How to Make Korean Yangnyeom Chicken: A Spicy and Sweet Recipe

 

Korean Yangnyeom Chicken (양념치킨) is one of the most beloved Korean fried chicken dishes. It features crispy, double-fried chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. This dish is a perfect combination of crunch and flavor, making it a favorite among food lovers worldwide. In this blog post, we will walk you through a step-by-step recipe to make authentic Korean Yangnyeom Chicken at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500g (1 lb) chicken wings or boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Oil for deep frying

For the Yangnyeom Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey (or corn syrup)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces if using boneless chicken thighs.
2. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, egg, and cold water. Mix well to create a thick batter.
2. Coat each piece of chicken evenly in the batter.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken (Twice for Extra Crispiness)

1. Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 170°C (340°F).
2. Carefully place the battered chicken into the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
4. Increase the oil temperature to 190°C (375°F) and fry the chicken again for 2-3 minutes until deep golden brown and extra crispy.

Step 4: Make the Yangnyeom Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in gochujang, ketchup, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

1. Place the fried chicken in a large bowl.
2. Pour the warm yangnyeom sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Yangnyeom Chicken with a side of pickled radish (chicken-mu) for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair it with a cold beer or soft drink for the ultimate Korean fried chicken experience.
• Enjoy it with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Yangnyeom Chicken

• Double frying is the secret to achieving the perfect crispy texture.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more authentic and aromatic sauce.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang according to your preference.
• For extra crunch, use potato starch instead of cornstarch in the batter.

Conclusion

Korean Yangnyeom Chicken is a must-try dish that delivers an explosion of flavors with every bite. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate this delicious Korean favorite at home. Try making it today and impress your family and friends with your homemade crispy, spicy, and sweet Korean fried chicken!

Enjoy your meal! (맛있게 드세요!)