Korean BBQ Chicken This recipe is easy, spicy and full of flavor. It is served with a delicious sauce that can also be used as a marinade. This recipe will become a regular on your dinner table.
Korean BBQ Chicken garnished with sesame seeds and parsley.
Meals are enjoyed at my house because after the day’s work, I relish a good spicy dinner. Many recipes like these are found in the Korean diet, if you have never tried food prepared this way, now you have the chance! This food is warm, easy on the heart, high in protein and most of all, filled with a few tricks up its sleeve. Yummy! Korean food is something one should not miss out.
This is one of the simple ways through which one can bake chicken drumsticks. This great sauce can be prepared in few minutes 5 to be precise and the best part is they are easy to prepare.
This Korean BBQ Chicken has it all, you’ve got your sesame oil with that toasty flavor, and of course honey to give the chicken all the sweetness it needs. This chicken is sticky, sweet and its taste is doing and everything is in it. I assure you this will be that one meal that will easily become a staple for your weeknight dinners. Don’t believe it? Let’s try it.
Korean BBQ Chicken Preparation Information
Make the Sauce: For the marinade blend soy sauce with Sriracha sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, sesame and olive oil, rice wine vinegar and put it into a bowl.
Bake the Chicken: Arrange the chicken in a baking pan and pour the sauce over it covering each piece. Flip the portions over so that they are immersed into the sauce to the maximum extent. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes; then; brush or baste the pan with sauce; and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the fish reaches 165°F.
Garnish: Finally, on top of the chicken, pour sesame seeds and chopped cilantro leaves over the chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and let it sit for at least 5 minutes after grilling before eating.
What to serve with:
If you feel this isn’t a complete meal in itself, to make it a complete dish, here are some great accompaniments:If you feel this isn’t a complete meal in itself, to make it a complete dish, here are some great accompaniments:
Cooked rice plain white rice, but can be any type of rice you prefer.
Cucumber slices, which add a cooling and refreshing twist to spicy Korean food.
Mashed potatoes
Creamy polenta
Kimchi – the main side dish and condiment of Korean food!
Steamed vegetables such as: corn, peas, asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, or bok choy.
Other cooking options:
Slow cooker: Combine sauce ingredients and oil in bag with chicken drumsticks and shake well. Place chicken and sauce in slow cooker. Put lid on slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-4 hours.
PRESSURE COOKER: Combine sauce ingredients and drumsticks in bag or bowl and stir well, add chicken and sauce to pressure cooker and close lid according to manufacturer’s instructions. Cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, then allow to release steam naturally and serve chicken hot.
CAN I USE THIS SAUCE AS A MARINADE?
Yes, you can! I’ve found that soaking your meat in this sauce for a few hours really infuses the flavors into every bite. Place it in a freezer bag for at least 4 hours or overnight and then cook!
Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe
Korean BBQ chicken, also known as “Dak-galbi” or “Korean BBQ chicken,” is a popular Korean dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful, spicy, and slightly sweet marinade. It’s often grilled or pan-fried and served with a variety of side dishes. Here’s a comprehensive recipe to make this delicious dish at home.
For the Chicken: Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe
2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Marinade:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
– 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice wine or mirin
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
– 1 small onion, finely grated
– 2 tablespoons apple or pear, grated (optional for sweetness)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, finely chopped
Optional Garnishes:
– Sliced green onions
– Toasted sesame seeds
– Fresh cilantro
For Serving:
– Steamed rice
– Lettuce leaves or perilla leaves (for wrapping)
– Kimchi (fermented vegetables)
– Pickled radishes
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. Cut the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs are often preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can also be used if you prefer leaner meat.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
1. Mix the Marinade Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, gochugaru, honey or brown sugar, rice wine or mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, grated onion, and grated apple or pear (if using). Add the vegetable oil to help the marinade coat the chicken better. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are all well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1. Grill or Pan-Fry the Chicken:
– Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char.
– Pan-Frying: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil to the pan. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
1. Garnish: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired.
2. Serve: Serve the Korean BBQ chicken hot with steamed rice, lettuce leaves or perilla leaves for wrapping, kimchi, and pickled radishes on the side. The lettuce or perilla leaves can be used to wrap the chicken along with a bit of rice and kimchi for a delicious bite.
Best Korean BBQ Chicken
1. Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
2.Grilling: If grilling, make sure the grill is preheated and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Cooking over medium-high heat ensures a nice char without burning the marinade.
3. Pan-Frying: If using a skillet, make sure it’s hot before adding the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear.
4. Sweetness: The grated apple or pear in the marinade adds a natural sweetness and helps tenderize the meat. If you don’t have these fruits, you can substitute with a bit more honey or brown sugar.
5. Adjusting Spice Level: The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of gochujang and gochugaru. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amounts slightly.
Variations
1. Vegetable Additions: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots to the marinade and cook them alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
2. Different Meats: This marinade works well with other meats such as pork or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. Skewers: For a fun twist, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers before grilling. This makes for a great party appetizer or BBQ dish.
FAQs
1. What is Korean BBQ Chicken?
- Korean BBQ Chicken, also known as “Dak-galbi,” is a popular Korean dish that features marinated chicken cooked over a grill or in a pan. The marinade typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, gochujang (Korean red chili paste), garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, giving the chicken a flavorful, spicy, and slightly sweet taste.
2. What cut of chicken is best for Korean BBQ Chicken?
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often preferred because they are more flavorful and juicier than chicken breasts. However, chicken breasts can also be used if you prefer leaner meat.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. Marinating overnight is even better, as it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more thoroughly.
4. Can I use this marinade for other meats?
- Yes, the marinade for Korean BBQ Chicken works well with other meats such as pork or beef. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type and cut of meat you are using.
5. What can I serve with Korean BBQ Chicken?
- Korean BBQ Chicken is often served with steamed rice, lettuce or perilla leaves (for wrapping), kimchi, and pickled radishes. You can also serve it with other Korean side dishes like japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) or banchan (small side dishes).
6. How do I adjust the spice level?
- The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of gochujang and gochugaru in the marinade. For a milder flavor, reduce the amounts of these ingredients slightly. You can also add more honey or sugar to balance the heat.
Conclusion
Korean BBQ chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. With its tender, juicy chicken and vibrant marinade, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal. Serve it with steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and traditional Korean side dishes for a truly authentic experience. Enjoy this delicious recipe with family and friends and savor the taste of Korean cuisine at home.