Make restaurant-quality Korean Fried Chicken at home using the double-fry technique for an ultra-crispy coating. This recipe features juicy chicken tossed in a classic sweet and spicy Gochujang glaze.
Author:cookingbycarla
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Deep Frying
Cuisine:Korean
Diet:Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 lbs chicken pieces (wings, drumettes, or boneless thighs), cut into serving size
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup potato starch or cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup cold water
1 large egg
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
For the Glaze: 1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, potato starch, salt, pepper, and baking powder. In a separate small bowl, whisk the cold water and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined; the batter should be thin and lumpy. Do not overmix.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. You want a thin, even coat.
First Fry (Cooking the Chicken): Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Carefully place chicken pieces into the oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden. Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes.
Make the Glaze: While the chicken rests, combine the Gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Second Fry (Crisping the Coating): Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Return the rested chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches. Fry for an additional 2 to 4 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and extremely crispy. This double-fry technique creates the signature crunch. Remove and drain briefly on the wire rack.
Toss and Serve: Place the hot, crispy chicken into a large bowl. Pour the prepared Gochujang glaze over the chicken and toss quickly until every piece is evenly coated. Garnish immediately with toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
For the best results in achieving that paper-thin, shatteringly crisp coating, use a mix of all-purpose flour and potato starch in your batter.
If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute the Gochujang glaze with a simple soy-garlic sauce made from 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon ginger, simmered until reduced.
Serve this party chicken appetizer with quick-pickled radishes or a simple cabbage slaw to balance the richness.