Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

This Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and crispy textures. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress at gatherings, this dish features tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy Gochujang sauce. The combination of flavors makes it not only delicious but also versatile; pair it with kimchi or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken:
• For the Sauce:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Heat the Oil
• Step 3: Prepare for Frying
• Step 4: Fry the Chicken
• Step 5: Make the Sauce
• Step 6: Coat the Chicken
• How to Serve Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Pair with Kimchi
• Add a Garden Salad
• Serve with Rice
• Accompany with Pickled Vegetables
• Include Some Noodles
• Top with Fresh Herbs
• How to Perfect Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Reheating Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken unique?
• Can I use other meats for this recipe?
• How do I make the sauce spicier?
• What sides pair well with Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The cornstarch coating creates an incredibly crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Flavor Explosion: A perfect balance of sweetness from honey and heat from Gochujang gives this dish its signature taste.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 45 minutes, this dish can easily fit into your busy schedule.
• Versatile Pairing: Serve it alongside rice, kimchi, or salads to suit any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and garnishes make this dish visually appealing for guests.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan
• Tongs
• Large bowl
• Separate mixing bowl
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan: A good frying pan ensures even heat distribution for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Tongs: They allow you to safely handle hot chicken without burning your hands.
• Large bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken evenly with spices and vinegar.
• Paper towels: Perfect for draining excess oil from fried chicken pieces.

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 the chicken with ginger, salt, pepper, and rice vinegar. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking.

Step 3: Prepare for Frying

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Dredge each egg-coated piece in cornstarch or potato starch, shaking off any excess.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

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

Step 5: Make the Sauce

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

Step 6: Coat the Chicken

Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and stir one final time before serving.

Serve hot with a fresh garden salad or kimchi on the side. Enjoy your delicious Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken!

How to Serve Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

Serving Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken is all about enhancing its bold flavors. Here are some delicious suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Pair with Kimchi

• Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, typically spicy and tangy. Its crunchiness complements the tender chicken perfectly.

Add a Garden Salad

• A fresh garden salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the fried chicken, making for a well-rounded meal.

Serve with Rice

• Steamed white rice or jasmine rice acts as a neutral base, soaking up the flavorful sauce and adding substance to your dinner plate.

Accompany with Pickled Vegetables

• Pickled vegetables add a zesty crunch that contrasts nicely with the sweet and spicy elements of the chicken, enhancing each bite.

Include Some Noodles

• Cold noodle salads or stir-fried noodles can be a delightful addition. They provide texture and soak up any excess sauce left on your plate.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing your dish with fresh cilantro or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the rich flavors of the fried chicken.

How to Perfect Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

Perfecting your Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken involves attention to detail in both preparation and cooking techniques. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Marinate Properly: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10–15 minutes. This step infuses flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
• Use Hot Oil: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. This creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
• Fry in Batches: Frying in smaller batches prevents overcrowding in the pan, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
• Coat Evenly: Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in egg and starch. This ensures a uniform crispy layer.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your chicken as it fries. Turn each piece every 2 minutes for even browning without burning.
• Toss in Sauce Just Before Serving: For maximum crunch, toss the fried chicken in sauce right before serving instead of letting it sit too long.

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Best Side Dishes for Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

To complement your main dish, consider these delightful side dishes that pair beautifully with Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken.

1. Steamed Bok Choy: Lightly steamed bok choy adds a subtle crunch and slight bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the chicken.
2. Korean Potato Salad: Creamy and slightly sweet, this salad offers a comforting contrast to the spicy kick of the fried chicken.
3. Spicy Cucumber Salad: A quick pickled cucumber salad provides refreshing bites that cut through the richness of the dish.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can add depth to your meal, offering umami notes that pair well with fried foods.
5. Fried Rice: Flavored with vegetables and soy sauce, fried rice makes for a hearty accompaniment alongside crispy chicken pieces.
6. Sweet Corn Fritters: These sweet fritters provide an additional layer of flavor while keeping things playful on your plate.
7. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing introduces freshness that complements every bite of chicken.
8. Sesame Spinach Salad: This simple salad brings earthy flavors through sesame oil, balancing out the spiciness of your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavors and textures.

• Not drying the chicken: Moisture on the chicken can prevent it from crisping up properly. Always pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning.
• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating adds flavor. Don’t rush it; let the chicken soak in spices for at least 10–15 minutes.
• Overcrowding the pan: Overfilling the frying pan can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in small batches to keep everything crispy.
• Using low-quality oil: The type of oil matters. Choose oils with high smoke points like vegetable or canola oil for frying to achieve perfect crispness.
• Ignoring sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t cling to the chicken well. Ensure you cook it until thickened but not burnt.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
• It lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

• For longer storage, freeze the fried chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds), checking often to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and re-crisp the chicken for about 5-7 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken unique?

Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken stands out due to its combination of crunchy texture and a flavorful Gochujang sauce that balances sweetness with heat.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! While chicken is traditional, you can substitute with tofu or other proteins like shrimp for a different take on Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

To increase heat, simply add more Gochujang or include some red pepper flakes when cooking your sauce.

What sides pair well with Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken?

This dish goes well with kimchi, rice, or a light garden salad, enhancing its flavors while balancing textures.

Final Thoughts

Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spice levels or experimenting with different dipping sauces. Try this recipe today for an exciting meal that’s sure to impress!

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