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Korean Fried Chicken: A Crispy, Saucy Delight

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Korean Fried Chicken is one of those dishes that immediately capture your attention with its irresistible combination of crispy texture and mouthwatering, spicy-sweet flavor. The secret to this dish lies not only in the crispy coating but also in the addictive homemade Korean sweet chili sauce that coats each piece, giving it that distinct sweet and spicy flavor that has taken the world by storm. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. With just the right amount of crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness on the inside, Korean Fried Chicken brings a burst of flavor with every bite. In this article, I will walk you through the process of making this flavorful dish, including a detailed breakdown of ingredients, instructions, and helpful tips along the way.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Canola oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons chili sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Instructions

  • Prepare the Sauce: To begin, in a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce: ketchup, chili sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, garlic, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Mix well and set aside. This sauce will become the flavorful coating for the crispy chicken later on.
  • Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch chunks. This size ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and can easily be coated with the crispy batter. In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create the light, crunchy coating that makes the chicken so irresistible.
  • Dip the Chicken in Egg and Coat in the Dry Mixture: Take the beaten eggs and pour them into another shallow bowl. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs and then toss it into the cornstarch mixture. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. The egg wash helps the cornstarch and flour mixture adhere to the chicken, which contributes to the crispiness.
  • Fry the Chicken: Heat about 2 inches of canola oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces into the oil, working in batches. Fry the chicken until golden and crispy, usually for about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken.
  • Double Frying: To achieve the signature ultra-crispiness of Korean Fried Chicken, you’ll want to double fry the chicken. After the first round of frying, remove the chicken from the oil and set it aside on a plate. Discard the oil from the pan and return the chicken to the hot oil for a second fry. This step ensures that the chicken stays crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Fry for another 2-3 minutes and remove the chicken from the oil.
  • Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Once the chicken is fried to perfection, it’s time to toss it in the sweet and spicy sauce. Pour the prepared sauce into the same frying pan (no need to clean it) and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add the fried chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. The sauce will begin to thicken, and the chicken will absorb all those wonderful flavors.
  • Serve: Once the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce, serve it immediately. You can garnish with sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor and color.

Notes

  • Use Cornstarch for Crispiness: The secret to achieving that ultra-crisp texture is using cornstarch. It creates a light, crunchy crust that doesn’t become soggy when coated with the sauce.
  • Double Frying: Don’t skip the double frying! This step is essential for getting the chicken extra crispy. The second fry ensures that the chicken stays crunchy and doesn’t absorb too much sauce.
  • Adjust the Spice: If you like your chicken extra spicy, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a bit of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili sauce and red pepper flakes.
  • Sauce Variations: If you want to experiment with different flavors, you can try adding ginger or lime zest to the sauce. These ingredients will give the dish a more complex flavor profile.
  • Serving Suggestions: Korean Fried Chicken is perfect on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with steamed rice, kimchi, or pickled vegetables to balance out the richness of the chicken. You can also serve it as a finger food appetizer with a side of dipping sauces.
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://paularecipes.com/korean-fried-chicken-a-crispy-saucy-delight/