Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

This Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together crispy textures and bold flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it features tender chicken coated in a sticky Gochujang sauce that’s both sweet and spicy. Impress your family or friends with this unique take on fried chicken, ideal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The chicken is perfectly fried to achieve a delightful crunch.
• Bold Flavor: The Gochujang sauce delivers an irresistible mix of sweetness and heat.
• Quick Preparation: With only 45 minutes from start to finish, this dish fits into any busy schedule.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with kimchi, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it garnished with sesame seeds for an attractive touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan: Essential for achieving that crispy texture while frying the chicken evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce without mess.
• Tongs: Help you safely handle hot chicken pieces without burning yourself.
• Whisk: Useful for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1/2 pound chicken breast, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 10 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch
• 2 eggs
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, minced ginger, salt, black pepper, and rice vinegar. Let this mixture marinate for about 10–15 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to submerge at least half of each chicken piece when frying.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each marinated chicken piece into the egg mixture until fully coated. Next, dredge each egg-coated piece in cornstarch or potato starch, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil using tongs. Fry them in batches, turning every 2 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In another pan over low heat, combine Gochujang, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the fried chicken to your prepared sauce in the pan. Toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated in that delicious sticky glaze.

Step 7: Serve

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of your dish before serving. Enjoy your Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken hot alongside a garden salad or kimchi!

How to Serve Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

Serving Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken can elevate your dining experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides and drinks, making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

With Kimchi

• Traditional Accompaniment – Kimchi adds a tangy crunch that perfectly complements the sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken.

Over Rice

• Rice Base – Serving the fried chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice allows you to soak up the delicious Gochujang sauce.

In a Lettuce Wrap

• Fresh and Light – Wrapping pieces of chicken in lettuce leaves adds a refreshing element to each bite.

With a Garden Salad

• Balanced Meal – A light garden salad brings fresh vegetables into the mix, balancing the richness of the fried chicken.

As Sliders

• Fun Finger Food – Place smaller pieces of chicken in slider buns with spicy mayo for a fun twist at gatherings.

With Beer or Soju

• Perfect Pairing – Enjoying this dish with ice-cold beer or soju enhances its bold flavors and makes for a great social experience.

How to Perfect Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

To ensure your Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh ginger and high-quality Gochujang will enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Double Fry for Crispiness – Fry the chicken twice to achieve an extra crispy texture that is characteristic of great fried chicken.
• Control Oil Temperature – Maintain oil at medium heat; too hot will burn the chicken while too low will make it greasy.
• Marinate Longer if Possible – For deeper flavor penetration, marinate the chicken for up to an hour before frying.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan – Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
• Coat Evenly – Make sure each piece is well-coated in cornstarch or potato starch for maximum crispiness.

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Best Side Dishes for Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken can enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Rice – A simple side that perfectly absorbs sauces, making every bite of chicken even more enjoyable.
2. Korean Potato Salad – Creamy and mildly sweet, this salad balances the spiciness of the fried chicken.
3. Pickled Radish – Offers a crunchy, tangy contrast that refreshes your palate between bites.
4. Stir-Fried Vegetables – Colorful stir-fried veggies add nutrients and texture to your meal.
5. Miso Soup – Light yet flavorful, miso soup serves as a comforting complement to fried dishes.
6. Spicy Cucumber Salad – The crunchiness of cucumbers with a kick balances out the sweetness of the chicken.
7. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet grilled corn provides an excellent contrast to spicy flavors.
8. Sesame Noodles – Cold sesame noodles offer a satisfying chewiness that pairs wonderfully with crispy chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the marination: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always allow the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 10–15 minutes.
• Inadequate oil temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer or test with a small piece of chicken before frying.
• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Ignoring sauce consistency: If you don’t let the sauce thicken properly, it won’t cling to the chicken. Cook over low heat until it’s smooth and sticky.
• Neglecting to drain excess oil: Failing to drain fried chicken on paper towels can make it soggy. Always place fried pieces on a towel-lined plate after cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
• item It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

• item You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
• item Use freezer-safe bags or containers for best results.

Reheating Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, ensure you coat the chicken well with cornstarch or potato starch before frying. Double frying can also help create a crunchier texture.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe features chicken, you can also use other proteins like pork or tofu for a different twist on Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken.

What is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It adds depth of flavor and spice to many Korean dishes.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less Gochujang. You can also experiment with additional ingredients like garlic or green onions in the sauce.

Is Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish holds up well when stored properly. It’s a great option for meal prep as it can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it during a casual weeknight meal, this dish impresses every time. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite sides or adjust flavors according to your taste!

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