Korean Fried Chicken
I no longer need to search for the best Korean Fried Chicken or order takeout. With my foolproof recipe and expert tips, I get that signature crunch and flavor at home with less cost and effort. Authentic and perfectly crispy, I can make it anytime I crave it, in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Korean Fried Chicken recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Crunchy: The double coating of cornstarch ensures each piece is perfectly crispy, satisfying your cravings for that ideal crunch.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of gochujang paste, allowing you to cater to your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, game night, or a special gathering, this dish will impress everyone at the table.
- Healthy Twist: Using chicken breast instead of dark meat reduces the fat content while still delivering big flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To achieve the best results when making Korean Fried Chicken, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools help streamline the process and ensure your chicken turns out perfectly crispy every time.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Deep frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Plate for resting chicken
Importance of Each Tool
- Deep frying pan: A deep frying pan allows for enough oil to immerse the chicken pieces fully, resulting in even cooking and crispiness.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls for the batter and sauce helps keep your ingredients organized throughout the cooking process.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for properly mixing the cornstarch and flour, ensuring a smooth coating for your chicken.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into 1-inch chunks)
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup flour (gluten-free works as well)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 eggs (beaten)
– Canola oil for frying
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 3 tablespoons gochujang paste (or chili sauce – add more or less, depending how spicy you prefer it)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/3 cup soy sauce
– 1/2 cup water
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
How to Make Korean Fried Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: ketchup, gochujang paste, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper until well combined. In another bowl, add beaten eggs.
Step 3: Heat Oil
Pour about two inches of canola oil into a deep frying pan. Heat it over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs first. Then add it to the cornstarch mixture and toss until well coated. For extra crunchiness, dip again in eggs followed by tossing in cornstarch.
Step 5: Fry in Batches
Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes per batch.
Step 6: Toss with Sauce
Once cooked, remove the chicken from oil using tongs and set aside on a plate. Discard remaining oil from the pan. Add cooked chicken back to the pan with prepared sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer your delicious Korean Fried Chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds if desired before serving hot!
How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken
Korean Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, serving this crispy chicken with the right accompaniments enhances its flavor and presentation.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Soy Sauce: A classic choice, soy sauce adds a savory depth that complements the chicken.
- Chili Sauce: For those who love heat, a spicy chili sauce can elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
- Garlic Aioli: Creamy and rich, garlic aioli pairs well with the crunch of Korean Fried Chicken.
Serve with Fresh Vegetables
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad balances the richness of the chicken.
- Pickled Radishes: These add a tangy crunch that cuts through the savory flavors.
- Shredded Carrots: Bright and crunchy, shredded carrots add color and texture to your plate.
Accompany with Rice
- Steamed White Rice: Classic and simple, white rice absorbs the delicious sauces beautifully.
- Fried Rice: For added flavor, serve Korean Fried Chicken alongside stir-fried rice mixed with vegetables.
How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken
Achieving perfectly crispy Korean Fried Chicken requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your chicken turns out delicious every time.
- Choose the Right Oil: Using canola oil is ideal for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Double Dredge for Crunchiness: Dip the chicken twice in the egg and cornstarch mixture for extra crunch and texture.
- Let It Rest: Allowing coated chicken to rest for 10 minutes before frying helps create a better crust.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F) before adding chicken; otherwise, it could become greasy.
- Cook in Batches: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Work in small batches for optimal results.
Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Korean Fried Chicken can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful main course.
- Kimchi: This fermented dish adds a spicy kick and probiotic benefits, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor.
- Rice Cakes (Tteok): Chewy rice cakes provide a unique texture that pairs well with fried chicken.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw offers freshness and helps balance out the richness of the fried chicken.
- Mandu (Korean Dumplings): These savory dumplings make for a delightful addition to any meal featuring fried chicken.
- Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles): Sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables add an interesting flavor contrast.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries provide sweetness that complements the savory flavors of Korean Fried Chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Korean Fried Chicken at home can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong flour – Make sure to use cornstarch and flour for the best crunch. Avoid using only all-purpose flour as it won’t yield the same texture.
- Skipping marinating time – Letting chicken sit in seasoning before frying enhances flavor. Don’t rush this step; even 30 minutes makes a difference.
- Overcrowding the pan – Frying too many pieces at once lowers oil temperature. Cook in small batches for that signature crispiness.
- Not letting oil heat enough – Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s not sizzling, wait longer; otherwise, your chicken will absorb too much oil.
- Neglecting to coat properly – Double-dipping the chicken helps achieve a thicker crust. Don’t skip the second dip in eggs and cornstarch!
- Forgetting the sauce balance – Adjust your sauce ingredients based on personal taste. Don’t be afraid to customize spice levels in your gochujang sauce!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Korean Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Korean Fried Chicken
- For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be stored up to 2 months, but for best quality, consume within a month.
Reheating Korean Fried Chicken
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake chicken for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave – Use with caution; microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This may leave it less crispy.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to maintain crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Korean Fried Chicken.
What is Korean Fried Chicken?
Korean Fried Chicken is a popular dish known for its ultra-crispy coating and flavorful sauces. It’s often double-fried for extra crunch.
How do I make Korean Fried Chicken spicy?
To increase spiciness, adjust the amount of gochujang paste used in the sauce. You can also add more red pepper flakes if desired.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and ensure that your sauces are gluten-free as well.
How long does it take to make Korean Fried Chicken?
The total time is around 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking time, making it a quick option for dinner.
What should I serve with Korean Fried Chicken?
You can serve it with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance out the meal.
Final Thoughts
This Korean Fried Chicken recipe brings that irresistible crunch and flavor right into your kitchen. It’s customizable—add your favorite spices or adjust sweetness levels—to suit your taste perfectly. Give it a try; it’s bound to become a favorite!
Korean Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Korean Fried Chicken is your ticket to crispy, flavor-packed bliss right in your kitchen! This easy-to-follow recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering dish that boasts a crunchy double coating and a rich, spicy-sweet sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to special gatherings. Customize the spice level to suit your taste, and enjoy the satisfaction of making authentic Korean Fried Chicken at home. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to your new favorite comfort food!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup flour (gluten-free option available)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Canola oil for frying
- Sauce ingredients: ketchup, gochujang paste, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, garlic, red pepper flakes, sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by mixing all sauce ingredients in a bowl; set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper together; beat eggs in another bowl.
- Heat about two inches of canola oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Coat each chicken piece in beaten eggs followed by the cornstarch mixture; repeat for extra crunch.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown (about 5–7 minutes); remove and drain on a plate.
- Toss fried chicken pieces in the prepared sauce until well-coated.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (113g)
- Calories: 289
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
