Elevate your taste buds with a crispy and flavorful Korean dish that boasts a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This fried chicken recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving for more with its irresistible crunch and bold seasoning.
When it comes to fried chicken, it’s hard to beat the crispy, flavorful goodness of Korean fried chicken. This delectable dish has a history that dates back to the 1960s in South Korea, where it quickly became a beloved staple in Korean cuisine.
Unlike traditional American fried chicken. Korean fried chicken is known for its lighter, crispier coating and bold, savory flavors.
The secret to Korean fried chicken’s unique taste lies in the double-frying process, which creates an extra crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside. Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings, the chicken is first coated in a light batter before being fried to perfection.
While the recipe for Korean fried chicken may seem complex at first glance, it’s actually quite simple to make at home. With a little practice and the right ingredients, you can recreate the mouthwatering flavors of this popular dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks or Wings: The main protein in this dish, chicken drumsticks or wings are used for their juicy and flavorful meat. They are typically marinated and then fried to crispy perfection.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory and salty flavor to the marinade, helping to season the chicken and enhance its taste.
Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the marinade, balancing out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the marinade, giving the chicken a rich and complex taste.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty and spicy kick to the marinade, complementing the other flavors and adding depth to the dish.
Garlic: Garlic is used to add a pungent and savory flavor to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the marinade, helping to caramelize the chicken and create a crispy coating when fried.
Gochujang Korean Red Pepper Paste: Gochujang is a spicy and flavorful Korean red pepper paste that adds heat and depth to the marinade, giving the chicken a bold and distinctive taste.
Plain Flour: Plain flour is used to coat the chicken before frying, helping to create a crunchy and crispy outer layer.
Cornflour: Cornflour is also used to coat the chicken before frying, adding an extra layer of crispiness to the dish.
Baking Powder: Baking powder is added to the flour coating to help make the chicken extra crispy when fried, creating a light and airy texture.
Salt: Salt is used to season the flour coating, helping to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Oil for Deep Frying: Oil is used for deep frying the chicken, helping to cook it quickly and evenly while creating a crispy exterior.
Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds are sprinkled on top of the finished dish for added flavor and texture, providing a nutty and crunchy element.
Spring Onions: Spring onions are used as a garnish for the finished dish, adding a fresh and slightly pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Korean Fried Chicken hot and crispy, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
- Pair the chicken with a side of sticky white rice and a simple salad of cucumber, carrots, and radishes dressed with a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- For a more indulgent option, serve the chicken with a side of vegetable fried rice or Korean sweet potato noodles (japchae).
Variations:
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Gochujang Korean red pepper paste in the marinade.
- Experiment with different cuts of chicken such as chicken thighs or breast strips for a different texture.
- Try adding a twist to the batter by incorporating Korean spices such as gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or garlic powder.
- For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Simply coat the marinated chicken in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F until cooked through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Korean Fried Chicken different from traditional fried chicken?
Korean Fried Chicken is known for its thin and crispy skin, which is achieved by double-frying the chicken. The use of a light batter also sets it apart from traditional fried chicken.
Is Korean Fried Chicken always spicy?
Not always! While Korean Fried Chicken can be found with various levels of spiciness, there are also non-spicy options available for those who prefer a milder taste.
What are some popular Korean Fried Chicken flavors?
Some popular flavors of Korean Fried Chicken include soy garlic, spicy, honey butter, and garlic parmesan. Each restaurant may have their own unique spin on these classic flavors.
Can I order Korean Fried Chicken for a large group or party?
Yes, many Korean Fried Chicken restaurants offer catering services for events and parties. Be sure to check with the restaurant in advance to place a large order.
Check Out These Other Recipes
Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.
- Korean Chicken Wings
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Egg Fried Rice
- Spicy Chicken Wings
- Kimchi
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Korean Fried Chicken
by Nabeela Kauser
Uncover the secrets of making mouthwatering Korean fried chicken. A culinary adventure that combines history, culture, and technique. No professional skills required – step into the world of Korean cooking today!
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Appetiser
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken Drumsticks Or wings
- 50 ml Soy Sauce
- 50 ml Rice Vinegar
- 30 ml Sesame Oil
- 2 tsp Ginger Grated
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 50 g Brown Sugar
- 4 tbsp Gochujang Korean red pepper paste
- 50 g Plain Flour
- 50 g Cornflour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Oil For deep frying
- Sesame seeds Optional, for garnish
- Spring Onions Optional, for garnish
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, and gochujang. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the chicken wings or drumsticks to the marinade and toss until they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 180°C (350°F).
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Repeat the frying process until all the chicken is cooked.
Garnish the Korean Fried Chicken with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions (if desired).
Serve the Korean Fried Chicken hot as an appetizer or with steamed rice and pickled vegetables as a main dish.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang according to your preferred level of spiciness.
You can also serve Korean Fried Chicken with a side of kimchi for an authentic Korean experience.
Nutritional facts:
The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.
Nutrition
Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 33gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 154mgSodium: 1265mgPotassium: 506mgFibre: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 109IUVitamin C: 4mgVitamin D: 0.2µgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Chicken, Chicken Wings, Food, Fried Chicken, Recipe
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