Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Recipe: Easy Steps

Walking into my kitchen, I’m hit with the smell of sizzling oil and spices. It reminds me of my grandmother’s home in Seoul. Her Korean fried chicken was a hit at our family gatherings. It brought us together, across generations.

Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you. I’ll show you how to make this delicious dish in your kitchen.

The History and Evolution of Korean Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken has a fascinating history that started in the 1940s during the Korean War. It was introduced by African-American troops who loved crispy, flavorful fried chicken. Since then, it has changed a lot, becoming a global favorite.

Origins in the 1940s Korean War

The story of korean chicken wings began in the 1970s as a street food in South Korea. The country’s fast economic growth helped it become a hit. Famous brands like Kyochon, Bonchon, and BBQ Chicken helped spread it worldwide.

Modern Influence on Global Cuisine

In the early 2000s, Korean fried chicken started to reach places like the United States, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. This led to new flavors, like spicy korean chicken sauces in the U.S. and local spices in Southeast Asia. Social media and Korean dramas also boosted its popularity.

Now, Korean fried chicken is a top dish in Korean cuisine, loved for its flavors and crispy texture. It has won hearts and taste buds globally, becoming a culinary sensation without borders.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Korean Fried Chicken

Making the perfect korean fried chicken sauce or gochujang chicken starts with quality ingredients. You’ll need high-quality chicken, which can be bone-in or boneless. The marinade includes salt, pepper, onion powder, baking powder, and ginger for flavor.

The coating is made of flour and cornstarch, seasoned with salt and black pepper. The sauce’s main ingredient is Gochujang, a Korean chili paste. It adds heat, sweetness, and umami. The sauce also includes ketchup, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice or rice wine, and sesame oil.

To get the chicken crispy, it’s deep-fried in hot oil until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Or, you can use an air fryer. Bone-in wings take 10-12 minutes, and boneless chicken breasts take 6-9 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Optional garnishes like sesame seeds add texture and look. With these ingredients and methods, you can make delicious korean fried chicken.

Kerean Fried Chicken Recipe: Traditional Preparation Method

Learning to make crispy korean chicken begins with the traditional way. This method includes a few important steps. These steps help create the unique crunch and taste of real kfc style korean chicken.

Marinade Components and Timing

The first step is to marinate the chicken. Use a mix of dry sherry, black pepper, soy sauce, garlic, and salt. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to overnight, depending on how strong you like the flavor.

Batter Secrets for Extra Crispiness

The batter is key for crispy korean chicken. Mix tapioca starch, onion powder, garlic powder, curry powder, salt, black pepper, and baking powder with cold water. This creates a light coating that fries up crispy.

Double-Frying Technique

The double-frying method is the secret to kfc style korean chicken. First, fry the chicken at 340°F (171°C) for 4 minutes. Then, fry it again at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes until it’s golden and crispy.

By following these steps, you can make authentic Korean fried chicken at home. It will have bold flavors and a crunchy texture.

Perfect Oil Temperature and Frying Times

To get the perfect crispiness in your korean chicken marinade or dakgangjeong recipe, you need to control the oil temperature and frying times well. Here’s how to make your Korean fried chicken delightfully crunchy:

First, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the drumsticks for 10 minutes on each side, which is a total of 20 minutes. For wings, fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Bone-in, skin-on thighs should be fried at 350°F (175°C) for 14-15 minutes.

After the first fry, raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the second fry. This double-frying method is the key to a crispy coating. Fry the chicken pieces until they are medium-brown and crunchy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

Always check the oil temperature with a digital thermometer. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. This careful attention will give you perfectly fried Korean chicken every time.

“The secret to the perfect crunch is all in the frying process. Precise temperatures and timings are key to achieving that signature Korean fried chicken texture.”

Creating the Signature Korean Chicken Coating

To get that perfect crispiness in Korean fried chicken, the coating is everything. Use tapioca starch or potato starch instead of all-purpose flour. These starches give an extra crunchy texture that makes this dish stand out.

Proper Starch Selection

The best starch mix for Korean fried chicken includes:

• 1.25 cups tapioca starch or potato starch
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Mix the dry seasoning with 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of cold water. This makes a thick, yet runny batter. The right batter lets the crispy korean chicken get that perfect crunchy outside when fried.

Seasoning Blend Measurements

Getting the seasoning just right is key for authentic korean chicken marinade taste. The mix of spices and aromatics, along with the right starch ratio, makes this dish truly special. Try different amounts to find your favorite flavor.

Popular Korean Fried Chicken Variations

Korean fried chicken is loved worldwide for its crispy texture and tasty coatings. In the U.S., big Korean chains like Bonchon, BBQ Chicken, and Kyochon have spread across the country. They show how much people love this dish. There are many tasty variations of Korean fried chicken to try.

Yangnyeom-tongdak is famous for its sweet and spicy sauce. Ganjang chicken is known for its savory soy garlic sauce. For a sweeter taste, try Dakgangjeong with its crispy and caramelized coating.

Some versions add peanuts and dried red chili peppers for extra texture and heat. These different flavors show how Korean fried chicken can please many tastes.

Looking for a spicy korean chicken or a gochujang chicken dish? These popular choices have something for everyone. Korean fried chicken’s variety keeps food lovers excited and eager to try more.

Best Side Dishes and Accompaniments

Korean fried chicken is amazing on its own, but it’s even better with the right sides. Try pairing it with pickled daikon radish, kimchi, and Korean cucumber salad for a refreshing twist. For something different, go for french fries, onion rings, and coleslaw.

Traditional Korean Pairings

Authentic Korean meals often come with many side dishes, called banchan. When you serve korean fried chicken, consider these classic Korean sides:

• Pickled daikon radish (chicken-mu): A crunchy, tangy pickle that cleanses the palate.
• Kimchi: The iconic fermented cabbage (or other vegetables) adds a bold, spicy kick.
• Korean cucumber salad: Refreshing, lightly seasoned cucumber slices provide a cooling contrast.

Modern Fusion Options

For a Western twist on kfc style korean chicken, try these modern sides:

1. French fries: Crispy, salty fries are a classic accompaniment.
2. Onion rings: The sweet and savory battered onion rings complement the chicken perfectly.
3. Coleslaw: The tangy, creamy slaw balances the richness of the fried chicken.

You can also try Korean scallion pancakes, kimchi pancakes, and braised potatoes. And don’t forget the classic pairing of korean fried chicken sauce and a cold beer for the ultimate “chi-maek” experience.

Storage Tips and Reheating Methods

Your delicious kerean fried chicken recipe can be stored and reheated easily. To keep it crispy, store the chicken pieces without sauce in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, the oven and air fryer are the best choices. They help keep the chicken crispy on the outside and juicy inside. For oven reheating, preheat to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the piece size.

The air fryer is also great, reheating in just 5-6 minutes at the same temperature. This method is highly rated for its ability to recrisp the chicken.

Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy. If you’re in a rush, a 30-second microwave followed by 3-4 minutes under a hot broiler can work. But the oven and air fryer are the best for keeping the chicken crispy.

With these tips, you can enjoy your homemade crispy korean chicken recipe for days. It’s easy to keep it fresh and delicious.

Source Links

• Korean Fried Chicken – https://christieathome.com/blog/korean-fried-chicken/
• Korean Fried Chicken – https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238844/korean-fried-chicken/
• Sweet, sour, & spicy Korean fried chicken (Yangnyeom-tongdak) – https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/yangnyeom-tongdak