Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy Easy Dinner Favorite 🍗✨🥢
1. Introduction
Discover the ultimate Korean fried chicken recipe, a beloved dish that combines crispy, flavorful skin with tender, juicy meat. This crispy easy dinner recipe is perfect for weeknights or special gatherings, offering a delicious twist on classic fried chicken with that irresistible Korean flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you master this dinner favorite that promises both crunch and zest in every bite.
2. Ingredients Needed for Korean Fried Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks or wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup cold water or beer
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
- Optional: gochujang or Korean chili paste for sauce
3. Preparing the Perfect Korean Fried Chicken Batter
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, ginger powder, and baking soda. Whisk well to ensure an even distribution of seasonings.
Add the Liquids
Gradually pour in cold water or beer, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth, slightly thick batter that coats the chicken evenly. For an extra crispy texture, you can double-dip the chicken in the batter and again in seasoned flour before frying.
4. Cooking the Korean Fried Chicken to Perfection
Heat the Oil
Fill a deep frying pan or wok with oil, enough to fully submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy, ensuring the oil is hot enough for a crispy exterior.
Fry the Chicken
Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, then carefully place them in the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels for a crispy finish.
5. Making an Irresistible Korean Sauce
Whisk together gochujang or Korean chili paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. Toss the crispy fried chicken in the sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. To add a touch of freshness, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
6. Serving Tips and Delicious Pairings
This Korean fried chicken recipe pairs beautifully with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a fresh side salad. For an extra flavor boost, try adding this parmesan chicken pesto pasta as a hearty side or enjoy it alongside these healthy broccoli pasta.
Looking for snack ideas? Visit our recipe collection for more culinary inspiration!
7. Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover Korean fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until crispy again. For best results, avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
8. Additional Variations and Customizations
Enhance your Korean fried chicken recipe by experimenting with different sauces, such as sweet soy glaze or spicy mayo. For a more authentic taste, incorporate Korean ingredients like gochujang or kimchi. This dish is versatile and inviting for all taste preferences.
9. Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the steps to create a mouthwatering Korean fried chicken recipe that will become your go-to for crispy easy dinner nights. The crispy exterior and flavorful sauce make it a true dinner favorite that everyone will love. Impress your family and friends with this homemade Korean fried chicken, bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. For more delicious meal ideas, explore our recipe collection and elevate your cooking game today!
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Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy Easy Dinner Favorite
Discover the irresistible Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick, easy dinner. This beloved dish features crispy skin and tender meat, coated in a delicious Korean-inspired sauce. Ideal for weeknights, this recipe offers a satisfying crunch and zest in every bite that will delight chicken lovers and fans of Asian cuisine alike.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks or wings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup cold water or beer
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
- Optional: gochujang or Korean chili paste for sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, ginger powder, and baking soda. Whisk to mix evenly.
- Gradually add cold water or beer, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip chicken pieces into the batter, then carefully fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Toss fried chicken in the sauce or serve with sauce on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip chicken in batter and seasoned flour before frying.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less gochujang or chili paste.
- Reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes for best crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Optional (if gluten-free flour is used)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg