How to Make Crispy and Spicy Korean Red Chicken
If you’re a fan of spicy food and love to try new recipes, Korean Red Chicken should be on top of your list.
This dish is a delight to every spicy food lover. It’s crispy, spicy, and has a delicious flavor. This Korean delicacy is perfect for appetizers or as a main course with just about any side dish. With its fiery flavor and beautiful presentation, it’s the perfect dish to impress your friends and family.
First, what is a chicken drumette?
The chicken wing has long been a fan favorite for game day parties and casual dinners alike. But when it comes to the wing itself, there are two distinct parts: the drumette and the wingette.
While both are delicious, it’s the drumette that steals the show for many chicken wing enthusiasts. This meatier portion of the wing resembles a miniature drumstick, and is known for its tender texture and slightly juicier flavor.
Plus, it’s composed primarily of dark meat, which is known for its richer taste.
Let me guide you, step-by-step, for Korean Red Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
The first step to any recipe is to gather all the ingredients.
For the Korean Red Chicken recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs chicken drumettes (or wings)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, salt, black pepper, and vegetable oil.
Toss the drumettes well to distribute the seasoning evenly. Once mixed, slowly add cornstarch and coat the chicken wings evenly until every piece is covered.
At this point, preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer to 375°F.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Once the oil is hot, start frying the chicken wings in small batches.
Deep fry them for about 12 minutes on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Once golden brown and crispy, remove them and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
For the sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean pepper paste)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons red chili flakes, or to taste
In a saucepan, mix all the sauce ingredients and heat it over medium heat.
Stir constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens.
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken with the Sauce
Once the chicken wings have cooled down for a few minutes, you can begin to coat them with the sauce.
Dip each chicken wing fully into the sauce, making sure every inch is covered, and place them on a baking sheet.
Once all the chicken wings are coated, drizzle any remaining sauce over them.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F
Bake the chicken wings for 10-12 minutes until the sauce has caramelized and the chicken wings are crispy.
That’s it for the Korean Red Chicken! Now, what about sides?
When it comes to Korean Red Chicken, there are a variety of delicious side dishes that can complement this flavorful dish.
One classic option is Kimchi, a spicy and sour fermented vegetable dish that is a staple in Korean cuisine.
Another great choice is Japchae, a sweet potato noodle dish that is stir-fried with vegetables and mixed with traditional Korean seasonings.
For those looking for a lighter option, a refreshing cucumber salad or pickled daikon radish would be a perfect match.
One of my favorites is Brussels Sprouts and something I call a spinach and cabbage slaw. It’s a colorful dish that brings together both the leafy texture of spinach and the crispness of cabbage, creating a perfect combination of flavors.
Whatever you love, especially something fresh and cool to go with the hot and spicy chicken, do that!
No matter which side dish you choose, it’s sure to add an extra burst of flavor to your meal and leave your taste buds completely satisfied.
Nutrient Notes:
Korean red chicken typically uses a blend of herbs and spices in its marinade, some of which have notable health benefits.
For example, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers are all known for their anti-inflammatory properties, while turmeric has been linked to improved brain function.
Additionally, chicken itself is a great source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, among other things.
Did you know this dish has a unique history?
It’s believed that Korean red chicken originated in the city of Andong, a famous city known for its delicious food.
Andong was once considered a stronghold of Confucianism, which influenced its cuisine by placing a great emphasis on the preparation of meat.
The chicken was first marinated in a spicy sauce made from gochujang, a red pepper paste, mixed with other flavorful ingredients such as soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The secret to its delicious taste is in the sauce.
And today, Korean red chicken has become a popular dish around the world, enjoyed by foodies and chicken lovers alike.
You’re about to find out…
Korean Red Chicken is a delicious and fiery dish that isn’t as complicated as it looks.
The crispy, golden brown chicken wings smothered in the spicy-sweet sauce will make everyone want more. It’s an excellent appetizer for any occasion or served as the main dish for dinner.
Give it a try! You might also want to try one of our other Asian inspired recipes.