The spontaneous result of needing a break from all the cooking, work, and travel that tend to take over the holidays – this holiday “tradition” has now become a staple of the season. Every December, our lives become a merry, but chaotic, marathon. And as much as we love the festivities, there comes a moment when the idea of making one more holiday dish feels like being asked to run a sprint in the middle of that marathon.

When you know you don’t have a “real meal” left in you, Buldak Ramen steps in.

Jazzed up with leftover turkey, garlic sizzling in butter, a fried egg, and a handful of greens. Ten minutes later, you are on the couch slurping noodles spicy enough to reset the soul. The relief is immediate. The comfort is real. And thus, our tradition was born – a bowl that clears the sinuses, warms the toes, and reminds us that happiness doesn’t always have to be orchestrated. Sometimes it can be as simple as spicy noodles and a deep exhale. Because in the middle of the holiday whirlwind, a break can feel like a celebration all its own.

All measurements are guidelines – revise according to taste and preference.

• 2 packs Buldak Ramen (any heat level—go “2x Spicy” only if the holidays haven’t broken you yet)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover holiday turkey
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 fried egg per person
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
• 1–2 tsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• Garnish according to preference: scallions, toasted sesame seeds, crispy onions, chili crisp

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, but hold off on adding the sauce. Reserve ¼ cup of the cooking water.
2. Sizzle aromatics: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Add protein & greens: Toss in shredded chicken/turkey and spinach until the greens wilt.
4. Build the sauce: Add the Buldak sauce packet(s), soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and the reserved noodle water. Stir until glossy.
5. Combine: Add cooked noodles to the pan and toss until fully coated.
6. Serve: Top with fried eggs, scallions, sesame seeds, and any crunchy extras.