Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

This Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken is a must-try for food lovers. With its crispy exterior and tender inside, this dish is enveloped in a sweet and spicy Gochujang sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a meal to impress guests or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavors and delightful textures that everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Heat Oil
• Step 3: Coat the Chicken
• Step 4: Dredge in Starch
• Step 5: Fry the Chicken
• Step 6: Make the Sauce
• Step 7: Combine
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Pair with Refreshing Sides
• Create a Flavorful Platter
• Serve as an Appetizer
• How to Perfect Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Reheating Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other cuts of chicken?
• What is Gochujang?
• How spicy is Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken?
• What sides go well with this dish?
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The chicken is coated in cornstarch for an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.
• Bold Flavors: The Gochujang sauce offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an unforgettable experience.
• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
• Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it with kimchi or a light garden salad to create a balanced meal.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it at gatherings to showcase your culinary skills and delight your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To create this amazing dish, you’ll need some essential tools for the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan: Essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture while frying the chicken.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce components efficiently.
• Tongs: Help safely handle hot chicken pieces without burning your hands or splattering oil.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1/2 pound chicken breast, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 10 tablespoons cornstarch or potato starch
• 2 eggs
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, mix the chicken with ginger, salt, pepper, and rice vinegar. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Heat Oil

In a frying pan over medium heat, heat enough oil for frying.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the egg mixture until fully coated.

Step 4: Dredge in Starch

After coating in egg, dredge each piece in cornstarch or potato starch, shaking off any excess.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil using tongs. Fry them in batches, turning every 2 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

In another pan over low heat, combine Gochujang, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until smooth and thickened.

Step 7: Combine

Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.

Step 8: Serve

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving hot with a fresh garden salad or kimchi on the side.

How to Serve Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Refreshing Sides

• Kimchi: This traditional Korean side adds a spicy, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the chicken.
• Garden Salad: A light salad with fresh vegetables balances the richness of the fried chicken.
• Pickled Radish: Sweet and tangy pickled radish is a classic accompaniment that cuts through the dish’s richness.

Create a Flavorful Platter

• Rice: Steamed white rice absorbs the sauce and provides a neutral base for the bold flavors.
• Noodles: Tossed noodles can be a fun alternative to serve alongside the chicken, adding texture and flavor.
• Vegetable Stir-fry: A colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables adds both nutrition and vibrancy to your meal.

Serve as an Appetizer

• Skewers: Thread pieces of chicken onto skewers for easy serving at parties or gatherings, perfect for dipping into the sauce.
• Sliders: Create mini sandwiches using small buns, lettuce, and a piece of fried chicken for a unique twist.

How to Perfect Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

To ensure your Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and high-quality Gochujang will elevate the flavors significantly.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature for perfect crispiness.
• Check Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying for optimal results.
• Rest After Frying: Let fried chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, ensuring it remains crispy.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If sauce is too thick, add a bit of water or broth to achieve your desired texture.
• Experiment with Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of Gochujang based on your spice tolerance.

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Best Side Dishes for Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

When serving Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken, pairing it with delicious side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Rice: Fluffy white rice serves as a perfect base for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
2. Korean Potato Salad: This creamy dish adds richness and balances out the spiciness of the chicken.
3. Cabbage Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage and carrots provides crunch and freshness.
4. Spicy Tofu Stew (Sundubu-jjigae): A warm, comforting stew that adds depth to your meal while being slightly spicy.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like bell peppers or zucchini provide color and health benefits.
6. Egg Fried Rice: Combining leftover rice with eggs creates a savory side that complements the main dish beautifully.
7. Miso Soup: Light miso soup offers umami notes that balance out the sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken even better. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the marination: Marinating the chicken enhances flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow at least 10–15 minutes for the best taste.
• Not drying the chicken properly: Moisture can prevent the coating from becoming crispy. Always pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in small batches for crispy results.
• Ignoring the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thin, it won’t stick well to the chicken. Make sure to cook it until it thickens properly.
• Using low-quality oil: The type of oil affects both flavor and frying temperature. Choose a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, but note that this method may soften the coating.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and fry for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken:

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly for larger pieces.

What is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made from fermented soybeans, which adds depth and heat to dishes like this fried chicken.

How spicy is Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken?

The spice level largely depends on how much Gochujang you use. You can adjust it based on your preference by adding more or less.

What sides go well with this dish?

Pair your Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken with kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a light salad for balance.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Korean Spicy and Sweet Fried Chicken offers an exciting blend of flavors that are both bold and satisfying. Its versatility makes it perfect for various occasions—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. Feel free to customize the spice level or pair it with different sides for a unique twist each time!