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Cheesy Buldak Rice

Cheesy Buldak Rice
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Cheesy Buldak Rice is a vibrant Korean-inspired dish that perfectly balances bold, spicy flavors with creamy, melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting one-pot recipe combines tender chicken thighs marinated in a fiery gochujang-based sauce with cooked rice, topped with gooey cheese and garnished with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Easy to prepare and customizable in spice level, it’s an irresistible meal that delivers heat and heartiness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce

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

Base

  • 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)

Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnishes

  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Optional Ingredients

  • Oil for cooking (vegetable or sesame oil)
  • Additional chili flakes (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sugar to balance the heat. Toss the chicken in this spicy paste and marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 7-10 minutes until browned and cooked through, allowing caramelized edges to develop a slightly smoky flavor.
  3. Add Rice and Combine: Reduce heat to medium. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir gently, coating each grain with the spicy sauce and chicken juices for maximum flavor absorption.
  4. Top with Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the rice and chicken mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt thoroughly, creating a gooey and creamy texture that balances the dish’s heat.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for freshness and crunch. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect harmony of spicy heat and cheesy indulgence.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken thoroughly to intensify its flavor.
  • Use day-old rice to prevent mushiness when combined with the sauce.
  • Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of gochujang and chili flakes.
  • Cover the pan when melting cheese to ensure even melting and prevent burning.
  • Don’t skip fresh garnishes like scallions and sesame seeds for brightness and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Buldak Rice, Korean recipe, spicy chicken, gochujang recipe, cheesy rice dish, one-pot meal, Korean comfort food

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/cheesy-buldak-rice/