Description
Fiery Korean buldak chicken promises an explosive culinary journey through spicy flavor landscapes. Spice enthusiasts and heat seekers will discover a thrilling taste adventure that challenges palates and ignites culinary passion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsps gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine (mirin or sake)
- 1 tbsp rice syrup (or honey)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup water
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate: Submerge chicken in a blend of soy sauce, rice wine, and black pepper. Let the protein absorb flavors for 15 minutes, ensuring deep seasoning penetration.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, rice syrup, brown sugar, sesame oil, crushed garlic, grated ginger, and water into a smooth, uniform sauce with vibrant complexity.
- Searing: Heat skillet with light oil, introducing marinated chicken. Brown the pieces thoroughly, developing a crisp exterior and sealing in succulent flavors for approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Sauce Integration: Pour prepared sauce over chicken, ensuring complete coverage. Reduce heat, allowing the mixture to simmer and transform into a glossy, robust glaze that clings delicately to each piece.
- Caramelization: Continue cooking until chicken reaches optimal doneness, concentrating sauce flavors and creating a rich, spicy coating with deep caramelized notes.
- Cheese Infusion: Sprinkle mozzarella across the chicken’s surface. Cover skillet, melting cheese into a luxurious, stretchy layer that harmonizes with the fiery protein.
- Presentation: Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Plate alongside steamed rice or pickled radish to balance the intense, spicy culinary experience.
Notes
- Marinate Mindfully: Let chicken soak in marinade for exactly 15 minutes to maximize flavor absorption without compromising meat texture.
- Control Spice Levels: Adjust gochugaru and gochujang quantities to customize heat intensity, perfect for different spice tolerances.
- Perfect Searing Technique: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve that golden-brown chicken exterior without steaming.
- Cheese Melting Magic: Choose low-moisture mozzarella and cover skillet briefly to create a smooth, stringy cheese layer that complements the spicy chicken without becoming greasy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg