What Is Buldak Jjajang Ramen and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
If you’ve ever had traditional jjajangmyeon (Korean black bean noodles), you know it’s usually rich, savory, and a bit sweet. But what happens when Samyang decides to blend their signature fire with that classic jjajang sauce? You get Buldak Jjajang Ramen—a bold, smoky, spicy twist on a Korean comfort food classic.
Samyang’s buldak jjajang isn’t just a novelty. It’s a serious fusion that combines two of Korea’s favorite noodle styles: jjajang and buldak (spicy chicken). The result? A thick, dark, flavorful noodle dish that hits you with spicy black bean ramen flavor—creamy, smoky, and intensely satisfying.
This version is part of the growing “black sauce buldak” trend—noodles that use darker, more complex sauces rather than just pure heat. The Buldak Jjajang flavor carries a deep umami note thanks to the fermented black bean paste, but still holds onto that unmistakable Samyang kick.
Let’s find out how it tastes, how to cook it just right, and how it compares to both traditional jjajangmyeon and other Buldak variations like the Buldak Habanero Lime or Buldak Carbonara.
Table of Contents
First Bite Review: What Does Buldak Jjajang Taste Like?
The moment you open the jjajang buldak pack, you’ll notice something different. There’s no fiery red powder like in the 2x Spicy Buldak. Instead, you get a dark, thick black bean sauce packet that smells earthy and smoky—with a whisper of heat underneath.
When cooked and mixed, the buldak jjajang noodles are glossy, almost oily in the best way, and coated in rich sauce. The taste? Surprisingly layered:
🍜 First hit: Sweet, fermented black bean umami
🌶 Second wave: Smoky, roasted heat from the buldak pepper blend
🧄 Aftertaste: Slight garlic, onion, and a little molasses-like depth
It’s not just spicy for the sake of being spicy. The flavor is rich and deep. The spice level is around 3 out of 5—much milder than Buldak 2x Spicy, but it builds.
This is what makes it a great choice for those who find the original buldak a bit too hot, but still want a ramen with personality. If you’re used to eating korean jjajang ramen, this one might shock you at first—but in a good way.
The chewy noodles, smoky depth, and long-lasting heat combine to make this one of the most unique Buldak variants out there.
How to Cook Buldak Jjajang Noodles the Right Way
Making buldak jjajang is easy, but doing it right makes all the difference. Here’s how I recommend cooking it:
Ingredients:
1 pack of Buldak Jjajang Ramen
600ml water
Optional: fried egg, diced scallions, sesame seeds
Steps:
Boil the noodles for 5 minutes in 600ml of water.
Drain, but keep 2–3 tablespoons of water in the pot.
Add the black sauce buldak packet, and mix over low heat until the noodles are fully coated.
Serve hot with toppings like a fried egg or cucumber strips.
💡 Pro tip: Want to cut the spice a bit? Stir in a half teaspoon of sesame oil or a little bit of cream.
The result is a bowl of rich, spicy, glossy noodles that feel almost gourmet. The sauce clings to every bite, and the mild sweetness at the beginning is perfectly balanced by the heat that follows.
If you like customizing your bowl, try mixing in extra jjajang paste or a few cubes of sautéed pork belly. It elevates the buldak jjajang noodles to restaurant-level deliciousness.
Comparing Buldak Jjajang to Other Buldak Favorites
So, how does buldak jjajang compare to the rest of the Buldak family? Let’s break it down:
| Flavor | Spice Level | Texture | Unique Flavor Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buldak Original | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | Chewy | Classic fire chicken |
| 2x Spicy | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | Chewy | Pure heat overload |
| Carbonara | 🔥🔥 | Creamy | Cheese & milk richness |
| Habanero Lime | 🔥🔥🔥 | Slick | Tangy & tropical |
| Jjajang | 🔥🔥🔥 | Sticky | Deep umami & black bean |
Each flavor has its own character, but buldak jjajang is the most robust and smoky. It has a slightly heavier feel and pairs amazingly with pickled radish or kimchi.
If you’re new to buldak, jjajang is a great gateway. It’s spicy, but not punishing. And if you already love the black bean taste, this version will blow you away with how much it improves on standard korean jjajang ramen.
Still deciding? Check out this handy comparison: Buddak or Buldak? Which to Choose
Who Should Try Buldak Jjajang?
buldak jjajang is for people who:
❤️ Love jjajangmyeon but want more flavor depth
🔥 Like a manageable spice level
👨🍳 Want to cook customizable noodles at home
🥢 Enjoy spicy black bean ramen and fusion dishes
📷 Create content (this one looks awesome on camera!)
On the flip side, if you’re looking for creamy or cheesy flavors, this may not be your first choice. Instead, consider Carbonara Buldak or even the Quattro Cheese flavor.
And if you’re an English learner who enjoys reading food reviews, visit Speak English with Ease — it’s a fun way to practice while enjoying your favorite snacks!
Where to Buy and What to Add for Maximum Flavor
You can get jjajang buldak pack from Asian supermarkets, online K-food shops, or Amazon. Sometimes it comes in mix packs with other Buldak varieties—perfect if you want to compare.
To level it up, try these add-ons:
🥚 Soft-boiled or fried egg
🧈 Butter (yes, it smooths out the spice)
🥓 Crispy bacon bits
🧀 Shredded cheddar cheese
🥬 Green onions and sesame seeds
🥒 Julienned cucumber for that classic jjajangmyeon feel
It’s also great with Korean-style black bean sauce if you want a more authentic vibe.
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Final Thoughts: Should You Try Buldak Jjajang?
Absolutely. Buldak Jjajang is one of the most exciting flavors Samyang has released in recent years. It’s bold, balanced, and brings something totally new to the spicy noodle scene.
Whether you’re a Buldak veteran or just starting your spicy noodle journey, this one offers a flavor-packed experience without overwhelming heat. The combination of black sauce buldak and chewy noodles is delicious, memorable, and Instagram-worthy.
It’s the kind of ramen you crave on a rainy night—or whenever you need comfort food with a kick.
Have a question, photo, or recipe to share? Contact us—we love hearing from fellow ramen lovers!
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