Spicy Korean Chicken
Spicy Korean Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of spicy gochujang, savory soy sauce, and fragrant sesame oil creates a delicious marinade that will tantalize your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The marinade for this dish packs a punch with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can have this mouthwatering dish on the table in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless and skinless chicken thighs: These cuts are perfect for absorbing the flavors of the marinade and staying moist during cooking.
- Korean chili paste (gochujang): Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Korean red chili powder (gochugaru) or regular chili powder: Provides additional heat and color to the marinade.
- Sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and salt: These ingredients work together to create a rich and flavorful marinade.
Step-by-Step Instructions based on Boneless and Skinless Chicken Thighs:
- In a bowl, mix together oil, Korean chili paste, Korean red chili powder, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and salt to make the marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken thighs until they are cooked through and caramelized on the outside.
- Serve the Spicy Korean Chicken hot with your favorite side dishes.
Helpful Tips:
- For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken thighs for a few hours or overnight.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Korean chili paste and red chili powder.
- Leftover Spicy Korean Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
- To achieve a nice char on the chicken, cook it on a hot grill or under the broiler for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
Spicy Korean Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, kimchi, and pickled vegetables. For drinks, try serving it with a cold glass of Korean rice wine or a refreshing cucumber soju cocktail.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, let the Spicy Korean Chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor.
- Is Korean chili paste the same as sriracha? No, Korean chili paste (gochujang) has a different flavor profile with a deeper umami taste.
- Can I freeze the marinated chicken? Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months for future use.
- How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences by controlling the amount of chili paste and powder used.
Conclusion:
Spicy Korean Chicken is a must-try dish that will delight your senses with its bold flavors and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
PrintSpicy Korean Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Halal
Description
Spicy Korean Chicken is a flavorful dish made with tender chicken thighs marinated in a spicy blend of Korean chili paste, red chili powder, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal with a kick of heat.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
-
- 1 lb (500g) boneless and skinless chicken thighs
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Korean chili paste, gochujang
- 1 teaspoon Korean red chili powder, gochugaru or regular chili powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 piece ginger, peeled and minced (1 inch / 2 cm)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients together. Add the chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and serve hot with rice or salad.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of chili paste and powder to suit your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg