Origin and Region: Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken, also known as Korean Fried Chicken (KFC), originates from South Korea. It has gained popularity worldwide, especially in regions with a significant Korean population and among lovers of Korean cuisine.
Introduction: Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken is a deliciously addictive dish featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s a popular dish in Korean cuisine known for its bold flavors and irresistible crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken wings
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced fresh red chili peppers
Tips:
- For extra crispy chicken, double coat the chicken by dipping it in the flour mixture, then dipping it back into the egg wash, and finally coating it in the flour mixture again before frying.
- Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot filled with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces for even frying.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochujang in the sauce.
- Serve the chicken immediately after tossing it in the sauce to maintain its crispiness.
Instructions:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (180°C).
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Description: Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that balances the bold flavors of Korean chili paste (gochujang), soy sauce, and honey. The crispy fried chicken coated in the sticky sauce creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, based on typical ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 22g
Conclusion: Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that offers a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, game day snacks, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Recommendation: Serve Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken with steamed white rice and a side of pickled vegetables for an authentic Korean meal experience. Enjoy it as a main dish or as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering.