The global culinary scene has been captivated by the mouthwatering goodness of Korean fried chicken. This dish, featuring crispy, succulent chicken bursting with flavor, has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. In this article, we will share a phenomenal Korean fried chicken recipe that you can whip up in your own kitchen, treating your loved ones to a taste sensation they won’t forget. We’ll cover not only the ingredients and steps but also offer valuable tips and insights to guarantee your success in creating this delicious masterpiece. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken wings split at the joints and tips removed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Oil for deep frying
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cold water, salt, and pepper to create a thick batter. Add the chicken wings to the batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Set aside for 15 minutes to allow the batter to adhere to the chicken.
- Heat the oil: Fill a deep, heavy-bottomed pot with enough oil to submerge the chicken wings, approximately 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a deep-fry thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature.
- Fry the chicken: Working in batches, carefully lower the battered chicken wings into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure that you don’t overcrowd the pot, as this will cause the temperature to drop and result in soggy chicken. Once cooked, remove the wings from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Repeat this process for the remaining chicken.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and vegetable oil. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
- Double-fry the chicken: For extra crispy wings, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the cooked chicken wings for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Drain the chicken wings on a wire rack once more.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce: Place the double-fried chicken wings in a large mixing bowl, pour the sauce over the wings, and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the saucy wings to a serving platter, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a mix of drumettes and wingettes for a varied presentation and easier eating.
- Adjust the heat level of your sauce by adding more or less gochujang to your taste preference.
- To keep the kitchen mess-free, use a wire rack over a lined baking sheet to drain the fried chicken. This will also help maintain the chicken’s crispiness by preventing it from sitting in excess oil.
- For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- You can marinate the chicken in a mixture of milk and a pinch of salt for a few hours before frying. This will help tenderize the chicken and keep it moist during frying.
- If you prefer boneless chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. Adjust the frying time accordingly.
This ultimate Korean fried chicken recipe brings the irresistible flavors of Korea right into your home kitchen. With crispy, tender chicken coated in a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce, your taste buds are in for a treat. By following our tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this popular dish, impressing your friends and family with a flavor explosion they won’t forget. So go ahead and try this recipe for your next gathering or simply as a treat for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!