Korean Fried Chicken, known for its irresistible crispy texture and flavorful glaze, has taken the culinary world by storm. Unlike traditional fried chicken, Korean Fried Chicken is double-fried to achieve its unique crunch and then coated with a sweet and spicy sauce that makes it utterly addictive. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make authentic Korean Fried Chicken at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or rice syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the chicken wings or drumettes under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
- Season: In a large bowl, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
- Add Water: Gradually add cold water to the dry ingredients, whisking until you achieve a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces but still pourable.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dip in Batter: Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the batter, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
- Rest: Let the battered chicken pieces rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to allow the excess batter to drip off.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat Oil: In a deep-fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- First Fry: Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 6–8 minutes until the chicken is light golden. Remove the chicken and let it rest on a wire rack.
- Second Fry: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the chicken again for another 2–3 minutes until it is golden brown and extra crispy. This double-frying method ensures a crispy exterior.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey or rice syrup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
- Toss in Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the hot, crispy chicken with the prepared sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
- Garnish: Transfer the sauced chicken to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish.
Step 7: Serve
Your Korean Fried Chicken is now ready to be served! Enjoy it hot with a side of pickled radish or a cold beer for the ultimate experience.
Tips for Perfect Korean Fried Chicken
- Double-Frying: Don’t skip the double-frying process. It’s the secret to achieving that signature crunch.
- Cold Batter: Using cold water for the batter helps make the coating extra crispy.
- Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of gochujang. For more heat, add a bit of Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru).
- Resting the Chicken: Letting the battered chicken rest before frying helps the batter adhere better and creates a more even coating.
- Serving Fresh: Korean Fried Chicken is best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. If you need to reheat, do so in an oven to retain the crispiness.
Conclusion
Making Korean Fried Chicken at home may seem daunting, but with the right techniques and ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results. The combination of crispy, double-fried chicken and the flavorful gochujang sauce is simply unbeatable. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Korea to your kitchen!
