Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more? Look no further! We present to you a mouthwatering recipe that will undoubtedly become your go-to for summer grilling – the delectable Spicy Chicken Bulgogi. Bursting with bold flavors and a delightful kick of spiciness, this Korean BBQ chicken dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will elevate your grilling game to new heights.
The Irresistible Flavor of Spicy Chicken Bulgogi
Our Spicy Chicken Bulgogi is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Korean cuisine in every bite. The star of this dish is the irresistible marinade, which is based on the famed gochujang, the quintessential Korean chili pepper paste. To take the spice level up a notch, we add gochugaru, Korean red chili pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to suit your preference for spiciness.
But it’s not all about the heat; we achieve a perfect balance of flavors by incorporating Korean plum syrup, known as maesil chung, and a touch of sugar. This magical combination adds a delightful hint of fruity sweetness and a touch of acidity, making every bite a harmonious symphony of tastes.
The Perfect Choice of Meat
When it comes to Spicy Chicken Bulgogi, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial to ensure maximum flavor absorption and tenderness. We recommend using boneless chicken thigh meat for grilling, as it beautifully soaks in the marinade, resulting in a succulent and juicy chicken. However, for those who prefer white meat, chicken breast can be used as an alternative.
For a truly authentic Korean experience, you may opt for deboned drumstick meat, which is a popular choice in Korea for similar dishes. Whether you keep the skin on or not is a matter of personal preference, as both options offer their unique appeal.
Marinating: A Key Step to Flavor Perfection
To achieve the most tantalizing flavors, marinating the chicken is essential. Our top tip is to prepare the marinade 2 to 3 days ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld and intensify. For the ultimate taste explosion, we recommend marinating the chicken overnight. This will infuse the meat with all the goodness of the marinade, resulting in a taste sensation that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.
Serving Suggestions: Enhancing the Culinary Experience
The Spicy Chicken Bulgogi is a versatile dish that pairs exceptionally well with various serving options. For a delightful and light presentation, you can serve the chicken with lettuce wraps accompanied by ssamjang, a savory Korean dipping sauce that complements the flavors exquisitely.
For those looking to add more variety to their meal, grilling some vegetables such as onions, zucchini, and mushrooms is a fantastic idea. Simply toss them with olive oil or sesame oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill alongside the chicken. This effortless side dish perfectly complements the richness of the spicy chicken.
Alternatively, if you crave a selection of side dishes to enhance the experience further, consider trying our collection of 15 easy and healthy Korean Vegetable Side Dishes. These banchan options will add a burst of flavors and colors to your table, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Embrace the Korean Culinary Adventure
We are passionate about bringing the authentic flavors of Korean cuisine to your kitchen. Our Spicy Chicken Bulgogi recipe embodies the very essence of Korean grilling – a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory that will captivate your senses and win over your heart.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue with friends or simply craving a delightful home-cooked meal, our Spicy Chicken Bulgogi is your ticket to a culinary adventure like no other. So, fire up the grill, let the tantalizing aromas fill the air, and get ready to indulge in a gastronomic delight that will leave you wanting more. Let this flavorful masterpiece be the highlight of your summer grilling season – it’s time to savor the taste of Korea!
Spicy Chicken Bulgogi Recipe
Main
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thigh You can use chicken breast if you want
For the marinade
- 2 to 3 tablespoons gochugaru (고추가루), Korean red chili pepper flakes or to taste (this only changes the spicy level, so you can also omit it for less spicy chicken)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or light brown sugar) or your favorite sugar substitute
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine or mirin white wine is good too
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (고추장), Korean red chili pepper paste
- 2 tablespoons maesil chung, 매실청 (or 2 to 3 tablespoons pineapple juice or grated apple) You can simply use more sugar, honey, or oiligodang (올리고당) (about a tablespoon) instead.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 medium onion, grated (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- pepper to taste
For the garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse chicken pieces. Drain. Trim off excess fat. Cut each chicken thigh in half crosswise. Cut open any thick parts.
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Coat the chicken with the marinade. Marinate for a few hours (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator.
- Preheat a lightly oiled grill over medium high heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook until cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 4 to 6 minutes each side. Reduce the heat if the chicken starts to burn. You can also cook the chicken indoor on a grill pan or in a skillet.
Notes
Grill some vegetables such as onion, zucchini, and/or mushrooms. Simply cut them up, toss with some olive oil (or sesame oil) and sprinkle with salt and pepper before grilling. You will have an easy side dish to serve with the meat.
Author
Last updated: October 23, 2023