Loved by many, Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) is famous for its deliciously crispy outside and juicy, tender inside. When you make Korean Fried Chicken, you fry the chicken twice instead of one. This gives it a really crunchy crust that holds its crunch even after you coat it with a tasty glaze. A popular glaze consists of gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, honey, and is sweet and spicy. However, it’s up to you to decide.
Korean fried chicken has its roots in the 20th century, when the Korean people first tasted fried chicken in the Western way. As time went on, it developed its own style, with its own set of techniques, flavors, and characteristics that distinguished it from its Western equivalents. Nowadays, you can find Korean Fried Chicken on the menus of Korean restaurants and even at street food stands all across the globe.
You may enjoy this famous dish with fresh, high-quality ingredients when you make Korean Fried Chicken at home. The double-frying technique is essential for getting the right texture since it keeps the chicken crispy even after coating it in sauce. A perfectly balanced sauce—sweet, spicy, and savory—should adhere to the chicken without making it soggy.
Korean Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 kg chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup gochujang Korean chili paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken wings or drumettes.
- In a large bowl, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add the cornstarch to the bowl and toss the chicken pieces until they are well coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken (First Fry)
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 175°C (350°F).
- Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is light golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken (Second Fry)
- Increase the oil temperature to 190°C (375°F).
- Fry the chicken a second time for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and extra crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Place the fried chicken in a large bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat each piece evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the chicken with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve hot with pickled radishes or your favorite side dishes.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Chicken: Wings and drumettes are traditional, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Crispiness: The double-frying method ensures the chicken stays crispy. Be sure to let the chicken rest between the first and second fry.
- Sauce: Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the spiciness. You can add more honey or sugar for a sweeter glaze.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispiness.
If you enjoy fried chicken or are interested in trying something new in the kitchen, you will love Korean Fried Chicken. It’s a multipurpose meal that goes nicely with steamed rice and pickled radishes. Now that we have the recipe, let’s make this delicious meal!