Ever had one of those days where only fried chicken will do? But not just any fried chicken, mind you. I'm talking about that crispy, juicy, flavor-packed kind that sends shivers down your spine with every bite. Well, my friend, this recipe is your answer. This isn't your grandma's fried chicken; it's an amped-up version with a Korean-inspired twist that will knock your socks off. One evening, while trying to figure out what to cook, I looked in the fridge. Kimchi stared back at me. An idea was born; why not use the kimchi's unique umami to boost some regular ol' fried chicken? And trust me, it works.
This Kimchi Fried Chicken with Spicy Glaze is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine perfectly crispy fried chicken, infused with the tangy, savory goodness of kimchi, and slathered in a sweet and spicy glaze. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that dances on your tongue. The chicken is marinated in a buttermilk and kimchi brine, which not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a deep, complex flavor. The coating is a simple yet effective blend of flour, cornstarch, and spices, ensuring that every piece is delightfully crispy. I mean, who doesn't like fried chicken?
And then, there's the glaze—oh, that glaze! A tantalizing mix of gochujang (Korean chili paste), honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil, it's the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. It clings to the crispy chicken like a dream, adding a layer of complexity that will leave you wanting more. Trust me, this chicken is a showstopper. It's perfect for a weekend gathering, a casual dinner, or even a late-night snack. So, if you're looking to spice up your fried chicken game, this recipe is for you. Let's get cooking!
Required Equipments
Large Bowl
Whisk
Plastic Wrap
Deep Fryer or Large Pot
Tongs
Wire Rack
Kimchi Fried Chicken with Spicy Glaze: Frequently Asked Questions
Kimchi Fried Chicken with Spicy Glaze
Kimchi Fried Chicken with Spicy Glaze: Crispy, juicy fried chicken infused with kimchi and slathered in a sweet and spicy gochujang glaze. A flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, let's get this show on the road by prepping the chicken! In a big bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, kimchi brine, gochujang, garlic powder, ginger, and black pepper. This is your flavor bomb, folks, so make sure it's well mixed!
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure each piece is submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Trust me, this step is worth the wait; it's how you get that incredible flavor seeped right into the meat.
When you're ready to fry, grab another large bowl and mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and paprika. This is your dry dredge – the secret to that perfect crispy coating. Make sure everything's evenly distributed so each bite is as good as the last.
Take each piece of marinated chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour – you want a good coating, but not so much that it gets cakey.
Now, for the frying: Heat your choice of oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F (160°C). Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remember to keep an eye on the temperature – you want it to stay consistent for even cooking.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain. This is key to keeping it crispy – don't skip this step!
While the chicken is draining, let's whip up that spicy glaze. In a saucepan, combine the gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
Take the fried chicken pieces and either toss them in the glaze or brush the glaze over each piece. Make sure every inch of that chicken is coated in that glorious spicy goodness. It's really hard to not snack at this stage – I know I can't resist!
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that extra pop of flavor and visual appeal. And there you have it – Kimchi Fried Chicken with Spicy Glaze, ready to devour! Serve immediately and enjoy every single bite. Seriously, this stuff is addictive!
📝 Notes
For extra crispy chicken, double fry it! Fry once at a lower temperature (325°F/160°C) for about 8 minutes, then again at a higher temperature (375°F/190°C) for another 2-3 minutes.
Adjust the amount of gochujang in the glaze to suit your spice preference.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent soggy chicken.