Korean Fried Chicken Recipe (with Video)

Korean Fried Chicken Recipe: Korean Fried Chicken is a culinary masterpiece known for its extra-crispy texture and bold flavors. Unlike American-style fried chicken, which is often coated in thick flour-based batter, Korean Fried Chicken is made using a light, crispy coating, thanks to potato starch and a double-frying method.

The real magic happens when it’s coated in signature Korean sauces like spicy gochujang or sweet soy garlic. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, spicy, or savory flavors, this guide will walk you through making restaurant-quality Korean Fried Chicken at home.

Ingredients Needed

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients.

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, drumsticks, or boneless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp rice wine (optional)

For the Crispy Coating:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup potato starch (or cornstarch)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg (optional, for extra crispiness)
• ½ cup cold water

For Frying:

• 4 cups vegetable oil (canola, peanut, or sunflower oil)

For Spicy Gochujang Sauce:

• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For Soy Garlic Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For Honey Butter Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp soy sauce

Preparing the Chicken

1. Clean and Dry: Rinse the chicken and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Moisture prevents crispiness.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, mix the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rice wine. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
3. Bring to Room Temperature: Take the chicken out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before frying to ensure even cooking.

Making the Crispy Batter

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, potato starch, and baking powder.

Prepare the Wet Mixture: Beat an egg with cold water and slowly mix it into the dry ingredients to form a light batter.

Double-Coating Method:

• First, coat the marinated chicken lightly in dry flour mixture.
• Dip it into the wet batter.
• Coat it again with dry flour for an extra crispy texture.

The Double-Frying Method

1. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil to 325°F (163°C) in a deep pot.
2. First Frying (Cook Through): Fry the chicken in batches for about 6-8 minutes (longer for drumsticks). Remove and let it rest on a wire rack.
3. Increase Heat: Raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
4. Second Frying (Crispy Coating): Fry the chicken again for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Making the Signature Korean Fried Chicken Sauces

Spicy Gochujang Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, mix gochujang, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Soy Garlic Sauce:

1. Heat soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a pan.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly.

Honey Butter Sauce:

1. Melt butter in a pan, add honey and soy sauce.
2. Stir until combined.

Coating the Chicken in Sauce

1. Place the double-fried chicken in a large bowl.
2. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss gently until well-coated.
3. Serve immediately to keep the crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with pickled radish, coleslaw, or kimchi.
• Enjoy with cold beer, soju, or carbonated drinks for an authentic Korean experience.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Korean Fried Chicken

• Use potato starch instead of regular flour for a lighter, crunchier texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; it lowers the oil temperature.
• Let the chicken rest between the first and second fry for the best crispiness.

FAQs about Korean Fried Chicken Recipe

What is Korean Fried Chicken?

Korean Fried Chicken, often abbreviated as KFC, is a popular dish from South Korea, characterized by its exceptionally crispy skin and sweet-spicy glazes or seasonings. Unlike traditional American fried chicken, Korean fried chicken is fried twice to achieve its distinctive crunch and is typically coated with sauces like spicy gochujang or sweet soy garlic.

What ingredients do I need for Korean Fried Chicken?

To make authentic Korean Fried Chicken, you will need chicken (wings or drumettes work best), cornstarch or potato starch for the batter, and a mix of spices typically including garlic, ginger, and pepper. For the glaze, common ingredients include soy sauce, sugar, garlic, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and rice vinegar.

How do I achieve the signature crispiness in Korean Fried Chicken?

The secret to the crispiness lies in double-frying the chicken. Initially, fry the chicken pieces until they are just cooked through, then let them rest for a few minutes. The second fry is shorter but at a higher temperature, which crisps up the exterior without overcooking the inside.

Can I make Korean Fried Chicken without a deep fryer?

Yes, you can make Korean Fried Chicken in a regular frying pan or a skillet with enough oil to cover the chicken pieces partially. Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F or 175°C) before frying and manage the heat to maintain a steady temperature.

What are some common sides to serve with Korean Fried Chicken?

Korean Fried Chicken pairs wonderfully with pickled radishes, which provide a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness. Steamed rice, kimchi, and a light salad of greens can also complement the flavors of the chicken.

Is Korean Fried Chicken gluten-free?

Korean Fried Chicken can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring that no wheat-based ingredients are in the glazes or marinades. However, it’s essential to check all labels if you’re adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.

How can I store and reheat leftover Korean Fried Chicken?

Leftover Korean Fried Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy.

Conclusion

Making Korean Fried Chicken at home is easier than you think! By following this step-by-step guide, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken coated in delicious sauces. Try different flavors and experiment with spice levels to match your taste.