2024. 9. 19. 11:25ㆍ카테고리 없음
Korean Fried Chicken is renowned for its crispy, crunchy coating and tender, juicy meat inside. The secret to its unique texture lies in the double-frying method, which makes the chicken extra crispy while keeping it moist. This dish is often enjoyed with a cold beer in a popular Korean pairing known as "Chimaek" (치맥), where "chi" stands for chicken and "maek" for maekju (beer). Here’s how you can make authentic Korean Fried Chicken at home for two people.
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
- 300-400 grams (10-14 oz) chicken wings or drumsticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 cups vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy coating.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning evenly.
2. Prepare the Breading
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. The cornstarch is crucial as it helps create an extra crispy coating.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Heat the Oil
- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to around 340°F (170°C).
- To test the oil, drop a small bit of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
4. First Fry the Chicken
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry the chicken for about 8-10 minutes, or until the outside is a light golden brown. This first fry cooks the chicken thoroughly while setting up the initial crispiness.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Sauce (Optional)
- While the chicken rests, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Second Fry for Extra Crispiness
- Increase the oil temperature to around 360°F (180°C) for the second fry.
- Fry the chicken pieces again for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and extremely crispy. The second fry is key to achieving the characteristic crunch of Korean Fried Chicken.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest on a wire rack or paper towels once more.
7. Coat the Chicken in Sauce (Optional) and Serve
- If you’re using the sauce, toss the freshly fried chicken in the sauce until well-coated.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor. Pair with a cold beer for an authentic Korean Chimaek experience!
Chimaek: The Ultimate Korean Fried Chicken Experience
"Chimaek" (치맥) is a cultural phenomenon in Korea that combines fried chicken (chi) with beer (maek, short for maekju, which means beer in Korean). This pairing is extremely popular, especially during warm evenings, sporting events, and casual gatherings with friends. The cold beer perfectly complements the crispy, spicy, and savory flavors of the chicken, making it a refreshing and satisfying combination. Chimaek has become a symbol of socializing and relaxation in Korea, enjoyed in various settings from bustling chicken joints to home parties.
Pro Tips:
- Double-frying is essential for achieving the crispiest texture. The first fry cooks the chicken, while the second fry makes it extra crispy.
- Cornstarch in the breading helps create a light, crunchy coating.
- Keep the oil temperature steady during frying to avoid undercooking or burning the chicken.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch. Korean Fried Chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh.
- For the full Chimaek experience, pair your freshly fried chicken with a chilled beer.
Now, you can enjoy delicious Korean Fried Chicken and partake in the beloved Chimaek tradition right at home with this easy-to-follow recipe for two!