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Cheesy Buldak Rice

Cheesy Buldak Rice

Cheesy Buldak Rice is a fiery and flavorful Korean-inspired dish combining tender marinated chicken coated in spicy buldak sauce with fluffy short-grain rice and molten mozzarella cheese. This comforting meal balances bold heat, smoky umami, and gooey creaminess, making it perfect for cold evenings or when craving rich, satisfying flavors. Easy to prepare with customizable spice levels and a one-pot approach, it’s both convenient and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 500g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

Sauce & Marinade

  • 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tsp shrimp paste or 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp sugar

Rice

  • 3 cups cooked short-grain rice (preferably sushi rice)

Cheese & Garnishes

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: Combine gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce (or shrimp paste), and sugar in a bowl to create the spicy buldak sauce. Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the bold flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken thighs until browned on the outside and fully cooked through, capturing the spicy, smoky aroma.
  3. Prepare the Rice Base: While the chicken is cooking, fluff the cooked short-grain rice with a fork and spread it evenly in your serving bowl or oven-safe pan.
  4. Layer Chicken Over Rice: Once the chicken is cooked, arrange it generously on top of the rice. Drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over the chicken to enhance flavor.
  5. Add the Cheese and Broil: Pile shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and rice. Place the dish under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.
  6. Garnish and Serve Hot: Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for freshness and texture. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Notes

  • Use fresh chicken thighs to ensure juiciness and tenderness.
  • Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes; overnight marinating intensifies the flavor.
  • Keep a close eye when broiling cheese to prevent burning.
  • Choose sticky short-grain or sushi rice for the best texture and cohesion.
  • Adjust the amount of gochujang and sugar to balance spice and sweetness according to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Buldak Rice, Korean spicy chicken, buldak recipe, spicy chicken rice bowl, gochujang chicken, cheese chicken rice