Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

This crispy Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is a delight for the senses. Its golden-fried wings are enveloped in an ultra-crunchy batter and slathered with a sticky-sweet, spicy gochujang sauce. Perfect for parties, game days, or satisfying those late-night cravings, this dish brings bold Korean flavors to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with friends, the irresistible crunch and vibrant taste will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The double-frying technique ensures each wing has an extra crunchy coating that locks in flavor.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet and spicy in the Yangnyeom sauce elevates the wings to a whole new level of deliciousness.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy these wings as an appetizer, main course, or snack at any gathering.
• Homemade Goodness: Making your own Yangnyeom chicken allows you to customize spice levels and ingredients.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 20 minutes of prep work and a simple cooking process, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Korean Fried Chicken, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here are some essential items you’ll need to ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep pot or fryer
• Wire rack
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep pot or fryer: This ensures even frying and helps maintain the oil temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drip off after frying while keeping the wings crispy.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining batters and seasonings without any mess.
• Tongs: Makes handling hot chicken easy and safe during frying.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken wings and drumettes (about 16 pieces)
• Peanut oil (or canola/vegetable oil), for frying
• 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish

Chicken Seasoning:

• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Dry Batter:

• ½ cup potato starch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Wet Batter:

• ½ cup potato starch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup cold club soda (or cold water)

Yangnyeom Sauce:

• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup extra spicy gochujang
• ¼ cup rice syrup
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp plum vinegar (or rice vinegar or white vinegar)
• 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

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How to Make Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken wings dry. In a bowl, mix together the salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Rub this seasoning all over each piece of chicken. For best flavor, dry brine uncovered in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 1 hour.

Step 2: Make the Yangnyeom Sauce

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, sauté the minced garlic in neutral oil until fragrant but not browned. Add ketchup, gochujang, rice syrup, water, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, gochugaru, and stir well. Let it bubble gently for 2-3 minutes while stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside. You can prepare this sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it.

Step 3: Prepare the Batters

In one bowl, combine potato starch, all-purpose flour, chicken bouillon, salt, and optional cayenne to create your dry batter. In another bowl, whisk together potato starch, all-purpose flour, egg, baking powder, and cold club soda or water to form your wet batter.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the wet batter first. Allow any excess batter to drip off before coating it in the dry batter—pressing firmly on all sides to ensure an even coating.

Step 5: First Fry

Heat peanut oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 6–7 minutes (or longer if using larger pieces), maintaining an oil temperature between 320–335°F. Once done frying each batch, place them on a wire rack to rest.

Step 6: Second Fry

Reheat the oil until it reaches 370°F (188°C). Fry each piece of chicken again for about 1 minute; this final fry helps achieve that extra crispy texture we love.

Step 7: Sauce & Finish

While still hot from frying, toss each piece of chicken in your prepared Yangnyeom sauce until well coated or brush it on evenly. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately alongside pickled radish or cabbage slaw paired with a refreshing cold beer for a complete Korean fried chicken experience!

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is best enjoyed immediately after frying when it’s hot and crispy. Enjoying this dish with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience.

With Pickled Radish

• Pickled radish adds a refreshing crunch that balances the rich flavors of the chicken.

Cabbage Slaw

• A simple cabbage slaw with a tangy dressing can provide a nice contrast to the spiciness of the Yangnyeom sauce.

Cold Beer

• Pairing with an ice-cold beer enhances the crispy texture and spicy flavors, making it perfect for game days or gatherings.

Rice

• Serve over steamed white rice to soak up any extra sauce, creating a satisfying meal.

Lettuce Wraps

• Wrap pieces of chicken in fresh lettuce with some sauce for a fun and interactive way to enjoy your meal.

Korean Street Food Style

• For an authentic experience, serve on a street food cart-style platter, complete with chopsticks for easy eating.

How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

To achieve restaurant-quality Korean Fried Chicken at home, keep these tips in mind:

• Dry Brine: Letting the chicken sit overnight allows flavors to penetrate and enhances overall taste.
• Double Fry: Frying twice creates an extra crispy coating that is signature to Yangnyeom Chicken.
• Cold Ingredients: Using cold club soda in your batter helps maintain crispiness during frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch.
• Use Potato Starch: This ingredient helps create a light and crispy texture in the batter.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your fried chicken right after cooking for optimal texture and flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Korean Fried Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Here are some delicious options:

1. Kimchi
   A traditional side dish made from fermented vegetables, kimchi adds spice and tanginess.
2. Japchae
   Sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables provide a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor.
3. Banchan
   A variety of small side dishes often served with Korean meals; includes items like pickled vegetables and seasoned greens.
4. Steamed Rice
   Simple and versatile, steamed rice helps mellow out the intense flavors of Yangnyeom Chicken.
5. Corn Cheese
   A cheesy corn dip that offers creaminess and sweetness, balancing the spiciness of the chicken.
6. Mandu (Dumplings)
   These Korean dumplings can be boiled or pan-fried for added texture alongside your chicken.
7. Spicy Tofu Salad
   A refreshing salad featuring tofu dressed in sesame oil and chili flakes adds a healthy touch.
8. Sweet Potatoes
   Roasted or fried sweet potatoes provide a sweet contrast that complements the dish’s savory notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken), avoiding common pitfalls can greatly enhance your results. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Dry Brine: Not letting the chicken sit with seasoning reduces flavor and moisture. Always dry brine for at least an hour, or overnight for better taste.
• Wrong Oil Temperature: Frying at incorrect temperatures can lead to soggy or burnt chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain oil between 320°F-350°F during frying.
• Not Double Frying: Skipping the second fry makes the coating less crispy. Always double fry at higher temperatures for that perfect crunch.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can dull flavors. Invest in good quality gochujang and fresh spices for authentic taste.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much chicken at once lowers oil temperature. Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring it to an airtight container.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish covered with a paper towel, heating in short bursts. This may soften the coating.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of oil. Fry the chicken briefly until heated through and crispy again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)?

Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is a popular dish known for its crunchy coating and sweet-spicy sauce made with gochujang.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken your Yangnyeom Sauce, consider adding more rice syrup or simmering it longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Can I make Korean Fried Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends and ensure your sauces are gluten-free as well.

What dishes pair well with Korean Fried Chicken?

Popular sides include pickled radish, coleslaw, and steamed rice. They balance out the richness of the fried chicken nicely!

How spicy is Yangnyeom Chicken?

The spiciness level can be adjusted based on how much gochujang you add. Start with less if you prefer milder flavors!

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) delivers an irresistible crunch with rich flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, this dish is versatile enough to be customized with different spice levels or side dishes. Give it a try and enjoy this delicious taste of Korea!