Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Mayo Recipe

Sizzling Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Mayo Recipe

Crispy, golden korean fried chicken brings explosive flavor to your dinner table with a fiery gochujang mayo twist.

Crunchy exterior gives way to tender meat that dances with complex spices.

Street food inspiration meets home kitchen magic in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Marinating secrets unlock deep, multilayered tastes that surprise and delight.

Culinary adventures await with each perfectly seasoned bite.

Gochujang’s rich, smoky heat promises an unforgettable meal that sparks conversation.

You won’t be able to resist this addictive chicken sensation.

Ingredients for Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Mayo

Coating Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides a crispy base for the chicken coating.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create an extra crunchy exterior.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor to the chicken coating.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a spicy kick to the coating.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the chicken.
Wet Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and creates a golden crust.
Frying Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the chicken to achieve a crispy texture.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the dipping sauce.
  • Gochujang: Provides a spicy and slightly sweet Korean chili paste flavor.
  • Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spiciness.
  • Garlic: Introduces an aromatic and pungent element to the sauce.
  • Lime Juice: Brings a tangy brightness to the mayo mixture.
Optional Spice Enhancers:
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Allows for additional heat adjustment in the sauce.

How to Cook Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Mayo

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Dredging Station

Set up a three-part dipping process with the seasoned flour mixture.

Coat each chicken piece completely in the flour blend, then dunk into beaten eggs, and roll again in the flour mixture.

This double coating ensures an incredibly crispy exterior.

Step 2: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour oil into a deep fryer or large pot.

Bring the temperature up to 350°F.

Use a cooking thermometer to ensure precise heating.

Consistent oil temperature guarantees perfectly golden and crunchy chicken pieces.

Step 3: Fry Chicken Pieces

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the inside reaches safe internal temperature.

Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Step 4: Whip Up Spicy Gochujang Mayo

In a small mixing bowl, combine:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Gochujang paste
  • Honey
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Taste and adjust spiciness as desired.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Plate crispy chicken pieces alongside the vibrant gochujang mayo.

Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Crispy Korean Fried Chicken with Mayo

  • Easily control the heat by gradually adding red pepper flakes to the flour mixture and sauce, allowing you to create a personalized spicy experience.
  • Use a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring your chicken remains crispy and not greasy.
  • Double-dip chicken in flour and egg for an extra thick, crunchy exterior that seals in moisture and flavor.
  • Whisk gochujang mayo ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated sauce that clings perfectly to crispy chicken.
  • For a healthier version, try baking chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through for even crispiness.

Flavor Twists for Korean Fried Chicken Mayo

  • Gluten-Free Korean Chicken: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Baked Version: Skip deep-frying and coat chicken in breadcrumbs, then bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes for a healthier alternative with similar crispy texture.
  • Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, using same seasoning and coating technique for plant-based eaters.
  • Air Fryer Method: Cook chicken in air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, to reduce oil usage while maintaining crispiness.

Serving Ideas for Korean Fried Chicken

  • Flavor Fusion Platter: Arrange chicken pieces around a central bowl of gochujang mayo, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Cool Companion Sides: Pair with cucumber kimchi or a refreshing Asian slaw to balance the spicy chicken and provide a crisp, tangy contrast.
  • Rice Bowl Transformation: Slice the fried chicken and serve over steamed jasmine rice, drizzling extra gochujang mayo on top for a complete and satisfying meal experience.
  • Quick Picnic Bites: Cut chicken into smaller pieces for easy finger food, perfect for casual gatherings or game day snacking with friends.

How to Store Spicy Korean Fried Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the gochujang mayo separately in a sealed container to maintain its freshness.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for 10-12 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.
  • Use an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore the original crunchiness. Serve immediately with fresh gochujang mayo for best taste and texture.

FAQs

  • What is gochujang and why is it important in this recipe?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste that adds deep, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor to the mayo sauce, creating a unique and authentic Korean taste profile.

  • Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the flour mixture and use less gochujang in the mayo to lower the heat level while maintaining the delicious flavor.

  • Is it necessary to double-coat the chicken?

Double coating creates an extra crispy and thick breading that helps lock in moisture and provides a satisfying crunch when you bite into the chicken.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders work perfectly because they remain juicy and tender while getting a crispy exterior during frying.

Why Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Mayo Excites

  • Customize Heat Levels: Easily adjust spiciness by modifying red pepper flakes in both chicken coating and gochujang mayo for personalized flavor experience.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers restaurant-quality Korean fried chicken with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for casual gatherings and weekend meals.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Pair with multiple side dishes like rice, noodles, or salad, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and meal styles.
  • Simple Ingredient Transformation: Transforms basic chicken into a gourmet-style dish using common pantry ingredients and a zesty gochujang mayo, elevating home cooking with bold Korean flavors.
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Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Mayo Recipe

Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Mayo Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Fiery Korean Fried Chicken dazzles with crispy, golden-brown perfection, coating each succulent bite in a bold gochujang mayo. Spicy, tangy, and irresistibly crunchy, you’ll crave this addictive dish that brings Seoul’s street food magic straight to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Coating Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg (beaten)

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 lime (juiced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Create a flavorful dredging station by whisking together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
  2. Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, dip into beaten egg, then re-coat with the flour mixture to ensure a crispy exterior.
  3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to precisely 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
  4. Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even golden-brown crispiness, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  5. Transfer fried chicken to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
  6. Whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, honey, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and additional red pepper flakes to create a vibrant, spicy dipping sauce.
  7. Customize the heat level by incrementally adding more gochujang or red pepper flakes to suit personal spice preferences.
  8. Plate the crispy chicken alongside the zesty gochujang mayo, complemented by steamed rice, fresh noodles, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
  9. Experiment with garnishes like chopped green onions or sesame seeds to enhance visual appeal and add extra flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to achieve perfect golden-brown crispy texture without burning the chicken.
  • Double-coat chicken in flour mixture for extra crunchiness, creating a thick, crisp exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Customize spice levels by gradually adding red pepper flakes, allowing each person to control their heat preference.
  • Consider gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or almond flour for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same delicious crunch.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 870 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 55 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 42 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 62 g
  • Cholesterol: 185 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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