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Crispy Korean Fried Chicken with Spicy Gochujang Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 6 reviews

Experience the ultimate Korean Fried Chicken with crispy buttermilk-marinated chicken strips perfectly coated in a flavorful and spicy Gochujang sauce. This recipe delivers a crunchy exterior and a sticky, spicy glaze, making it an irresistible appetizer or main course for any party or dinner occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade:

  • 4 chicken breasts (approx 700g or 1.5lb), sliced into long thick strips
  • 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic salt

Crispy Coating:

  • 180 g (1 1/2 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic salt
  • ½ tsp celery salt
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp chilli flakes
  • Oil for deep frying (at least 1 litre/4 cups) – avocado oil, sunflower, or canola oil works well

Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp gochujang paste
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 2 tsp minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp oil (avocado, sunflower, or canola oil)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 spring onions, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes (red pepper flakes)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a large bowl. Add the buttermilk, salt, white pepper, and garlic salt. Mix thoroughly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Prepare to Fry: Preheat your oven to a low temperature to keep cooked chicken warm. Pour at least 1 litre of oil into a large deep pan or deep fryer and heat until a small cube of bread dropped into the oil rises immediately and bubbles vigorously, indicating the oil is ready for frying.
  3. Make the Crispy Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, dried thyme, paprika, baking powder, and chili flakes. Mix well to distribute spices evenly.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture ensuring an even, thick coating. Set aside on a tray.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally for even cooking. Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken and transfer it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep warm in the oven.
  6. Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in gochujang paste, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until thickened and sticky. Turn off the heat and stir in sesame oil.
  7. Toss and Serve: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and pour over the hot Korean sauce. Toss well to coat all the pieces evenly. Garnish with sliced spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while crispy and delicious.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies flavor and tenderizes the meat.
  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy crust and prevent greasiness.
  • You can adjust chili flakes in the coating and sauce to your preferred spice level.
  • Serve with steamed rice or pickled radish for an authentic Korean experience.
  • Leftover chicken can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Party Food
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian, Korean