Spicy Korean Fried Chicken is a culinary delight that captures the essence of Korean cuisine—bold flavors and crispy textures. This incredible dish has become a favorite among food enthusiasts and casual diners alike, transporting your taste buds straight to Korea with every bite. With a perfect balance of heat from gochujang and sweetness from honey, it’s no wonder this dish is so popular. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible meal!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Korean Fried Chicken
There are countless reasons to love this fried spicy chicken recipe. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the spicy Korean chicken marinade that infuses the meat with a delightful kick. Second, the crispy texture of the chicken wings or drumsticks makes every bite satisfying. This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it serves well as an appetizer or a main dish. Plus, it caters to gluten-free diets, making it accessible for many. If you’re looking for an easy spicy Korean chicken dish that impresses, this recipe is your go-to! You can also explore more recipes on our recipe page.
Ingredients for Spicy Korean Fried Chicken
Gather these items:
- 2 pounds chicken wings or drumsticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Oil for frying
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
How to Make Spicy Korean Fried Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Rinse the chicken wings or drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4: In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Step 6: Carefully place a few pieces of chicken in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
- Step 7: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 8: In a saucepan, combine the remaining gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a splash of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until combined.
- Step 9: In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Step 10: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Korean Fried Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring crispy Korean chicken wings.
- For a twist, try adding sesame oil to the marinade for an extra depth of flavor.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Best Ways to Serve Spicy Korean Fried Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as an appetizer at parties or alongside a bowl of rice for a fulfilling meal. Pair with pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast. You can even enjoy the crispy fried chicken bites as a finger food while watching your favorite show!
How to Store and Reheat Spicy Korean Fried Chicken
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container. When reheating, use the oven to maintain the crispy texture. Simply place them on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep your crunchy Korean fried chicken nice and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Korean Fried Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect Spicy Korean Fried Chicken?
The secret lies in the marinade! A mixture of buttermilk and gochujang not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a rich flavor. It’s essential to let it marinate well to achieve that authentic Korean spicy chicken taste.
Can I make Spicy Korean Fried Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance. Just remember to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to fry. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it even easier to prepare when you’re ready to cook.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Spicy Korean Fried Chicken?
One common mistake is not letting the chicken reach room temperature before frying. This can lead to uneven cooking. Additionally, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; otherwise, it will absorb too much oil and lose its crispiness.
Variations of Spicy Korean Fried Chicken You Can Try
If you want to mix things up, consider making oven-baked spicy Korean chicken instead of frying. You can also explore using chicken tenders for spicy chicken tenders Korean style or even adding a garlic sauce for a unique taste. These variations maintain the essence of the dish while providing new flavor profiles!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out our chicken meatballs with lemon orzo or jalapeno buffalo chicken casserole. You can also learn about the health benefits of chicken for a nutritious meal option.
PrintDelicious Spicy Korean Fried Chicken Recipe to Try
Spicy Korean Fried Chicken: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings or drumsticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Oil for frying
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken wings or drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, gochujang, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a deep pan or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Carefully place a few pieces of chicken in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
- Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan, combine the remaining gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a splash of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until combined.
- In a large bowl, toss the fried chicken with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg

