Korean Cheese Buldak
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
5-6 minsFree Time
to place those fresh flowers in a vase
Cheese buldak is a Korean dish that’s a slightly spicy chicken braised in gochujang, chili flakes, and other umami-rich ingredients, topped with melty cheese — and it’s super easy to make in the microwave. The beauty of using an Anyday is that it allows you to marinate, cook, and serve the chicken in almost no time. This recipe is flexible to dietary preferences or restrictions and it can be enjoyed as is, with steamed rice, or vegetables.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Shallow Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 2 (200g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1” cubes
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
Preparation
- Add the chicken, gochujang, chili flakes, soy sauce, oil, sugar, salt, garlic, and ginger in the Anyday and stir to combine. Marinate the meat overnight for a deeper flavor if you want — but it’s not necessary if you’re short on time! Cover with lid (knob lifted) and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has darkened.
- Once chicken is cooked, stir the chicken and sauce, then add the cheese on top and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
- Sprinkle with sliced scallions and serve hot.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Toasty buldak: Instead of microwaving to melt the cheese, toast in a preheated oven set to 500°F until golden brown if you’d like.
- Vegetarian buldak: Keep it vegetarian by substituting chicken with tofu (both soft and firm work well).
- Serve with steamed rice and a side of bok choy.
Recipe notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with all the ingredients (except cheese and scallions) in the fridge in an Anyday, covered with the lid and the knob pushed down. Put directly into the microwave when ready to cook.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All you need to know about making cheese buldak in the microwave
What is Korean cheese buldak?
Cheese buldak is a spicy Korean dish with a cheesy twist which features marinated chicken cooked in a spicy sauce made with gochujang and other seasonings. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, it's typically served with rice and side dishes like pickled radish or kimchi.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by varying the amount of gochujang or chili flakes used in the recipe. Start with less if you prefer a milder taste and increase gradually according to your preference.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While mozzarella cheese is traditional for cheese buldak, you can experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for different flavor profiles. A very out-of-the-box suggestion would be to use grated Oaxaca cheese. While a non-traditional option, Oaxaca cheese melts very well and will give you that satisfying cheese pull.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by substituting the chicken with tofu or seitan. To make it vegan, swap in vegan cheese or use nutritional yeast as a cheese-flavored alternative.
What can I serve with cheese buldak?
Cheese buldak is often served with steamed rice and a side of pickled veggies or kimchi. You can also serve it with lettuce leaves to make lettuce wraps or steamed veggies such as bok choy or broccoli.
Can I prepare cheese buldak in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade in advance and marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight, then cook when ready to serve. It is important not to add the cheese while the meat is marinating because the chicken needs to cook before melting the cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cheese buldak in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
