What To Know
- Cooking Korean fried chicken at home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate the magic of your favorite Korean restaurant in your own kitchen.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry in batches for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Cooking Korean fried chicken at home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate the magic of your favorite Korean restaurant in your own kitchen. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing the chicken to achieving that irresistible crispy exterior.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Mix well.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
2. Create the Coating
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and black pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the coating, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Fry the Chicken
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven filled with 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry in batches for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sweet and Spicy Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
5. Glaze the Chicken
- Return the fried chicken to the saucepan with the glaze. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the glaze is sticky.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the Korean fried chicken with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or chopped peanuts.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, honey mustard, or gochujang sauce.
Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Double or triple the marinade recipe if you’re using a larger chicken.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
- Shake off any excess coating before frying to prevent the chicken from sticking together.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F throughout the frying process to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying to avoid soggy chicken.
- Double-fry the chicken for an extra crispy exterior.
Variations
- Spicy Korean Fried Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of gochujang paste to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Korean Fried Chicken: Replace the honey in the marinade with 1/4 cup of honey garlic sauce.
- Yangnyeom Korean Fried Chicken: Toss the fried chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and green onions.
How to Cook Korean Fried Chicken in an Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: What is the secret to crispy Korean fried chicken?
A: The key to crispy Korean fried chicken is the double-frying technique. The first fry cooks the chicken through, while the second fry creates a crispy and flavorful exterior.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
Q: How long can I store Korean fried chicken?
A: Korean fried chicken is best served fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
