Korean Fried Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken is a medium Korean recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Golden Balance on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 58 min

Cost: $12.80 total, $3.20 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Chicken Wings (bone‑in, skin‑on; can be separated at the joint)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger (peeled and grated)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (hefty pinch for moisture release)
  • 1 tbsp Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes; can substitute with cayenne)
  • 0.5 cup Potato Starch (for coating; creates extra crispness)
  • 2 qt Vegetable Oil (high smoke point for deep frying)
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang (fermented Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp Honey (drizzle for sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (low‑sodium; can use tamari for gluten‑free)
  • 1 tsp Rice Vinegar (mild acidity)
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (granulated)
  • 0.5 tsp Sesame Oil (toasted, adds nutty aroma)
  • 1 tbsp Ketchup (adds depth and slight sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 stalk Green Onion (thinly sliced for garnish (optional))

Instructions

  1. Prepare Aromatics

    Grate the ginger and mince the garlic. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Season the Wings

    Place the chicken wings in a mixing bowl (or zip‑top bag). Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, kosher salt, and gochugaru. Lightly massage the mixture into the wings so the salt draws out surface moisture.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Rest the Seasoned Wings

    Let the seasoned wings sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. The salt will help the surface dry slightly, improving starch adhesion.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Coat with Potato Starch

    Sprinkle the potato starch over the rested wings and toss until each piece is lightly coated. Shake off excess starch.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Heat Oil for First Fry

    Fill the deep fryer or pot with vegetable oil and heat to 325°F (163°C). Use a thermometer to monitor temperature.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 325°F

  6. First Fry

    Carefully lower the coated wings into the oil. Fry for 4–5 minutes, just until the coating turns a light golden color. Remove and drain on the paper‑towel‑lined plate.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 325°F

  7. Raise Oil Temperature

    Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (191°C).

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 375°F

  8. Second Fry

    Return the partially cooked wings to the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes, or until the exterior is deep golden‑brown and crisp. Remove and drain again.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 375°F

  9. Prepare the Gochujang Honey Sauce

    While the wings are frying, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ketchup, and the remaining minced garlic in a saucepan.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Cook the Sauce

    Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5 minutes. Stir in toasted sesame seeds.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Toss Wings in Sauce

    Transfer the crisped wings to a large bowl. Pour the hot sauce over them and toss until every wing is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Garnish and Serve

    Arrange the glazed wings on a serving dish. Sprinkle additional toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onion, if using. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
22g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Contains soy, Contains sesame, Contains honey, Gluten‑free if tamari is used

Allergens: Soy, Sesame, Honey

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Korean Fried Chicken

Recipe by The Golden Balance

Crispy double‑fried chicken wings tossed in a sweet‑spicy gochujang honey glaze, finished with toasted sesame seeds. This Korean fried chicken recipe from The Golden Balance balances heat, sweetness, and crunch for a restaurant‑style snack or main dish.

MediumKoreanServes 4

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Source Video
27m
Prep
21m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
58m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.80
Total cost
$3.20
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Resting the seasoned wings to allow surface moisture release
  • First fry at 325°F to cook the meat through without over‑browning
  • Second fry at 375°F for ultimate crispness
  • Cooking the sauce to the right thickness
  • Coating the wings evenly with potato starch before frying

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; keep a lid nearby to smother flames.
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overheating the oil beyond its smoke point.
  • Do not leave frying oil unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Korean Fried Chicken in Korean cuisine?

A

Korean Fried Chicken, known as "yangnyeom chicken" when coated in sauce, became popular in the 1960s after American fried‑chicken techniques arrived in Korea. It evolved into a beloved street‑food and bar snack, celebrated for its ultra‑crisp skin and bold, sweet‑spicy sauces.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Korean Fried Chicken in Korean cuisine?

A

In Seoul, the classic version is double‑fried and tossed in a gochujang‑based sauce. In the southern region, especially Busan, a lighter soy‑garlic glaze is common, while Jeju Island favors a milder honey‑soy glaze. Each region tweaks the spice level and sweetness to local tastes.

cultural
Q

How is Korean Fried Chicken traditionally served in Korea?

A

It is typically served hot on a platter, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, alongside pickled radish (danmuji) and a cold beer. In Korean pubs (hofs), it’s enjoyed as a sharing dish with soju or makgeolli.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Korean Fried Chicken traditionally associated with in Korean culture?

A

Korean Fried Chicken is a popular comfort food for casual gatherings, late‑night meals, and especially for watching sports or celebrating birthdays. It’s also a staple at “chimaek” (chicken‑and‑beer) outings.

cultural
Q

How does Korean Fried Chicken fit into the broader Korean cuisine tradition?

A

It reflects Korea’s love for bold flavors—spicy, sweet, and savory—while showcasing the Korean technique of double‑frying for texture. The dish bridges Western frying methods with Korean sauces like gochujang, embodying the country’s modern culinary fusion.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Korean Fried Chicken versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include chicken wings, potato starch, gochujang, Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Substitutes can be corn starch for potato starch, cayenne for gochugaru, and tamari for soy sauce if a gluten‑free version is needed.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Korean Fried Chicken from The Golden Balance?

A

Pair it with classic Korean sides like kimchi, Korean coleslaw (musaengchae), or a bowl of soft rice. A refreshing cucumber‑mint water or a light barley tea balances the richness of the fried chicken.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Honey Sauce at home?

A

Common errors include frying at the wrong temperature, which leads to soggy or burnt coating, and not allowing the seasoned wings to rest, which prevents the starch from adhering. Also, over‑cooking the sauce can make it overly thick and lose its glossy finish.

technical
Q

Why does this Korean Fried Chicken recipe use a double‑fry method instead of a single fry?

A

The first fry cooks the meat through at a lower temperature without hardening the crust. The second, higher‑heat fry quickly crisps the exterior, creating the signature light, crunchy skin that holds up to the sticky sauce.

technical
Q

Can I make Korean Fried Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. You can season and coat the wings up to the first fry, refrigerate them, then fry when ready. Store any leftover fried wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in a hot oven (350°F) to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Golden Balance specialize in?

A

The Golden Balance focuses on balanced, health‑conscious cooking that blends global flavors with practical home‑cooking techniques, offering detailed tutorials that emphasize nutrition, portion control, and flavor harmony.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Golden Balance's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

The Golden Balance emphasizes nutritional balance and ingredient swaps (e.g., gluten‑free or lower‑sugar options) while still preserving authentic flavors, whereas many Korean channels prioritize traditional methods without focusing on health adaptations.

channel

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