Korean Chicken Recipe from a Local Artisan

Korean chicken is a popular dish that originated in South Korea. It is made with chicken that is marinated in a mixture of flavorful ingredients such as brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. The chicken is then either grilled or baked, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a caramelized glaze. Korean chicken is often served with rice and a side of vegetables. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is loved for its balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are used in this recipe because they are flavorful and remain moist during cooking. You can use boneless or bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe.

1/2 cup brown sugar

This sweetens the marinade and helps create a caramelized glaze on the chicken as it cooks.

1/2 cup soy sauce

Soy sauce is a staple in Korean cuisine and imparts a savory, salty flavor to the chicken.

1/4 cup rice vinegar

Rice vinegar provides a tangy, slightly sweet flavor and helps balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Garlic adds a pungent flavor and aroma to the marinade.

2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

Gochujang is a spicy, fermented chili paste that is commonly used in Korean cooking. It adds heat and depth of flavor to the marinade.

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Sesame oil adds a nutty, fragrant flavor to the marinade and is commonly used in Korean cuisine.

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Ginger adds a fresh, slightly spicy flavor to the marinade and helps to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.

1 green onion, thinly sliced

Green onion adds a fresh, mild flavor and is used as a garnish for the finished dish.

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Sesame seeds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the finished dish.

The instructions for this Korean chicken recipe

STEP 1

In a large bowl, whisk together the following ingredients to create the marinade

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup rice vinegar

3 cloves of minced garlic

2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

Mix all the ingredients together until the brown sugar has fully dissolved into the liquid.

STEP 2

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This will allow the flavors of the marinade to fully penetrate the chicken and tenderize the meat.

STEP 3

Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If using an oven, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

STEP 4

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill or baking sheet, skin side up.

STEP 5

If grilling, place the chicken on the grill grates over indirect heat. Close the lid and grill for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and it is fully cooked. Baste the chicken with additional marinade every 5-7 minutes while grilling to create a caramelized glaze. If using an oven, place the chicken in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.

STEP 6

Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the chicken hot, garnished with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Enjoy your delicious, savory, and slightly sweet Korean-style chicken!

Korean chicken is delicious for several reasons

Flavorful marinade

The marinade used in Korean chicken recipes is a blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors. Brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger are all combined to create a delicious and complex flavor profile for the chicken.

Tenderizing effect

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, which allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it, resulting in a juicy and tender chicken.

Cooking method

Korean chicken is typically grilled or baked, which creates a crispy exterior and a moist, juicy interior. Grilling also adds a smoky flavor to the chicken, while basting with the marinade creates a caramelized glaze.

Balancing flavors

The combination of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors creates a harmonious balance in the dish, making it satisfying and enjoyable to eat.

Use of sesame seeds and green onions

Sesame seeds and green onions are commonly used as garnishes in Korean cuisine. The nutty flavor of the sesame seeds and the mild, fresh flavor of the green onions add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the finished dish.

All of these factors combined make Korean chicken a delicious and popular dish that is sure to impress.

Points to note when making Korean-style chicken

Use skin-on chicken

The skin of the chicken will help to keep the meat juicy and flavorful during cooking. The skin will also crisp up and become slightly charred, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish. When selecting the chicken, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best results.

Marinate the chicken

Marinating the chicken in a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. This marinade will provide the chicken with a delicious blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors. It will also help to tenderize the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender chicken. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

Cook the chicken properly

To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature by inserting it into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. The chicken should be cooked until it reaches this temperature to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Use the right heat source

Korean chicken is traditionally grilled, but it can also be baked in the oven. If grilling, cook the chicken over indirect heat to prevent it from burning, and baste it with the marinade every 5-7 minutes to create a caramelized glaze. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake until fully cooked.

Rest the chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will prevent the juices from spilling out when you cut into the chicken, resulting in a juicy and tender dish.

By following these tips and guidelines, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Korean-style chicken dish that will impress your friends and family.

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