Korean Fried Chicken

Posted in Recipe Collections / Favorite Recipes: Thai, Persian, Korean, French, and More
Korean Fried Chicken
Korean Fried Chicken, known for its incredibly crispy exterior and juicy interior, gets a tantalizing twist with a glaze that's sweet, spicy, and deeply savory. This dish, a beloved staple in Korean cuisine, offers an easy way to bring the vibrant flavors of Korea to your kitchen. Whether you're gathering for a game day, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging in a flavorful meal, this Korean Fried Chicken recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp gochujang
  • Green onions, for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Red chilis, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch to coat evenly. Heat about 3 inches of oil in a heavy bottom pan to 375°F and fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

  2. Make the Korean Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until aromatic. Stir in honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and gochujang, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.

  3. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the fried chicken to the skillet, tossing well to coat each piece in the sauce. Ensure the chicken is evenly covered and the sauce is absorbed.

  4. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and red chilis. Serve hot for a delightful mix of textures and flavors that's characteristic of Korean Fried Chicken.

A Spicy-Sweet Delight

Elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering Korean Fried Chicken recipe, where each bite offers the perfect balance of crunch, tenderness, and flavor. This dish is a testament to the simplicity of Korean cooking techniques, focusing on quality ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite in your culinary repertoire, bringing a touch of Korea’s rich food culture to your dining table.

A Twist on Tradition

Korean Fried Chicken, or KFC as it’s affectionately known, stands out in the global panorama of fried chicken thanks to its unique preparation and unforgettable glaze. The secret lies in the double frying technique, which ensures an exceptionally crispy exterior while keeping the meat inside succulent and tender. This dish is a modern classic that showcases the innovative spirit of Korean cuisine, blending traditional flavors with contemporary cooking methods to create something truly special.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Korean Fried Chicken is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for various dining occasions. Serve it as the star of a casual dinner, accompanied by steamed rice and kimchi, or feature it as a show-stopping appetizer at your next party. For an authentic Korean street food experience, pair it with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing soju cocktail. The dish also pairs beautifully with pickled radishes, which offer a crisp, tangy contrast to the chicken’s spicy-sweet flavors.

Personalizing Your Chicken

While this recipe features a classic Korean sauce, the beauty of Korean Fried Chicken lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with the sauce ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Add more gochujang for a spicier kick, increase the honey for extra sweetness, or introduce a splash of lime juice for a bit of zesty brightness. Each variation brings a new dimension to the dish, allowing you to customize it to your liking and explore the vast world of Korean flavors.

A Culinary Adventure

Making Korean Fried Chicken at home is not just about enjoying a delicious meal; it’s about embarking on a culinary adventure. From mastering the double frying technique to mixing the perfect sauce, each step brings you closer to the heart of Korean cooking. This dish is a celebration of flavor, texture, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to delight your senses with this iconic Korean dish.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Servings Per Recipe: 6
  • Calories: 450

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 18gg (23% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 4gg (20% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 85mgmg (28% DV)
  • Sodium: 350mgmg (15% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35gg (13% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1gg (4% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 20gg
  • Protein: 35gg

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Recipe analyzed by verywell.