Korean Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Delight
Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) has taken the world by storm with its crispy coating, tender meat, and flavorful sauce. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and savory goodness, making it a must-try for any chicken lover. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a delicious snack, this recipe will bring a taste of Korea right to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces (drumsticks, wings, or thighs)
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (grated)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup milk (for marinating)
- 1 cup potato starch or cornstarch (for coating)
- 3 tbsp tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1-2 fresh chilies (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Korean Fried Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine vinegar, grated ginger, salt, black pepper, and milk. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, place the potato starch or cornstarch. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the starch until they are evenly coated, ensuring the crispy exterior once fried.
- Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel.
- Make the Sauce:
In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and chopped chilies. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce (or ketchup), brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Toss the Chicken in Sauce:
Once the sauce is ready, toss the fried chicken in the sauce until all pieces are coated. You can adjust the sweetness or heat by adding more brown sugar or chili, according to your taste.
- Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving platter, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, spicy, and sweet goodness of Korean Fried Chicken!
Why You'll Love Korean Fried Chicken:
Korean Fried Chicken is unique due to its double frying method, which gives it an ultra-crispy coating while keeping the chicken inside juicy and tender. The sweet and spicy sauce adds a perfect balance of flavors, with the brown sugar offering a caramelized touch and the chilies bringing in just the right amount of heat. The ginger, garlic, and onion elevate the depth of flavor, creating a truly irresistible dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with Pickled Radish: In Korea, fried chicken is often served with sweet and tangy pickled radish, which complements the rich flavors.
- Serve with Beer: Korean Fried Chicken is a popular "chimaek" dish, meaning "chicken and beer"—a perfect match for a chilled glass of beer.
Conclusion:
This Korean Fried Chicken recipe brings the bold, satisfying flavors of Korea to your home. With crispy chicken, a flavorful sauce, and a touch of sesame seeds, it’s a dish that's sure to impress. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, Korean Fried Chicken will become a family favorite.