Spice and heat lovers, welcome! Today we dive into the world of Buldak Ramen, a dish that has taken the internet by storm, especially among the community of spicy and hot ramen aficionados. What is it that makes Buldak Ramen so incredibly spicy and tantalizing? Is the hype justified? Let’s find out!
How is Buldak Ramen made?
To understand why Buldak Ramen is as spicy as it is, we must first uncover the process of making this delicious but fiery dish. At its core, Buldak Ramen is a dish made from instant noodles tossed in a sauce derived from chicken and hot peppers. The word “Buldak” translates from Korean to mean “fire chicken”. It’s a fitting name, considering the spice level in these noodles can be akin to a blazing fire in your mouth!
The ramen’s iconic heat comes from its special sauce. The peppers used in this sauce are Korean gochugaru and gochujang, both known for their fiery intensity. A blend of soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil creates a balance between the spiciness and flavor. It’s the clever mixture of these ingredients that creates the addictively hot and delicious taste of Buldak Ramen.
How Spicy is Buldak Ramen 2x?
Now we’re entering a whole new level of spice: Buldak Ramen 2x. This variant comes in at a whopping 10,000 SHU – that’s more than double the heat of the original Buldak Ramen! The Buldak Ramen 2x packs an intense punch, it’s not for the faint-hearted.
Imagine the fiery heat of the original Buldak Ramen, then double it. That’s what you’re getting with the 2x. This ramen is for the spice-thrill seekers, those who aren’t satisfied with just ‘hot’ – they want ‘fire in the mouth’ hot. If you’re one of those people who loves to challenge your spice threshold, Buldak Ramen 2x is the one for you.
How Spicy is Spicy Buldak Ramen? Buldak Ramen Flavors Spicy Level
Now that we’ve established the various levels of spice in Buldak Ramen let’s delve deeper. How spicy is Buldak Ramen, really? Here’s a handy table to guide you through the Scoville Heat Units (SHU) of each Buldak Ramen variant:
| Flavor | Scoville index | Spiciness Level |
|---|---|---|
| Original Buldak Ramen | 4,400 SHU | Spicy |
| Buldak Ramen Carbonara Hot Chicken | 2,600 SHU | Milder/Spiciness Reduced |
| Buldak Kimchi Ramen | 4,000 SHU | Spicy |
| Buldak Light Ramen | 2,600 SHU | Buldak Ramen Carbonara Hot Chicken |
| Buldak Ramen Jjajang Hot Chicken | 1,920 SHU | Milder/Spiciness Reduced |
| Buldak Ramen Stew Type Hot Chicken | 4,705 SHU | Spicy |
| Buldak Ramen Curry Hot Chicken | 3,810 SHU | Spicy |
| Buldak Ramen Mala Hot Chicken | 2,700 SHU | Milder/Spiciness Reduced |
| Buldak Ramen Cheese Hot Chicken | 2,323 SHU | Milder/Spiciness Reduced |
| Buldak Ramen 2x Spicy Hot Chicken | 10,000 SHU | Extremely Spicy (2X the spiciness of Original) |
| Buldak 3X Spicy Ramen | 13,200 SHU | Extremely Spicy (3X the spiciness of Original) |
| Buldak Ramen Ice Type Hot Chicken | 4,404 SHU | Spicy with Cooling Sensation |
| Buldak Tomato Pasta Ramen | 2,600 SHU | Milder/Spiciness Reduced |
| Buldak Bokkeummyun | 2,600 SHU | Milder/Spiciness Reduced |
Which Buldak Ramen Is Least Spicy?
So, you’re not one for the spice but still want to experience the deliciousness that is Buldak Ramen? Look no further! Buldak Ramen offers milder variations that maintain the iconic flavors without the overpowering heat. Here are the least spicy versions of Buldak Ramen:
- Buldak Ramen Jjajang Hot Chicken
- Buldak Ramen Carbonara Hot Chicken
- Buldak Ramen Mala Hot Chicken
- Buldak Ramen Cheese Hot Chicken
- Buldak Tomato Pasta Ramen
- Buldak Bokkeummyun
These variants range from 1,920 to 2,600 SHU. They might still pack a bit of a punch compared to non-spicy foods, but they are significantly milder than the original Buldak Ramen. Remember, even though they’re milder, they’re still Buldak Ramen, so expect some heat!
Final Thoughts
Buldak Ramen has become a global phenomenon for a reason. Its complex flavors and varying heat levels cater to a broad range of palates, from the spice-adverse to the heat-seeking enthusiast. From its humble beginning as a simple spicy ramen, Buldak Ramen has transformed into an array of flavors and spice levels, each offering a unique gustatory experience.
Whether you’re a spice novice or a fiery food veteran, there’s a Buldak Ramen waiting for you. Its heat may be challenging, but it’s also addictively delicious. Remember, eating Buldak Ramen is not just about enduring the heat. It’s about savoring the complex flavors that make up this iconic dish. So, are you ready for your next culinary adventure?