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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– Begin by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This ensures that the coating sticks well and the chicken fries up crispy.
– In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This dry mixture will create the crispy coating for the chicken.
– Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumps.
#### 2. **Double Fry the Chicken:**
– Heat a large pot or deep fryer with enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken, over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for the best frying temperature.
– Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for about 7-8 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pot to ensure the oil temperature stays consistent.
– Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the oil and let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
– For extra crispiness, fry the chicken again for an additional 2-3 minutes. This double-frying technique is key to achieving that super crispy texture.
#### 3. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce by combining the gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and ketchup (if using) in a small saucepan.
– Cook the sauce over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes fragrant. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spiciness by adding more honey or gochujang if desired.
– Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat.
#### 4. **Coat the Chicken with Sauce:**
– Once the chicken has rested and is still hot and crispy, transfer the fried pieces to a large mixing bowl.
– Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the sticky, flavorful sauce. Be careful not to break the crispy coating, as the sauce should lightly glaze the chicken.
#### 5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor and color.
– Serve the **Ultimate Korean Fried Chicken** immediately while it’s still hot and crispy. Enjoy it as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack!
### Tips for Success:
– **Gochujang:** This fermented Korean chili paste is the key to the signature flavor of Korean fried chicken. If you can’t find it at your local store, look for it in an Asian grocery store or order it online. You can substitute with a mix of sriracha and a little miso paste, but gochujang provides the authentic flavor and umami.
– **Double Frying:** The secret to the crispiness is double frying. The first fry cooks the chicken, and the second fry ensures the skin is super crispy. This technique gives the chicken its signature crunch that holds up even after the sauce is added.
– **Adjust the Heat:** The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of gochujang or adding chili flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of gochujang, or substitute with a less spicy ingredient.
– **Chicken Variations:** You can use bone-in wings, boneless thighs, or even chicken tenders for a different take on this recipe. Just adjust the frying time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
– **Make Ahead:** If you’re making this for a party or meal prep, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it. Simply reheat it in the oven or air fryer before tossing in the sauce.
### Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:
– **Crispy and Flavorful:** Double frying ensures each piece of chicken is ultra-crispy, while the flavorful sauce adds layers of sweet, savory, and spicy goodness that make every bite irresistible.
– **Easy to Make at Home:** Even though Korean fried chicken is typically served in specialty restaurants, this recipe makes it easy to recreate the iconic dish right in your kitchen, with ingredients you can find at your local store.
– **Crowd-Pleasing:** Whether you’re hosting a party, a family dinner, or just indulging in a delicious treat, this chicken is sure to impress. It’s perfect for sharing and guaranteed to disappear quickly.
– **Authentic Flavor:** The combination of gochujang, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger creates an authentic Korean fried chicken flavor that will transport your taste buds straight to Seoul.
### Conclusion:
The **Ultimate Korean Fried Chicken** is an explosion of flavor and texture that’s sure to satisfy all your fried chicken cravings. With its crispy, golden exterior and sweet, spicy sauce, this dish is a true indulgence. Whether you’re serving it at a party, sharing it with friends, or enjoying it as a snack, this crispy, saucy chicken will be a hit every time. Try it today and experience the crispy, saucy goodness of Korean fried chicken in the comfort of your own home!
