Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

This crispy Korean Fried Chicken, or Yangnyeom Chicken, is a delightful treat for any occasion. Featuring golden-fried wings enveloped in a crunchy batter and coated in a sticky-sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, it’s perfect for parties, game days, or simply indulging in bold Korean flavors. With its unique combination of texture and taste, this dish will leave you craving more.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken:
• Chicken Seasoning:
• Dry Batter:
• Wet Batter:
• Yangnyeom Sauce:
• 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 Sides
• Serve with Dipping Sauces
• Accompany with Salads
• Enjoy with Drinks
• 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 make the batter extra crispy?
• Can I adjust the spiciness of Yangnyeom Chicken?
• What sides pair well with Korean Fried Chicken?
• How long does it take to prepare?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The double frying technique gives the chicken an irresistible crunch that’s hard to beat.
• Flavor Explosion: The Yangnyeom sauce combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements for a truly memorable flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy these wings as an appetizer, main course, or snack at gatherings.
• Easy to Prepare: With clear steps and simple ingredients, making Korean Fried Chicken at home is straightforward.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper in the seasoning to suit your spice preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep pot or deep fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Wire rack
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep pot or deep fryer: Ensures even cooking by providing enough oil for frying without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowls: Help keep your ingredients organized while preparing batters and sauces.
• Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain 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

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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 together the dry batter ingredients: potato starch, flour, bouillon, salt, and optional cayenne. In a second bowl, whisk together 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 first, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat it thoroughly in the dry batter by pressing it on firmly before 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. Place fried chicken on a wire rack to rest.

Step 6: Second Fry

Reheat the oil to 370°F. Fry the chicken a second time for about 1 minute while ensuring that oil stays above 350°F; this step makes the coating extra crispy.

Step 7: Sauce & Finish

While the chicken is still hot from frying, toss it in the prepared Yangnyeom sauce or brush it on evenly with a pastry brush. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately alongside pickled radish or cabbage slaw and enjoy with a cold beer for an authentic Korean fried chicken experience!

How to Serve Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Korean Fried Chicken, also known as Yangnyeom Chicken, is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its crispy texture and flavorful sauce make it a versatile option for any meal or gathering.

Pair with Pickled Sides

• Pickled Radish: The crunchy, tangy radish complements the spicy chicken perfectly.
• Kimchi: A traditional Korean side, kimchi adds a fermented kick that balances the richness of the fried chicken.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Sweet Soy Sauce: This sauce enhances the flavors of Yangnyeom Chicken without overpowering it.
• Spicy Mayo: A creamy, spicy dip that adds an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Accompany with Salads

• Cabbage Slaw: A refreshing slaw balances the heat of the chicken with its crispness.
• Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad provides a comforting contrast to the crispy wings.

Enjoy with Drinks

• Cold Beer: Pairing Yangnyeom Chicken with a cold beer is a classic choice for game days or parties.
• Soju: This Korean spirit enhances the dining experience and complements the bold flavors.

How to Perfect Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Perfecting your Korean Fried Chicken requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season the chicken thoroughly before frying. This builds layers of flavor.
• Double Frying Technique: Frying twice creates an ultra-crisp coating that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.
• Rest on a Wire Rack: Allowing fried chicken to rest on a wire rack prevents sogginess by letting excess oil drip off.
• Use Cold Ingredients for Batter: Keeping your batter cold helps create a light, crispy coating when fried.

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Best Side Dishes for Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

Korean Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with several side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some popular options to consider when serving this delicious dish.

1. Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that helps soak up the spicy Yangnyeom sauce.
2. Korean Potato Salad: Creamy and slightly sweet, offering a delicious contrast to the savory chicken.
3. Fried Rice Cakes (Tteokbokki): Chewy rice cakes in a spicy-sweet sauce provide a fun texture alongside crispy chicken.
4. Spicy Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly crisp, this salad cuts through the richness of fried chicken.
5. Mandu (Dumplings): These savory dumplings add variety to your meal and can be served steamed or fried.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the spicy notes of Yangnyeom Chicken perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will elevate your Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) experience. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Dry Brine: Not dry brining the chicken reduces flavor and moisture. Always let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight.
• Improper Oil Temperature: Frying at the wrong temperature leads to soggy chicken. Use a thermometer to maintain oil between 320–350°F.
• Not Double Frying: Skipping the second fry results in less crispy chicken. Make sure to fry a second time at a higher temperature for extra crunch.
• Ignoring Sauce Consistency: A sauce that’s too thick or thin won’t cling well. Adjust water or syrup for the right consistency that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Neglecting Garnishes: Skipping sesame seeds misses out on texture and visual appeal. Always finish with toasted sesame seeds for added flair.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Korean Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for short bursts, but this may soften the crispiness.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)?

Korean Fried Chicken, specifically Yangnyeom Chicken, is characterized by its crispy texture and flavorful gochujang sauce. It’s a popular dish known for its sweet and spicy taste.

How do I make the batter extra crispy?

To achieve an ultra-crispy batter, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and don’t skip the double frying step.

Can I adjust the spiciness of Yangnyeom Chicken?

Yes! You can modify the amount of cayenne pepper or gochujang in the sauce to suit your heat preference.

What sides pair well with Korean Fried Chicken?

Classic sides include pickled radish, cabbage slaw, and cold beer, enhancing your meal’s experience.

How long does it take to prepare?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, while cooking takes approximately 45 minutes, leading to a total time of 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken) is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with bold flavors and delightful crunch. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or when you want something special at home. Feel free to customize with different sauces or spice levels!