Spicy Chicken Bulgogi
User Reviews
4.6
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Servings
4
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Course
Main Course
Spicy Chicken Bulgogi
Description
Spicy Chicken Bulgogi features boneless chicken thighs marinated in a richly flavored Korean-style sauce. The marinade combines red chili flakes (gochugaru), chili paste (gochujang), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a sweet element such as sugar or maesilcheong. Grated onion and optional fruit juice provide moisture and additional sweetness.
After marinating for several hours, the chicken is grilled over medium-high heat until cooked through and slightly caramelized, enhancing the depth of flavor with smoky charred notes. Topping the cooked chicken with scallions and sesame seeds adds freshness and a nutty crunch.
This spicy chicken works well served alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or onion, which can be brushed with oil and simply prepared on the same grill. The dish offers a blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors characteristic of Korean barbecued chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thigh You can use chicken breast if you want, boneless
For the marinade
- 2 to 3 tablespoons gochugaru or to taste (this only changes the spicy level, so you can also omit it for less spicy chicken, Korean red chili pepper flakes, 고추가루
- 1 tablespoon sugar or your favorite sugar substitute, or light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine white wine is good too, or mirin
- 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean red chili pepper paste, 고추장
- 2 tablespoons maesilcheong You can simply use more sugar, honey, or oiligodang (올리고당) (about a tablespoon) instead, 매실청; or 2 to 3 tablespoons pineapple juice or grated apple
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 onion medium; grated (about 1/4 cup
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
For the garnish
- 2 tablespoons scallions chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse chicken pieces. Drain. Trim off excess fat. Cut each chicken thigh in half crosswise. Cut open any thick parts.
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Coat the chicken with the marinade. Marinate for a few hours (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator.
- Preheat a lightly oiled grill over medium high heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook until cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 4 to 6 minutes each side. Reduce the heat if the chicken starts to burn. You can also cook the chicken indoor on a grill pan or in a skillet.
Notes
- Grill vegetables such as onion, zucchini, or mushrooms alongside the chicken for a simple, complementary side dish.
- Toss vegetables with olive or sesame oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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