Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Korea! This Spicy Grilled Korean Chicken recipe is not just another dinner option – it's a flavor explosion that combines the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to shake up your weeknight meal routine, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality taste right from your own grill.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining soy sauce, gochugaru, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and rice vinegar in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until fully incorporated and sugar is dissolved.
- Place chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking and more tender meat.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Turn occasionally to prevent burning and achieve nice grill marks.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Recommend serving with steamed rice or grilled vegetables.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: The key to incredibly flavorful chicken is patience. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.
- Temperature Matters: Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Grill Like a Pro: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and clean the grates well to prevent sticking. Oil the grates lightly to help create those perfect grill marks.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Always discard the used marinade and never reuse it. If you want extra sauce, prepare a fresh batch separately.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Rest and Relax: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. Pro tip: Serve with steamed rice and grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds to Korea!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 308kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 24g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 100mg
