Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your appreciation for fried chicken forever. This outrageously addictive Korean Style Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) is poised to become your new culinary obsession, perfect as a show-stopping appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a delightful main course. Korean cuisine is celebrated globally for its vibrant flavors and innovative techniques, and this recipe stands as a shining testament to its excellence.
Hello, food enthusiasts! It’s Lily here, from Gastro Senses. I am absolutely thrilled to share this incredible Korean Style Fried Chicken recipe with you. My passion for cooking has long been fueled by the inspiring creations I’ve encountered, particularly from sources like Oh Sweet Basil. To contribute a recipe here is truly an honor, and I’ve poured all my love for Korean flavors into this dish.
A little about me: I reside in Toronto, Canada, with my wonderful husband, our energetic toddler, and two beloved fur babies. Nothing brings me greater joy than watching my family enjoy a hearty, delicious meal. My culinary blog is a reflection of my heritage, featuring cherished family recipes from my upbringing, alongside globally inspired favorites that I’ve reinvented with a unique twist.
Today’s recipe is particularly special because it masterfully combines the irresistible crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the iconic, bold flavors of Korea. This dish delivers a harmonious balance of sweet and delightfully spicy notes, creating an explosion of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. The secret to its unparalleled crispiness lies in the traditional Korean double-frying technique, a method so effective it’s often playfully referred to as “the other KFC.” Imagine succulent chicken enveloped in a light, unbelievably crunchy batter, fried to a magnificent golden perfection, and then coated in an explosive, umami-rich Asian sauce. It’s a culinary masterpiece that promises an unforgettable experience with every bite.
The Magic of Double Frying: Achieving Unmatched Crispiness
The hallmark of authentic Korean fried chicken is its extraordinary crispiness, a texture that remains satisfyingly crunchy even after being tossed in sauce. This coveted texture is achieved through a meticulous double-frying process. The first fry, conducted at a lower temperature, slowly renders out the fat from the chicken skin and cooks the meat through, preparing it for the second, higher-temperature fry. This initial stage ensures the chicken is tender and juicy on the inside while creating a robust foundation for the crust. After a brief resting period, allowing residual moisture to evaporate, the chicken undergoes a second fry at a higher temperature. This quick burst of heat crisps up the exterior to an unparalleled degree, creating a remarkably light, airy, and shatteringly crispy crust that truly sets Korean fried chicken apart from its counterparts. This technique guarantees a delightful crunch that lasts, making it worthy of its legendary status.
Understanding Gochujang: The Heart of Korean Flavor
The incredible dipping sauce, the soul of this Korean Style Fried Chicken, is a vibrant blend of Gochujang, aromatic garlic, pungent ginger, and bright orange juice. Gochujang, a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, is a traditional fermented red chili pepper paste. It’s renowned for its complex flavor profile: a captivating mix of savory, sweet, and moderately spicy notes, coupled with a deep, umami richness that is incredibly satisfying. This fermented paste adds an unparalleled depth and a signature warmth to the sauce, making it far more than just a spicy kick. Its unique fermented quality contributes to the overall complexity, creating a layered taste that truly elevates the entire dish.
Where to Buy Gochujang
Finding Gochujang is easier than you might think! You can typically find this essential Korean ingredient at your local Asian grocery store, where a wide variety of brands and spice levels are often available. Many larger, well-stocked supermarkets also carry Gochujang in their international foods aisle. For added convenience, numerous online retailers offer a diverse selection, allowing you to easily order it to your doorstep. Don’t hesitate to seek it out; its distinctive flavor is truly irreplaceable in authentic Korean dishes. The sauce, once prepared, becomes exceptionally flavorful, balancing sweet and tangy notes with just the right amount of spicy warmth, a testament to Gochujang’s versatility.
Gochujang Substitute: A Quick Fix
If Gochujang isn’t readily available and you’re in a pinch, you can create a decent substitute to capture some of its essential flavors. To do this, make a paste by combining 1 tablespoon of red chili pepper flakes with a small amount of soy sauce to moisten it, and then add a pinch of sugar for sweetness. While this alternative won’t perfectly replicate the rich, fermented umami and complex depth of authentic Gochujang, it will provide a similar spicy, sweet, and savory kick that works well for many recipes. It’s a practical solution when you crave those Korean-inspired flavors but lack the key ingredient.
While I cherish hot Sriracha wings that I previously shared, this Korean Style Fried Chicken offers a distinct experience. It’s generally less aggressively spicy, making it enjoyable for a wider range of palates. You can savor a generous portion without overwhelming your mouth with heat, allowing the intricate sweet and savory notes to truly shine through.
The preparation for this delicious recipe is surprisingly straightforward and accessible, even for novice cooks. Our journey begins with marinating the chicken. This crucial step involves infusing the chicken pieces with a blend of savory aromatics for several hours, or ideally, overnight, to ensure deep flavor penetration. Next, we’ll quickly whip up a simple, light tempura-style batter, perfect for creating that signature crisp crust. Each marinated chicken piece will then be delicately dipped into this batter. The first round of frying lasts for approximately 3-4 minutes, designed to cook the chicken thoroughly and set the initial crisp. After this, the chicken is removed and allowed to cool on a wire rack, a vital step that prepares it for the second fry and maximizes crispiness.
When you’re ready to serve this delightful dish, the chicken undergoes its second and final fry. This quick session, lasting another 3 minutes, is performed at a higher temperature to achieve that coveted, shatteringly crisp, and perfectly golden exterior that Korean fried chicken is famous for. This double-frying method ensures a tender, juicy interior with an unbelievably crunchy crust, every single time.
How to Keep Fried Chicken Hot and Crisp
To ensure your Korean Style Fried Chicken remains wonderfully hot and crisp while you prepare the irresistible dipping sauce, simply preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200°F (95°C). As each batch of chicken finishes its second fry, transfer it to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet and keep it warm in the oven. This method prevents the chicken from steaming and losing its precious crunch. Meanwhile, prepare your Korean dipping sauce by combining all the specified ingredients in a saucepan. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and deepen into a rich, cohesive sauce. Once both components are ready, you can either toss the chicken directly in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping, ensuring every bite is fresh, hot, and spectacularly crunchy.
And just like that, you’re ready to serve this phenomenal Korean Style Fried Chicken! The sheer crunch, the depth of flavor, and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes make it an ideal dish for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for an exciting weeknight meal, or simply craving something truly special, this recipe is a must-try. Seriously, no excuses – make it tonight, or as soon as your schedule allows!
Korean Style Fried Chicken: A Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I have no doubt it will soon be one of yours too. Its versatility and irresistible taste make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, proving that homemade Korean fried chicken is truly in a league of its own. Once you master this technique, you’ll find yourself craving that perfect crunch and vibrant flavor time and again.
Korean Style Fried Chicken Recipe
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Korean Style Fried Chicken
Ingredients
FOR THE MARINADE
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, quartered
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion, puréed
- 6 Garlic Cloves, pressed
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Ground Ginger
FOR THE BATTER
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1 Cup Corn Starch
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 1/4 Cups Ice Water
FOR THE KOREAN DIPPING SAUCE
- 1/2 Cup Ketchup
- 2 Scallions, finely chopped
- 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 Tablespoon Honey
- 4 Tablespoon Gochujang Korean Chili Sauce
- Pinch Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Orange, juiced
- 1 Tablespoon Ginger, grated
- 1/4 Cup Water
OTHER INGREDIENTS
- Oil For Frying
- White/Black Sesame Seeds
- Chopped Scallions
Instructions
MAKE THE MARINADE
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Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine.2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, 1 Medium Yellow Onion, 6 Garlic Cloves, 2 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, 1 Ground Ginger
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Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least a few hours, or ideally, overnight for best flavor.
MAKE THE BATTER
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In a large bowl, combine all the batter ingredients except for the ice water and whisk thoroughly until well combined.1 Cup All-Purpose Flour, 1 1/2 Tablespoon Baking Powder, 1 Cup Corn Starch, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Sugar, 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
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Gradually stir in the ice water and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.1 1/4 Cups Ice Water
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Set the prepared batter aside.
1ST FRYING
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Heat approximately 2-3 inches of frying oil in a deep fryer or a sturdy, heavy pot (such as a Dutch oven) to 320°F (160°C). Use a thermometer to maintain accuracy.Oil For Frying
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Set up a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels near your frying station to drain the chicken.
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Once the oil reaches 320°F, take your marinated chicken pieces, coat each one completely in the prepared batter, and carefully place them into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot; fry in small batches of 5-6 pieces at a time to maintain oil temperature.
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Gently stir the chicken pieces with a spider or slotted spoon to prevent them from sticking together.
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Fry each batch for 4 minutes.
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Remove the fried chicken to the cooling rack to drain, and then proceed with frying the next batch of chicken.
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Continuously monitor and adjust the oil temperature as needed between batches to ensure consistent cooking.
MAKE THE KOREAN DIPPING SAUCE
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While the fried chicken is cooling, take this opportunity to prepare the delicious Korean dipping sauce.
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Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Continue to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.1/2 Cup Ketchup, 2 Scallions, 4 Garlic Cloves, 2 Tablespoon Honey, 4 Tablespoon Gochujang Korean Chili Sauce, Pinch Salt, 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, 1 Orange, 1 Tablespoon Ginger, 1/4 Cup Water
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Remove the sauce from heat and allow it to cool slightly to room temperature before serving or tossing with chicken.
2ND FRYING
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When you are ready to serve, reheat the frying oil for a crucial second fry. This quick, high-temperature fry is key to achieving that ultimate, perfect golden crunch on the chicken.
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This time, set your thermometer to a higher temperature of 375°F (190°C).
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Carefully return the pre-fried chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for another 3 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and incredibly crispy.
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Once done, transfer the chicken back to the wire rack to drain any excess oil.
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Serve immediately with the Korean dipping sauce. You can either toss all the chicken pieces directly in the sauce to coat them entirely or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish generously with white or black sesame seeds and freshly chopped scallions for an appealing finish.White/Black Sesame Seeds, Chopped Scallions
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
SOUTHERN STYLE FRIED CHICKEN
Craving a different kind of fried chicken? Try our Southern Style Fried Chicken for a classic American comfort food experience. This recipe delivers incredibly juicy chicken on the inside, encased in an irresistible, golden-brown crust that’s full of crunchy ripples. It’s a testament to timeless frying techniques, promising a comforting and satisfying meal that’s hard to resist.
ASIAN CRISPY HONEY CHICKEN
For another delectable Asian-inspired chicken dish, our Asian Crispy Honey Chicken is a fantastic choice. This recipe features chicken that’s delightfully crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy on the inside, all enveloped in a rich, sweet, and sticky honey sauce. It’s an ideal dish for those who love their chicken saucy, flavorful, and with an appealing sweet glaze. It turned out perfectly!
