Follow these steps to make ultra-crispy Korean Fried Chicken using the double-fry method, coated in a balanced sweet and spicy Gochujang glaze.
Author:Simon Carrington
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Deep Frying
Cuisine:Korean
Diet:Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs chicken pieces (wings or boneless thighs)
1 cup potato starch or cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 large egg
1/2 cup cold water
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Glaze:
1/4 cup Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions
Instructions
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces completely dry using paper towels. This step is critical for crispiness.
Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the potato starch, flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and cold water.
Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix briefly until just combined; do not overmix. A few lumps are fine.
Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, letting excess drip off. The coating should be thin.
First Fry: Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 325°F (160°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack. Let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes.
Make the glaze: While the chicken rests, combine all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture simmers and thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Second Fry: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the rested chicken pieces again for 2 to 3 minutes until they are deep golden brown and extremely crispy. This second fry removes residual moisture.
Toss and serve: Immediately transfer the hot, crispy chicken to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the chicken and toss quickly to coat evenly.
Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions before serving immediately.
Notes
Use potato starch or cornstarch for the best crunch; avoid using only wheat flour.
Ensure the oil temperature is accurate for both frying stages; too low results in greasy chicken.
Do not skip the resting period between the first and second fry.