How My Korean Grandma Makes 2x Spicy Buldak Ramen
How My Korean Grandma Makes 2x Spicy Buldak Ramen🥵 is a easy Korean recipe that serves 1. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Ellen Park on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 15 min
Cost: $0.80 total, $0.80 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 package Instant Ramen Noodles (choose a mild flavor or discard any chili powder)
- 2 cups Water (for boiling)
- 1 large Egg (optional, poached or boiled)
- 1 stalk Green Onions (thinly sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Boil Water
Fill a pot with 2 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Time: PT2M
Cook Noodles
Add the ramen noodles to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to separate the strands.
Time: PT3M
Season the Broth
Stir in the flavor packet, omitting any chili flakes or spicy seasoning to keep the broth mild.
Time: PT30S
Add Egg
Crack the egg into the pot and let it poach for 1 minute, or add a pre‑cooked boiled egg sliced in half.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Transfer the ramen to a bowl, garnish with sliced green onions, and enjoy while hot.
Time: PT30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 10g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: vegetarian (if egg omitted), contains soy (in seasoning packet)
Allergens: gluten, egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Ramen Noodles: any instant noodle, fresh ramen noodles
- Instead of Egg: soft boiled egg, hard boiled egg
- Instead of Green Onions: scallions, chives
Equipment Needed
- Pot
- Stove
- Bowl
- Ladle (optional)
- Chopsticks (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boil Water
- Cook Noodles
- Season the Broth
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a dash of sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds for a pleasant crunch.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become mushy.
Reduce cooking time to 2‑3 minutes and drain any excess water before adding seasoning.
Broth is too salty.
Add a splash of water or use only part of the seasoning packet.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of noodles degrades.
Room temperature: Consume immediately; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre‑measure the seasoning packet and toppings for faster assembly.
- Cook noodles slightly al dente and reheat in fresh broth later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of non‑spicy ramen in Korean home cooking?
In Korean households, instant ramen is a beloved quick‑meal staple that evolved from Japanese ramen. A non‑spicy version is often prepared for children, the elderly, or anyone preferring milder flavors, reflecting the Korean value of adaptable comfort food.
What are the traditional regional variations of ramen in Korea compared to the Japanese original?
Korean ramen typically uses a richer, often spicier broth, but regional twists include adding kimchi, cheese, or seafood. The non‑spicy style highlighted by Ellen Park mirrors the simple, broth‑only versions popular in rural Korean homes.
How is non‑spicy ramen traditionally served in Korean households?
It is usually served hot in a deep bowl, topped with sliced green onions, a boiled or poached egg, and sometimes a drizzle of sesame oil. The focus is on a clean, soothing broth without the heat of chili flakes.
What occasions or celebrations is non‑spicy ramen associated with in Korean culture?
While ramen is everyday comfort food, a mild version is often prepared for school lunches, late‑night study sessions, or as a gentle meal for sick family members during holidays.
How does non‑spicy ramen fit into the broader Korean cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies Korean cuisine’s emphasis on balance and flexibility—providing a quick, nourishing dish that can be customized with side dishes (banchan) or kept simple for a soothing broth experience.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Korean non‑spicy ramen versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include instant ramen noodles, a mild broth base, green onions, and egg. Substitutes can be fresh ramen noodles, tofu instead of egg, or different garnish herbs like cilantro.
What other Korean dishes pair well with non‑spicy ramen?
Mild kimchi, pickled radish (danmuji), seasoned spinach (sigeumchi namul), and a side of steamed dumplings (mandu) complement the gentle flavor of non‑spicy ramen.
What makes non‑spicy ramen special or unique in Korean cuisine?
Its simplicity highlights the quality of the broth and noodles without the dominant heat of gochugaru or chili oil, making it accessible to all ages and a comforting base for personal tweaks.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making non‑spicy ramen at home?
Overcooking the noodles, adding too much seasoning, and neglecting to remove any chili flakes from the packet are typical errors. Follow the short cooking times and taste before adding extra salt.
Why does this non‑spicy ramen recipe omit chili flakes instead of using a milder seasoning blend?
Ellen Park’s video emphasizes a truly mild broth, so she removes the chili flakes entirely to ensure the dish stays gentle on the palate, especially for those sensitive to spice.
Can I make non‑spicy ramen ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the noodles and broth separately, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and combine them just before serving. Reheat gently to avoid over‑cooking the noodles.
What does the YouTube channel Ellen Park specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ellen Park focuses on simple, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that blend Korean comfort food with quick, everyday meals for busy lifestyles.
How does the YouTube channel Ellen Park's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?
Ellen Park emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, short preparation times, and clear step‑by‑step visuals, making traditional Korean dishes accessible to beginners, whereas many other channels may focus on more elaborate techniques or regional specialties.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
