Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

This crispy Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and satisfying crunch. With its golden-fried wings coated in a sticky-sweet, spicy gochujang sauce, this dish is perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you’re craving something deliciously indulgent. The combination of textures and tastes makes it a standout treat that everyone will enjoy.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• 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)
• Pair with Pickled Radish
• Serve with Cabbage Slaw
• Accompany with Beer
• Add Steamed Rice
• Garnish with Sesame Seeds
• Enjoy with Kimchi
• 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 do I achieve extra crispy skin?
• Can I use other types of meat?
• What should I serve with Yangnyeom Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The double frying technique ensures an ultra-crunchy coating that stays crisp even after saucing.
• Flavor Packed: The Yangnyeom sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and heat with rich Korean spices.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal for appetizers, main courses, or snacks during movie nights and gatherings.
• Easy to Make: Clear instructions make it simple to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
• Crowd Pleaser: Great for sharing; everyone loves chicken wings with a twist!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Korean Fried Chicken, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process and help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep pot or fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Wire rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep pot: Essential for frying; allows for even cooking while maintaining oil temperature.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing batters and sauces without mess.
• Wire rack: Helps drain excess oil from fried chicken, keeping it 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 the salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken. 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, sauté the minced garlic in neutral oil until fragrant but not browned. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes while stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside. This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated.

Step 3: Prepare the Batters

In one bowl, mix the dry batter ingredients: potato starch, flour, bouillon, salt, and optional cayenne. In a second bowl, mix the wet batter ingredients: potato starch, flour, egg, baking powder, and cold club soda or water.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the wet batter, letting any excess drip off. Then coat it in the dry batter by pressing it on firmly and shaking off any excess.

Step 5: First Fry

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 6–7 minutes (or 7–8 minutes for larger pieces), maintaining an oil temperature between 320–335°F. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack to rest.

Step 6: Second Fry

Reheat oil to 370°F. Fry the chicken again for about 1 minute while ensuring that the oil stays above 350°F. This step is crucial as it makes the coating extra crispy.

Step 7: Sauce & Finish

While hot, toss each piece of chicken in the prepared Yangnyeom sauce or brush it on evenly. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately alongside pickled radish or cabbage slaw with a refreshing cold beer to enhance your Korean fried chicken experience!

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some popular serving suggestions to enjoy this crispy delight.

Pair with Pickled Radish

• Pickled radish adds a refreshing crunch and balances the rich flavors of the chicken.

Serve with Cabbage Slaw

• A light cabbage slaw provides a crisp texture and vinegar-based tang that complements the sweet and spicy sauce.

Accompany with Beer

• A cold beer pairs perfectly with Yangnyeom Chicken, enhancing its flavors and offering a classic Korean street food experience.

Add Steamed Rice

• Serve alongside fluffy steamed rice to soak up the sauce, making for a hearty meal.

Garnish with Sesame Seeds

• Toasted sesame seeds add an extra layer of flavor and a nutty crunch to your dish.

Enjoy with Kimchi

• Kimchi brings its signature heat and fermented taste, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chicken sauce.

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How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Achieving the perfect Yangnyeom Chicken requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for exceptional results.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your wet batter contains cold club soda or water; this helps create a light and crispy texture.
• Double Frying: Frying the chicken twice ensures an ultra-crunchy coating that stays crispy longer.
• Dry Brine: Allowing the chicken to dry brine enhances flavor and moisture retention, resulting in juicier meat.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping oil at the right temperature during frying is crucial; too hot or too cold can affect crispiness.
• Coat Generously: Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in both batters for maximum crunch.
• Serve Immediately: For optimal crispness, serve your Korean Fried Chicken right after tossing it in sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

To complement your Yangnyeom Chicken, consider serving it with these delightful side dishes. They enhance the meal while adding variety to your table.

1. Kimchi: A staple in Korean cuisine, kimchi offers a spicy kick that pairs well with fried chicken.
2. Steamed Rice: Fluffy white rice serves as a neutral base that balances the bold flavors of Yangnyeom Chicken.
3. Korean Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad adds a comforting touch amidst the crunchiness of fried chicken.
4. Spicy Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad provides a cool contrast to the heat of the chicken.
5. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes): Chewy rice cakes in a spicy sauce make for an exciting addition to any meal.
6. Mandu (Korean Dumplings): These savory dumplings can be pan-fried or steamed, offering another layer of flavor.
7. Seaweed Salad: A light seaweed salad offers a refreshing taste and interesting texture alongside heavier dishes.
8. Fried Sweet Potatoes: Crispy sweet potatoes offer a sweet counterpart that complements the savory chicken beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrectly Drying the Chicken: Not patting the chicken wings dry can lead to soggy batter. Ensure they are thoroughly dried before seasoning.
• Skipping the Dry Brine: Skipping the drying time can result in less flavor and moisture. Always allow the chicken to brine for at least an hour.
• Not Maintaining Oil Temperature: Frying at inconsistent temperatures can lead to greasy or undercooked chicken. Use a thermometer to keep oil between 320°F and 370°F.
• Rushing the Double Fry: The second fry is crucial for crunchiness. Don’t skip it; it makes all the difference in texture.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many pieces at once will lower oil temperature. Fry in small batches for even cooking and crispiness.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) in an airtight container.
• item It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• item Allow the fried chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• item Place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
• item It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10–15 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, but be aware that this method may make the chicken less crispy. Heat in short intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Add chicken and heat, turning occasionally, until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)?

Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is a popular dish known for its ultra-crispy exterior and sticky-sweet gochujang sauce.

How do I achieve extra crispy skin?

To achieve extra crispy skin, ensure you double fry your chicken at proper temperatures as outlined in the recipe.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! While traditional recipes use wings, you can also use drumsticks or thighs if you prefer different cuts of chicken.

What should I serve with Yangnyeom Chicken?

Serve with pickled radish, cabbage slaw, or even rice for a complete meal experience alongside your Korean Fried Chicken.

Final Thoughts

Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) is not just delicious; it’s versatile enough for any occasion—from game days to family gatherings. You can customize it with varying spice levels or sauces according to your taste preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a crunchy, savory-sweet treat!