Making Korean chicken fried chicken at home might seem hard. This dish is known for its sweet, spicy, and crispy flavors. Our guide will show you easy steps to cook this comfort food.

Keep reading to learn how!

Key Takeaways

• Korean fried chicken is known for its sweet, spicy, and crispy taste. It uses ingredients like gochujang for heat and honey for sweetness.

• To make it at home, you need chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk. Then season and coat them before deep frying to get a crispy texture.

• Double frying the chicken makes it extra crunchy. For leftovers, reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

• Side dishes like kimchi and cheese buldak add flavor to your meal. Gochujang sauce can enhance the taste of the fried chicken.

• Baking is a healthier option for cooking Korean fried chicken. It still gives a crispy finish without deep frying.

What is Korean Fried Chicken?

Korean fried chicken is a tasty dish known for its bold flavors. It often has a crispy coating and comes in bite-sized pieces, making it easy to enjoy.

Sweet, sour, & spicy flavors

Korean fried chicken has a bold taste. It mixes sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The sweetness often comes from honey or sugar. Many people enjoy the kick of spice from ingredients like gochujang.

This sauce adds heat and depth to the dish.

The combination makes every bite exciting. Each piece is crunchy on the outside and juicy inside. Taste buds will dance with these strong flavors. Sweet chili sauce can add an extra layer of flavor too.

Each bite of Korean fried chicken bursts with flavor.

Next, let’s look at what you need to make this tasty dish at home!

Commonly served as bite-sized pieces

Korean fried chicken is often served as bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to eat and share. The small chunks are perfect for dipping in savory or spicy sauce. People love the crunchy outside and juicy inside of each piece.

These tiny morsels pack big flavor. They are great for parties or snacks. Common side dishes like kimchi can add even more taste. Enjoying Korean chicken wings this way brings a fun twist to any meal!

Ingredients and Instructions for Making Korean Fried Chicken

To make Korean fried chicken, you need fresh chicken pieces and a buttermilk marinade. You will also prepare seasoning for the coating and follow steps for deep frying to get it crispy.

Chicken pieces

Use chicken pieces like wings, drumsticks, or thighs for Korean fried chicken. Each piece cooks evenly and stays juicy inside. Bite-sized pieces are perfect for sharing. They also soak up the marinade well.

Choose skin-on chicken for a crispy coating. This skin helps create that ultracrunchy texture we all love. The right parts make a big difference in flavor too. Next, let's talk about the buttermilk marinade you will need to prepare your chicken perfectly.

Buttermilk marinade

Buttermilk marinade makes the chicken juicy and tender. It adds flavor and helps the coating stick. To make it, soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight. This step is crucial for crispy chicken later on.

Mix spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and salt into the buttermilk for extra taste. Shake off any excess marinade before coating the chicken in flour or breading mix. The result will be ultracrunchy and juicy Korean fried chicken that everyone loves.

Next, learn about seasoning and coating your chicken for even more flavor!

Seasoning and coating

Seasoning and coating are key steps in making Korean fried chicken. Start by seasoning your chicken pieces well. Use salt, pepper, and garlic powder for basic flavor. For a spicy kick, add gochugaru or cayenne pepper.

Mix these spices into the buttermilk marinade too.

Next comes the coating. A crispy layer is what you want. After marinating your chicken, cover each piece with flour or cornstarch. Some recipes use a mix of both for extra crunch. Double dip the chicken for a thicker coating if you like it that way.

This will help create that perfect crunchy bite-sized fried chicken everyone loves!

Deep frying

Deep frying gives Korean fried chicken its famous crispy texture. Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the marinated and coated chicken pieces. Fry them in batches for about 10-12 minutes.

Make sure they turn golden brown and are fully cooked inside.

Use a thermometer to check the oil's temperature. Too low will make the chicken greasy, while too high can burn it. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels after cooking. This helps keep it crispy and removes excess oil from your homemade fried chicken.

Enjoy your sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken hot!

Tips for Making the Best Korean Fried Chicken at Home

To get a crispy coating, double fry your chicken pieces. For leftover chicken, reheat in an oven to keep it crispy. You can also try baking as a healthier option. Want more tips? Keep reading!

Ensuring crispy coating

Crispy coating makes Korean fried chicken special. Start with a good marinade. Soak your chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least one hour. This helps the batter stick better and keeps the meat juicy.

Use cornstarch or potato starch for the coating. These ingredients create a light and crunchy crust. After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents steam from making it soggy.

Serve your bite-sized fried chicken with spicy sauce for added flavor!

Reheating leftovers

To keep your Korean fried chicken tasty, reheating leftovers is key. Use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes.

This will make them crispy again.

You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Cook the chicken for around 5-7 minutes. Both methods help you enjoy juicy chicken with a crispy coating, just like before.

Avoid using the microwave as it makes the chicken soggy and soft instead of crunchy. Enjoy your savory or spicy sauce with each bite!

Alternative methods for cooking (baking)

Reheating leftovers can be easy, but baking is a great way to cook Korean fried chicken. Baking gives you crispy, golden chicken without deep frying. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Arrange the seasoned Korean fried chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray some oil over the top for extra crispiness.

Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method works well if you want less grease in your meal. Enjoy this tasty dish at home with gochujang sauce or other savory sauces for added flavor!

Side Dishes and Recipes to Accompany Korean Fried Chicken

Side dishes make Korean fried chicken even better. Kimchi adds a tangy kick, while cheese buldak gives a creamy touch.

Traditional kimchi

Traditional kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine. It is made from fermented vegetables, mostly napa cabbage and radishes. The vegetables are mixed with spices like garlic, ginger, and gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes).

This mix gives kimchi its famous spicy kick.

Kimchi is served as a side dish with meals, including Korean fried chicken. This crunchy and tangy dish adds flavor to any plate. Many families enjoy making their own versions of kimchi at home.

Each recipe can be unique based on personal taste or family traditions. Making homemade kimchi can enhance your experience of cooking Korean dishes and enjoying authentic flavors.

Cheese buldak

Cheese buldak is a tasty dish that goes well with Korean fried chicken. It features tender pieces of chicken cooked in a spicy sauce made from gochujang, which gives it a kick. The dish also has melted cheese on top, making it rich and creamy.

This meal is great for sharing with friends. Serve it alongside bite-sized fried chicken to create a feast at home. You can find this dish often in Korean restaurants. Making cheese buldak is simple and fun!

Jjajangmyeon

Jjajangmyeon is a popular Korean dish. It features thick noodles topped with a savory black bean sauce. This sauce usually includes pork, onions, and vegetables. Many people enjoy this dish with the bite-sized pieces of Korean fried chicken on the side.

This meal pairs well with spicy sauces like gochujang. Jjajangmyeon is comforting and filling. It's often found in Korean restaurants too. Enjoy this delicious noodle dish for an authentic taste of Korean food at home!

Cooking with gochujang sauce

Gochujang sauce adds a bold flavor to Korean fried chicken. This spicy red paste is made from chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It gives the chicken a sweet and spicy kick that many people love.

Use gochujang in your marinades or sauces for fried chicken recipes. Mix it with honey or soy sauce for a tasty glaze. You can also use it as a dip on the side. Gochujang makes every bite of bite-sized fried chicken burst with flavor!

Other popular street food recipes

Cooking with gochujang sauce brings a spicy kick to many dishes. This vibrant sauce is common in Korean street food. Many people love tteokbokki, which are chewy rice cakes covered in a spicy-sweet sauce.

Another favorite is hotteok, a warm pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts.

Korean fried chicken pairs well with these street foods. Food stalls often offer savory or spicy sauces for dipping. You can explore more delicious options at home, too! Try making kimchi fries or Korean-style corn dogs for fun snacks that everyone will enjoy.

FAQs

1. What is the Korean Chicken Fried Chicken recipe?

The Korean Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is a popular dish in Korean cooking, often found on a Korean chicken restaurant menu. It involves making bite-sized fried chicken coated in a savory or spicy sauce.

2. How can I make Spicy Fried Chicken at home?

You can make Spicy Fried Chicken at home by following the Gochujang chicken recipe, which is part of many traditional Korean recipes and considered one of the best-known Korean comfort foods.

3. Is there a specific batter used for Korean fried chicken?

Yes, there's a special batter used to create that unique crispiness in the homemade version of this famous dish from Korea; it's called the "Korean chicken batter".

4. Can I adjust the spiciness level when making homemade Korean food like this?

Absolutely! You have full control over how much spice you want to add when preparing your own Gochujang chicken recipe at home.

5. Are there any variations for sauces with this kind of dish?

Definitely! While traditionally served with either savory or spicy sauce, you can experiment with different flavors according to your taste preferences while still enjoying an authentic experience of making Korean dishes at home.