Korean Sweet and Spicy Chicken, also known as Dakgangjeong, is a popular Korean dish famous for its perfectly balanced flavors of sweet and spicy, combined with the crispiness of fried chicken. This dish is not only a staple of Korean cuisine but also a favorite among those who love a good flavor combination. Here are step-by-step instructions for making sweet and spicy Korean chicken at home.
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN:
• 2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying
FOR THE SAUCE:
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
GARNISH:
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
Equipment
• Large mixing bowl
• Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
• Saucepan
• Whisk
Instructions
STEP 1: PREPARE CHICKEN
1. Season chicken: In a large bowl, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Bread the chicken: Add cornstarch and all-purpose flour to the chicken. Stir until chicken pieces are evenly coated.
STEP 2: FRY THE CHICKEN
1. Heat the oil: Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry in batches: Fry the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per batch, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
STEP 3: PREPARE SAUCE
1. Combine ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, gochujang, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
2. Simmer: Whisk ingredients together and simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
STEP 4: COAT CHICKEN
1. Toss with sauce: Once all the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, toss the chicken pieces into the sauce until well coated.
STEP 5: GARNISH AND SERVE
1. Garnish: Scatter sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken.
2. Serve: Serve hot as a starter or with steamed rice as a main course.
Tips for Perfect Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken
• Double Fry: For a crispier chicken, you can fry the chicken pieces twice. Fry once, let rest for a few minutes, and then quickly fry again to crisp them up.
• Adjust the spiciness: The spiciness level can be adjusted by adding more or less gochujang depending on your taste.
• Serving suggestion: Serve with a side of pickled radishes or a light salad to balance the flavor.
Enjoy making this delicious sweet and spicy Korean chicken dish that brings a delicious combination of flavors and textures to your table. It’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the sweet heat and irresistible crunch of fried chicken!
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