Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

This crispy Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With its golden-brown wings coated in an ultra-crunchy batter and a sticky-sweet, spicy gochujang sauce, this dish is perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion when you’re craving a savory-sweet treat. Its bold flavors and satisfying crunch make it a standout choice that will leave everyone wanting more.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken:
• Chicken Seasoning:
• Dry Batter:
• Wet Batter:
• Yangnyeom Sauce:
• How to Make Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Step 1: Season the Chicken
• Step 2: Make the Yangnyeom Sauce
• Step 3: Prepare the Batters
• Step 4: Coat the Chicken
• Step 5: First Fry
• Step 6: Second Fry
• Step 7: Sauce & Finish
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• With Pickled Radish
• With Cabbage Slaw
• With Cold Beer
• As an Appetizer
• With Rice
• With Korean Dipping Sauces
• How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Reheating Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)?
• How can I make my Korean Fried Chicken extra crispy?
• Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
• What should I serve with Korean Fried Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: Achieve the perfect crunch with a double-frying technique that locks in flavor and moisture.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of sweet and spicy from the Yangnyeom sauce makes each bite irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy this dish as an appetizer, main course, or even a late-night snack.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day gathering or a cozy dinner at home, this chicken fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep pot or fryer: Essential for frying the chicken evenly and achieving that perfect crispy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for preparing marinades and batters without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps to combine wet ingredients smoothly for the batter.
• Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off after frying while keeping the chicken crispy.

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

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 the chicken wings. 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:
1. Sauté the minced garlic in neutral oil until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add ketchup, gochujang, rice syrup, water, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, gochugaru, and stir well.
3. Let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes while stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Batters

In one bowl:
1. Combine potato starch, flour, chicken bouillon, salt, and optional cayenne to create the dry batter.

In another bowl:
2. Mix potato starch, flour, egg, baking powder, and cold club soda/water to create the wet batter.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the wet batter first:
– Let excess batter drip off.
– Then coat it in dry batter by pressing it on firmly before shaking off any excess.

Step 5: First Fry

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F:
– Fry the chicken in batches for about 6–7 minutes (7–8 minutes for larger pieces).
– Maintain oil temperature between 320–335°F.
– Place fried chicken on a wire rack to rest.

Step 6: Second Fry

Reheat oil to 370°F:
– Fry each piece of chicken again for about 1 minute until extra crispy.
– Ensure that oil stays above 350°F during this step.

Step 7: Sauce & Finish

While hot:
– Toss fried chicken in prepared Yangnyeom sauce or brush it on evenly.
– Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately alongside pickled radish and cabbage slaw. Pair with a cold beer for an authentic Korean fried chicken experience!

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to complement this crispy delight.

With Pickled Radish

• Pickled radish adds a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness and spiciness of the Yangnyeom sauce.

With Cabbage Slaw

• A light cabbage slaw provides a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with fried chicken.

With Cold Beer

• Enjoying your Korean Fried Chicken with a cold beer enhances the flavors and makes for a perfect casual meal.

As an Appetizer

• Serve smaller portions as appetizers during parties or gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy a savory treat.

With Rice

• A side of steamed rice helps soak up the delicious Yangnyeom sauce and rounds out the meal.

With Korean Dipping Sauces

• Offer various dipping sauces like spicy gochujang or soy sauce for added flavor options.

How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Perfecting Korean Fried Chicken involves attention to detail in preparation and frying techniques. Here are some tips to achieve that perfect crunch and flavor.

• Dry Brine: Allowing the chicken to dry brine enhances its flavor and helps achieve a crispy texture.
• Two-Fry Method: Frying the chicken twice creates a super crunchy crust that is characteristic of authentic Korean fried chicken.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping oil at the right temperature ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
• Use Cold Club Soda: Incorporating cold club soda in your wet batter makes it lighter and crispier.
• Toss in Sauce Immediately: Coating the chicken in Yangnyeom sauce while it’s hot allows for better adhesion and flavor absorption.
• Garnish Thoughtfully: Adding toasted sesame seeds not only enhances presentation but also adds a nutty flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Pairing side dishes with your Yangnyeom Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent side options that complement this flavorful dish.

1. Kimchi: This traditional fermented vegetable dish adds heat and tang, balancing the rich flavors of fried chicken.
2. Rice Cakes: Chewy rice cakes stir-fried with vegetables make for a hearty accompaniment.
3. Mandu (Dumplings): Savory dumplings filled with meat or vegetables offer a delightful variation in texture.
4. Korean Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a soothing contrast against spicy fried chicken.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness that pairs beautifully with Yangnyeom sauce.
6. Spicy Tofu Stew: A warm stew brings comfort and warmth, making it an excellent pairing for fried chicken.
7. Seaweed Salad: This light salad introduces freshness and umami, enhancing your overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dish.

• Skipping the Dry Brine: Not allowing the chicken to dry brine affects texture and flavor. Always season and leave uncovered in the fridge for the best results.
• Ignoring Oil Temperature: Cooking at the wrong oil temperature leads to soggy or burnt chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain the right heat throughout frying.
• Rushing the Coating Process: Not properly coating the chicken results in uneven batter. Take your time to dip, coat, and shake off excess flour for an even crunch.
• Using Old Oil: Frying with old or reused oil impacts taste and crispiness. Always use fresh oil to achieve that perfect golden color and flavor.
• Not Making Enough Sauce: Underestimating the sauce quantity may leave your chicken dry. Make extra Yangnyeom sauce for dipping or drizzling over your wings.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Place pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes; not recommended for optimal crispiness.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)?

Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) is a popular dish known for its crispy texture and sweet-spicy sauce made with gochujang. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or main dish.

How can I make my Korean Fried Chicken extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, double fry the chicken after letting it rest on a wire rack. This technique creates a thicker crust that stays crunchy.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a different twist on this delicious recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What should I serve with Korean Fried Chicken?

Serve it with pickled radish, cabbage slaw, or steamed rice. A cold beer pairs perfectly as well!

Final Thoughts

Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) offers a delightful combination of crunch and bold flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize the level of spice in your sauce or experiment with different side dishes. Enjoy crafting this delicious treat!