Honey Gochujang Chicken
Introduction
Honey Gochujang Chicken is a delicious fusion dish that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. The star of this dish is gochujang, a Korean chili paste that adds a unique kick and depth of flavor to the chicken.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Honey Gochujang Chicken because it’s not only tasty but also easy to cook. The ingredients are common and can be found in most grocery stores. Plus, it offers a delightful twist on traditional chicken dishes, bringing a taste of Korean cuisine to your table. It’s great for satisfying cravings for something bold and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Honey Gochujang Chicken
To prepare this exciting dish, you’ll need to gather all your ingredients and follow the straightforward steps below.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until smooth. This will be your flavorful sauce!
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown on both sides.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, reduce the heat to medium, and stir well to coat the chicken.
- Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through (check for an internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary—add more honey if you prefer it sweeter or a little more gochujang for an extra kick!
- Transfer the Honey Gochujang Chicken to a serving plate and garnish it with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that finishing touch.
- Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles, and pair it with some steamed veggies or a crunchy slaw for a complete meal.
How to Serve Honey Gochujang Chicken
Honey Gochujang Chicken is best served hot. Place it on a plate over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. You can also add a side of fresh veggies or a crunchy slaw to complete your meal. This dish not only looks vibrant but also tastes incredible!
How to Store Honey Gochujang Chicken
If you have leftovers, store Honey Gochujang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Honey Gochujang Chicken
- Make sure to cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your liking by adding more honey or gochujang.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Variation
You can switch up the protein by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. The cooking time will vary depending on what you choose, so adjust accordingly. You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
FAQs
1. What is gochujang?
Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste made from fermented soybeans, glutinous rice, and chili powder. It provides a sweet and spicy flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, Honey Gochujang Chicken can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container and it should keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
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