Spicy Garlic Fried Chicken

Name: Spicy Garlic Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Korean

Posted on May 15, 2024

Chicken, Meat, Recipes

In the World of Korean Spicy Garlic Fried Chicken

Korean Spicy Garlic Fried Chicken, or “yangnyeom tongdak,” is a beloved dish famed for its bold flavors. Combining spicy gochujang sauce with rich garlic offers sweet, tangy, and savory tastes. The crispy surface, achieved through deep-frying, complements the tender, juicy meat. Whether as bone-in wings or boneless bites, this dish captivates the senses with its addictive flavor profile and irresistible crunch.

How to make Korean Spicy Garlic Fried Chicken?

Preparing Korean spicy garlic fried chicken is a culinary adventure. Tender chicken coated in a crispy batter meets a bold, garlicky sauce spiked with fiery gochujang. Deep-frying creates the perfect crunch, while the sauce delivers sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Each bite is an explosion of taste, a testament to the artistry of Korean cuisine.

Recipe

Korean spicy garlic fried chicken offers a compelling blend of crispy, golden-brown texture and firm, vibrant flavors.

Main Ingredients

2 lbs. of chicken wings or drumsticks

1 cup of all-purpose flour

1 cup of cornstarch

One teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

For frying, use vegetable oil.

Ingredient 3

For the spicy garlic sauce

1/4 cup of gochujang (Korean chili paste)

1/4 cup of soy sauce

Three tablespoons of honey

Two tablespoons of brown sugar

Four cloves of garlic, chopped

1 tablespoon of rice vinegar

One tablespoon of sesame oil

One tablespoon of finely chopped green onions (optional)

Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Execution

Prepare Coating: Mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.

Coat Chicken: Rinse the chicken wings or drumsticks and pat them dry with paper towels. Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra.

Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a big pan to 350°F (180°C).

Fry Chicken: Carefully put the chicken in the hot oil and fry until it turns golden brown and cooks through. Wings take about 10–12 minutes; for drumsticks, it’s around 12–15 minutes. Ensure not to put too many pieces in at once; fry them in batches if needed.

Make Sauce: Make the spicy garlic sauce while the chicken is frying. Mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce gets thick, about 5 minutes. Take it off the heat and set it aside.

Coat Chicken: Transfer the chicken to a big bowl once cooked. Mix the spicy garlic sauce over the hot chicken until all the pieces are coated nicely.

Garnish: You can sprinkle on some chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an even yummier flavor.

Note

Adjust the amount of gochujang and garlic according to your desired spiciness and garlic intensity level.

Tips

To prevent burning, keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. Use a thermometer to ensure it stays around 350°F (180°C).
After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil and preserve its crispiness.
After combining the ingredients, allow the spicy garlic sauce to simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
You can adjust the spice level of the sauce to your preference by varying the amount of gochujang or adding red pepper flakes.
For the best texture and flavor, serve the Korean spicy garlic fried chicken immediately after tossing it in the sauce.