Viral Creamy Buldak Ramen with Chicken Tenders Recipe

I absolutely adore whipping up this Viral Creamy Buldak Ramen with Chicken Tenders Recipe whenever I want a meal that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. It’s a delightful twist on classic buldak ramen, elevated with a luscious creamy sauce that’s rich and oh-so comforting, topped with juicy, seasoned chicken tenders that bring a perfect smoky kick. This dish has quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes for a cozy night in, and I’m excited to share all my tips and tricks so you can enjoy it just as much as I do.

Why You'll Love This Viral Creamy Buldak Ramen with Chicken Tenders Recipe

From the first time I tried this Viral Creamy Buldak Ramen with Chicken Tenders Recipe, I was hooked by the luxurious creaminess that transforms the spicy buldak ramen into something sooo irresistible. The combination of the rich egg yolks, creamy mayo, and savory garlic melds beautifully with the fiery buldak sauce, creating a harmony of heat and indulgence that dances on your palate. It’s tangy, spicy, and utterly creamy all at once, and honestly, it feels like the ultimate comfort food that still has a punch.

What’s more, I love how easy and approachable this recipe is. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can have an impressive, restaurant-quality meal on your table in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s such a fun dish to share—whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner with friends or a cozy weekend retreat, it never fails to impress.

What makes this recipe truly stand out for me is the addition of chicken tenders seasoned with Willie Pete Chicken Seasoning. The smoky, savory flavors of the chicken pair perfectly with the creamy broth and noodles, adding an extra layer of texture and taste that rounds out the dish. It feels like a luxurious bowl of ramen but with a personal touch that I always find comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe is all about simple ingredients that pack so much flavor and texture into every bite. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy egg yolks and mayo that give the sauce its velvety texture, to the spicy buldak ramen seasoning that delivers that iconic Korean heat. The garlic adds a punch of aroma, while the chicken tenders bring heartiness and a smoky flair.

• Buldak Ramen – Carbonara flavor: This packs the signature spicy sauce that makes the dish viral and vibrant.
• Egg yolks (2 large): Provide creaminess and help emulsify the sauce perfectly.
• Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): Adds extra richness and a smooth texture to the broth.
• Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Brings aromatic depth and savory punch.
• Whiskey Smoked Sea Salt: Enhances flavor with a subtle smoky note and seasoning control.
• Chicken tenders (2, pre-cooked and seasoned): Adds tender protein with a delicious smoky, spicy seasoning boost.
• Water: For boiling the noodles and creating the sauce base with reserved pasta water.

Directions

Step 1: Fill a pot with water and sprinkle in some Whiskey Smoked Sea Salt to season it. Place it over high heat and bring it to a strong boil. The smoked salt infuses a subtle depth right from the start.

Step 2: While waiting for the water to boil, crack two large eggs and carefully separate the yolks from the whites. Place only the yolks into an empty serving bowl—you’ll use these to create that beautiful creamy sauce.

Step 3: Open the two packs of Buldak Ramen Carbonara flavor and add all the sauce packets (both liquid and powder) directly into the bowl with the egg yolks. This is the flavor base that makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 4: Add a heaping tablespoon of mayonnaise and one tablespoon of minced garlic to the bowl. Use a spoon or whisk to mix everything together thoroughly, creating a rich, aromatic sauce mixture.

Step 5: Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the two blocks of dried ramen noodles. Boil them for approximately 5 to 5 and a half minutes or until they're perfectly al dente—soft but with a little bite.

Step 6: Just before draining the noodles, carefully scoop out one full cup of the hot pasta water and pour it into the bowl containing the yolk and sauce mixture. The heat from the water will cook the yolks gently and melt the mayo, emulsifying everything into a silky, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Drain the rest of the water from the noodles fully, then immediately add the hot noodles to the bowl with the creamy sauce. Toss everything vigorously until every strand is wonderfully coated in that luscious sauce.

Step 8: Slice the pre-cooked chicken tenders, seasoned with Willie Pete Chicken Seasoning, into bite-sized pieces. This smoky seasoning perfectly complements the creamy ramen.

Step 9: Arrange the sliced chicken tenders over the top of your creamy, saucy noodles for a beautiful presentation and extra savory goodness.

Step 10: Serve the bowl steaming hot immediately, and get ready to dive into one of the most comforting and flavor-packed meals you’ll have all week.

Servings and Timing

This Viral Creamy Buldak Ramen with Chicken Tenders Recipe serves 2 generously. The prep time is about 5 minutes, mainly separating yolks and prepping ingredients, while the cook time is roughly 10 minutes including boiling noodles and mixing sauces. Altogether, you’re looking at around 15 minutes for a full, satisfying meal with zero complicated steps or long wait times. No resting or cooling time is necessary, so this comes together fast and fresh.

How to Serve This Viral Creamy Buldak Ramen with Chicken Tenders Recipe

I like to serve this ramen piping hot to really savor the creamy texture and the spicy warmth. For accompaniments, I often choose light sides like a simple cucumber salad or pickled radish to add a refreshing crunch and cut through some of the richness. Kimchi is also a fantastic pairing if you want to lean into the Korean flavors.

When plating, I love to garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions to add color and a little brightness. A few fresh chili flakes on top can turn up the heat if you’re feeling adventurous. Serving it in wide, shallow bowls helps show off the creamy sauce and the chicken tenders beautifully—plus it makes tossing and eating easier.

For drinks, I find a crisp cold beer or a sparkling soda complements the bold flavors perfectly. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a chilled green tea or a citrus-infused water balances the spice nicely. This recipe is wonderful for casual dinners, date nights, or even a fun weeknight treat when you want a comforting and exciting meal that feels special without fuss.

Variations

If you want to customize this Viral Creamy Buldak Ramen with Chicken Tenders Recipe, I recommend trying different protein options. Shrimp or tofu work beautifully if you prefer seafood or want a vegetarian spin—just be sure to season tofu well for max flavor. You can also swap out the chicken seasoning for other spice blends like Korean gochugaru or even a smoky chipotle rub for a different heat profile.

For those following a gluten-free diet, I’d suggest using gluten-free ramen noodles or rice noodles instead of traditional wheat-based ones. To keep it vegan, you can substitute the egg yolks with silken tofu blended with a bit of nutritional yeast, and use vegan mayo. Although it changes the texture slightly, it still maintains that creamy goodness that makes this dish so crave-worthy.

Finally, you can experiment with adding different flavor boosters like a dash of soy sauce, a squeeze of fresh lime, or fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for a fresh twist. Baking or grilling the chicken tenders instead of pan-cooking can add a smoky char that’s a wonderful contrast to the creamy noodles. I love evolving this recipe to keep it exciting, while still honoring the luscious, creamy spiciness I adore.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Viral Creamy Buldak Ramen with Chicken Tenders Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find using a glass or BPA-free plastic container with a tight seal helps keep the noodles from drying out. The leftovers will stay good for up to 2 days. Make sure to refrigerate soon after serving to maintain freshness and food safety.

Freezing

This particular creamy ramen is not the best candidate for freezing because the texture of the creamy sauce and noodles changes when frozen and thawed. However, if you want to freeze the cooked chicken tenders separately, they freeze well for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming up this ramen gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it heats and stir constantly to prevent the eggs in the sauce from scrambling. Avoid microwaving it on high to keep the creamy texture intact—microwaves can sometimes make the sauce grainy. Once warmed through and hot, give it a good toss again before serving to revive that dreamy, emulsified sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this dish spicier or milder?

Absolutely! The Buldak Ramen sauce is already spicy, but if you want to turn up the heat, add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving. To tone down the spice, reduce the amount of sauce used or add a little extra mayo or cheese to mellow the heat.

Can I use regular chicken breast instead of tenders?

Yes, you can! Just slice the chicken breast into thin strips and season them with the same Willie Pete Chicken Seasoning or your favorite spice blend. Cook until fully done, and add on top of your ramen just like you would with tenders. It’s a great way to stretch the recipe with what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to use the egg yolks, or can I skip them?

The egg yolks are key to creating the creamy, silky texture that makes this recipe so unique and indulgent. Skipping them will significantly change the sauce’s consistency and richness. If you have egg allergies or prefer no eggs, consider substituting with a vegan mayonnaise or silken tofu blend to mimic creaminess.

Can I prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time?

I recommend mixing the sauce fresh just before combining with the hot water and noodles because the heat is needed to slightly cook the egg yolks and emulsify the mayonnaise. Preparing it too early might affect the texture and flavor balance.

What if I can’t find Willie Pete Chicken Seasoning?

No worries! You can use your favorite smoked or spicy chicken seasoning blend as a substitute. A combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper will work wonderfully to achieve a similar smoky and spicy profile.

Conclusion

Cooking up this Viral Creamy Buldak Ramen with Chicken Tenders Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorite culinary indulgences. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors that come together effortlessly in less than 20 minutes. I genuinely can’t recommend it enough for anyone craving a comforting yet exciting meal that feels both special and approachable. Give it a try and I promise you’ll be hooked just like I am!

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