A big update to this guide happened on 5/23/2022 and 5/25/2022, so with this big change, I happily announce the new version which includes a great deal more varieties. I’d also like to add that in many reports including personal experience, the tolerance to the heat of Buldak rises significantly; so you eat it today and it’s almost too hard to finish? Try it again tomorrow – you will be surprised most likely that it is easier to handle.
One variety that has captivated the world is Samyang Foods Buldak Bokkeummyun. The ‘Fire Noodle Challenge’ is something of legend; people will try to eat a bowl of the spicy noodles as fast as they can and then (usually in a YouTube video), the reaction to the heat is seen, ranging from silence to screaming, calmness to dripping sweat.
The viral mania of this challenge has finally prompted me to release a special series on the varieties and some info on them you might not know. I have included a boatload of information in this post – check out the video as well as all the information below it!
This is a presentation I’ve made including lots of informational as well as me taking down a bowl of the 2x Spicy noodles.
What is Samyang 2x Spicy Noodles’ Scoville Heat Unit?
The original Samyang 2x Spicy Noodles Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) was at 8,808 SHU but the renewed version is at 10,000 SHU. That’s 2,000 SHU more than their first limited edition release in 2017!
To put this heat level into perspective, jalapeno’s SHU measures somewhere between 2,000 – 8,000 SHU. Meanwhile, Tabasco Sauce ranges from 7,000 – 8,000 SHU. Its as if eating these noodles is like eating a whole chili pepper or chugging hot sauce straight from the bottle.
HOT FACTThe updated Samyang 2x Haek Spicy Buldak Chicken Noodles’ Scoville Heat Unit is 10,000 SHU.
The noodles are primarily made from wheat flour, tapioca starch, gluten, and soybean oil while the soup is made from artificial chicken powder, red pepper powder, chili powder, and other powdered spices. The packed flakes include roast sesame and roasted laver.
One unique thing about the Samyang Spicy Noodles is that apart from the dried seasoning packet, it comes with the sauce packet: a dark red liquid stir-fry sauce that contains all the “nuclear” flavors that spice up the noodles.
If you want to see what’s inside a pack of Samyang 2x Spicy Ramen, watch our full review where we unpack a bag, go through the nutritional facts, and prepare a bowl:
Read more of our Samyang Spicy Noodle Reviews and choose your pick:
It will be hard to achieve the spice level of Bulddak Chicken if you cook it the proper way. Don’t underestimate the difference in flavor when you ace your water-to-noodle ratio!
To prepare your 2x Samyang Noodles correctly, here’s what you should do:
1. Boil your noodles for 5 minutes. You want to cook your noodles for exactly five minutes in 600 millileters of boiling water. The goal is to get stringy and chewy textured noodles, not sad and soggy.
2. Save eight spoonfuls of water (or 120 milliliters of water) before draining your cooked noodles completely. You will use this leftover water with your liquid nuclear seasoning in the next step.
3. Stir-fry, season, and serve. Stir-fry your noodles and gradually add your preferred amount of nuclear sauce over it for a subtle crisp and a spicy taste that you can tolerate.
Doing it this way will prevent you from diluting the nuclear sauce and decrease the challenging spiciness that you’re looking for. Dont forget to put in the flakes before serving!
We all know how straightforward instant noodles are. That’s their appeal. You follow the packaging instructions and youre done!
However, if you want to explore other ways to enjoy samyang ramen, you can add a square of cheese for added richness and attempt to bring down the heat.
For added protein, you can add fried egg, chicken bites, or pulled pork. Or if you want to supplement what’s included in your dry seasoning packet, you can include shallots, carrots, beansprouts, bokchoy, mushrooms, or other vegetables you deem fit.
On the side, you can have a wedge of lime to add a hint of zest to your noodles.
You can also use Samyang Spicy Noodles for budae jiggae army stew and hot pots!
As it is, these noodles are vegan and considered halal food. Although, there is an allergy information that its manufactured in a facility that processes fish, eggs, milk, and shellfish, so best be informed.
And a final tip from us: The Spicy Noodle Challenge prohibits you from having a drink of water or milk to temper the heat. However, that doesn’t mean you can leave it out by your side. It’s okay to take a step back when you can’t handle the heat. You wouldn’t want to have any regrets with an instant noodle dish!
What are Korean Fire Noodles?
Korean fire noodles are an internet-famous dish created by the Samyang Foods company in South Korea.
Established in 1961, Samyang Foods, Inc. produced Korea’s first ramen in 1963. The 60s saw food shortages in Korea, so the company sought to create something to overcome them. Decades later, ramen is the second most popular food staple for the country. I’m assuming kimchi is considered the first.
The actual product name of the original spicy ramen used in many of the internet videos is Buldak Bokkeum Myun, which translates roughly to “hot chicken stir-fried noodles.”
Although Samyang produces a variety of ramen flavors, the internet grabbed hold of this particular hot spicy noodle flavor, making it the brand’s leading K-Food (their word, not mine). Now they export their noodles and snacks across the globe to hungry fans and curious netizens just like you.
The company has capitalized on the demand for their spicy noodles by creating more flavors under the hot chicken family. You can now try Samyang ramen versions like Cheese, Curry, and the spiciest — 2x Nuclear. Let’s take a detailed look at each of them now.
Buldak Bokkeum Myun (Jjajang Flavor)
This Samyang ramen flavor is one of the more recent additions to the lineup. Jjajang is a popular black bean sauce in Asia. It’s often eaten by Koreans, so it was a smart choice for them to create for the hot chicken stir-fried noodles. Don’t write off this flavor until you’ve tried it. It might sound odd, but I think you’ll enjoy it.
FAQ
How many Scoville is nuclear noodles?
How many Scoville units is buldak 2X?
