifies the entire pasta cooking process by combining everything in one step – boiling the noodles, making the sauce, and simmering everything together in a single pan. It’s incredibly easy and convenient, making it perfect for busy days or when you don’t feel like spending too much time cooking. Its simplicity and quick preparation have made it increasingly popular! Everything comes together in one pan, making it a quick and easy meal for lazy days. Despite its simplicity, the result is a restaurant quality dish that looks and tastes amazing.

Date Night With Spicy Food

If you’re thinking about dating a Korean, it might be a good idea to practice with this Buldak Cream Pasta recipe today. Most Korean dishes contain gochugaru (red chili powder), so you probably don’t want to imagine yourself tearing up and sniffling on your first date. This Fire Noodles Cream Pasta is made with milk and cheese, making it manageable even for those who don’t like spicy food. Impress your date by showing off your cooking skills – why not make this dish for your next date night?