Korean Fried Chicken KFC Recipe

Korean Fried Chicken (KFC), a culinary gem from the streets of Seoul, has taken the world by storm with its irresistible crunch and explosive flavors. This dish stands out with its unique double-frying technique, which ensures an unbelievably crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and tender inside. Infused with a blend of traditional Korean ingredients like Gochujang (Korean chili paste) and hot honey, the chicken offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the vibrant heart of Korean cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this guide will walk you through creating this iconic dish, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of rich flavors and textures.

Ingredients For Korean Fried Chicken

Making Korean Fried Chicken is fun and easy when you know about each ingredient. Let’s look at what you need and why each thing is important:

For the First Marinade:

Whole Chickens: You need 2 chickens, each cut into 10 pieces. This is the main part of the dish.
Ginger: A knob of ginger, grated. Ginger adds a fresh, spicy taste.
Garlic: 4 cloves, grated. Garlic gives a strong, yummy flavor.
Salt: 1.5 teaspoons to season the chicken.
Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground for a bit of heat.

2. For the Korean Fried Chicken Sauce:

Peanut Oil: 1 tablespoon, used for cooking the sauce.
Gochujang: 6 tablespoons. This is a Korean chili paste that makes the sauce spicy and a bit sweet.
Tomato Ketchup: 6 tablespoons to add sweetness and tanginess.
Hot Honey: 3 tablespoons for a sweet and spicy kick.
Garlic: 6 cloves, crushed, for more flavor.
Rice Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (or apple cider vinegar) for a bit of sourness.
Salt: Half a tablespoon to season the sauce.
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons for a rich, salty taste.
Water: 4 tablespoons to get the right sauce consistency.

3. For Dredging and Frying:

Marinated Chicken: Use the chicken you marinated earlier.
Peanut Oil: 3 liters for deep frying, making the chicken crispy.
Eggs: 3, which help the coating stick to the chicken.
Potato Starch: 1.5 cups, makes the chicken extra crispy.
Flour: 1.5 cups to mix with potato starch for the coating.
Garnish: Spring onions and sesame seeds to sprinkle on top for extra flavor and a pretty look.

Understanding these ingredients helps you see how they all come together to make a dish full of different tastes and textures. Each one adds something special to your Korean Fried Chicken.

Preparation Steps for Korean Fried Chicken

Marinating the Chicken

Combine Ingredients for Marinade: In a large bowl, place the 20 pieces of chicken (2 chickens cut into 10 pieces each). Add a knob of grated ginger and 4 cloves of grated garlic to impart a sharp, aromatic flavor. Sprinkle 1.5 teaspoons of salt for seasoning and 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper for a mild heat.
Mix and Marinate: Using your hands or a large spoon, mix the chicken with the marinade ingredients until each piece is evenly coated. This ensures the flavors penetrate the chicken. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or longer for deeper flavor. The marination process tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with the flavors of ginger and garlic, setting the base for its final taste.

Making the Korean Fried Chicken Sauce

Sauté Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 6 cloves of crushed garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step is crucial for developing a deep, garlicky base for your sauce.
Combine Sauce Ingredients: To the sautéed garlic, add 6 tablespoons of Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 6 tablespoons of tomato ketchup, 3 tablespoons of hot honey, 2 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), 0.5 tablespoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 4 tablespoons of water.
Cook the Sauce: Stir the mixture well and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The sauce should slightly thicken as it simmers. The combination of Gochujang and hot honey creates a unique spicy and sweet flavor, while the vinegar adds a tangy note. Once the sauce is done, remove it from heat and set aside.

Dredging and Frying the Chicken

Prepare for Frying: In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, pour 3 liters of peanut oil. Heat the oil to 175°C (347°F). This temperature is ideal for cooking the chicken thoroughly without burning the outer coating.
Dredge the Chicken: Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Crack 3 eggs and add them to the bowl, along with 1.5 cups each of potato starch and flour. Mix until each piece of chicken is well coated with this mixture. The combination of potato starch and flour creates a crispy coating when fried.
First Round of Frying: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry them for 8-10 minutes until they turn lightly brown and crispy. It’s important not to overcrowd the pot, as this can lower the oil’s temperature and make the chicken less crispy. Remove the chicken and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Double Frying: Increase the oil temperature to 190°C (375°F). Fry the chicken again for 5-6 minutes. This second round of frying at a higher temperature ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Remove the chicken and let it drain again.

Final Assembly and Garnishing

Toss with Sauce: Place the double-fried chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Korean fried chicken sauce over the chicken. Toss well, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the sauce.
Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped spring onions over the chicken. This not only adds a layer of flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish.

Serving

Serve the Korean Fried Chicken hot, accompanied by sides like steamed rice, cucumber salad, and kimchi. These sides provide a refreshing balance to the spicy and savory chicken.

Topping Ideas

Enhancing Korean Fried Chicken with various toppings can elevate the dish’s flavors and textures. Here are some detailed topping ideas:

Sesame Seeds: Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a subtle crunch. They also add a visually appealing touch to the dish.
Chopped Spring Onions: Adding finely chopped spring onions introduces a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. The green color also makes the dish more vibrant.
Fresh Chili Slices: For those who enjoy extra heat, thinly sliced fresh chilies, such as red or green chili peppers, can be sprinkled on top.
Pickled Radishes: Offering a tangy crunch, pickled radishes can cut through the dish’s richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
Sliced Cucumbers: Thinly sliced cucumbers give a cool, crisp texture that complements the spicy chicken well.
Toasted Nori (Seaweed) Strips: For a touch of umami, add some finely shredded toasted nori on top. This adds a unique, savory oceanic flavor.
Drizzle of Mayo or Aioli: A light drizzle of mayonnaise or aioli can add a creamy element. Spicing up the mayo with a bit of sriracha or garlic can further enhance the flavor.
Chopped Peanuts or Cashews: For a bit of crunch and nuttiness, sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews over the chicken.

Storage Instructions

Storing leftover Korean Fried Chicken properly is important to maintain its flavor and texture:

Cooling Down: Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make the chicken soggy.
Refrigerator Storage: Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might cause the chicken to lose some of its crispiness over time.
Freezer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the fried chicken (without the sauce) in airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To regain the crispiness, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. If it’s sauced, reheating in the oven can also help maintain the texture better than microwaving.

FAQs about Korean Fried Chicken

Q1: Can I make Korean Fried Chicken with boneless chicken? A1: Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. The cooking time might be slightly less compared to bone-in chicken, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Q2: What if I don’t have Gochujang for the sauce? A2: Gochujang is a unique ingredient, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute it with a mix of red chili paste and a little sugar for sweetness. The flavor will be different, but it will still be delicious.

Q3: Is there a gluten-free option for the batter? A3: Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free soy sauce. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Q4: How can I make the dish less spicy? A4: To reduce the spice level, reduce the amount of Gochujang and omit the fresh chilies in the topping. You can also increase the honey or sugar in the sauce for more sweetness to balance the heat.

Q5: Can Korean Fried Chicken be made in an air fryer? A5: Yes, you can use an air fryer. Cook the chicken at 180°C (356°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different from deep frying.

Q6: What are some common side dishes to serve with Korean Fried Chicken? A6: Traditional Korean sides like kimchi, cucumber salad, or steamed rice work well. You can also serve it with coleslaw, pickled radishes, or a simple green salad.

Q7: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? A7: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). The exterior should be golden brown and crispy, and the inside should be fully cooked and no longer pink.

Q8: Can I prepare the chicken in advance? A8: Yes, you can marinate the chicken and even coat it with the flour mixture ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to fry.

Q9: Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe? A9: For a vegan version, you can use firm tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q10: How can I ensure the fried chicken stays crispy? A10: The double-frying method helps to keep it crispy. Also, make sure to drain the chicken well on a wire rack after frying and avoid covering it, as steam can make the crust soggy.

Korean Fried Chicken, with its perfect blend of crunchy texture and rich flavors, offers a delightful culinary experience that stands out in the world of fried chicken. This recipe not only brings the essence of Korean street food into your kitchen but also allows for creativity and personalization, whether it’s through adjusting spice levels or experimenting with different toppings and sides. The dish’s versatility and the joy of achieving that ideal crispy bite make it a rewarding endeavor for any home cook.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just spicing up your regular meal routine, Korean Fried Chicken is sure to impress. Its ability to be customized for different dietary needs, from gluten-free to vegan options, makes it a versatile choice for any gathering. Remember, the key to perfect Korean Fried Chicken lies in the double-frying technique and the harmonious blend of flavors in the sauce.

We hope this guide inspires you to try this beloved Korean dish, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something deliciously unique. Happy cooking, and enjoy the irresistible crunch and flavor explosion with every bite of your homemade Korean Fried Chicken!