The Secrets of Korean BBQ Chicken: What Makes It So Distinctive and Incredibly Delicious?
Korean BBQ chicken is a cultural phenomenon that is captivating palates worldwide.
Originating from centuries-old practices of roasting meats, this iconic delicacy is certainly a reflection of the culinary evolution of traditional Korean food.
This comprehensive Korean BBQ guide explores the preparation, variations, and accompaniments of this delicious dish and some important ingredients of Korean cuisine.
Korean BBQ Chicken Recipe: Key Ingredients and Marination Techniques
The secret to Korean BBQ chicken lies within its blend of key ingredients and marination techniques that help to tenderize the meat, infuse it with flavor, and create a crispy caramelized crust.
Any authentic Korean BBQ chicken recipe includes the signature Korean BBQ sauce, featuring gochujang (Korean red chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and other ingredients. In fact, gochujang sauce imparts the authentic spicy and savory flavors characteristic of Korean BBQ chicken.
Gochugaru vs Gochujang: Many people have difficulty distinguishing between gochugaru and gochujang. Gochugaru is a coarsely ground red pepper powder that brings a subtle heat to dishes. On the other hand, gochujang is a fermented red chili paste that offers a more complex flavor profile. Its blend of sweetness, spiciness, and umami creates a rich and robust base for marinades, sauces, and stews.
Here, we share an easy Korean BBQ recipe for you to achieve authentic Korean flavors:
Ingredients
Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)*
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Korean BBQ Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Note: If you don’t have gochujang, you can use a substitute (see below.)
Instructions
Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, olive oil, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and ginger, and mix until well combined (adjust the amount of gochujang based on your desired spice level.)
Marination:
- Place the chicken breast pieces in a large bowl or resealable bag.
- Pour the gochujang sauce over the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (for better flavor, marinate overnight.)
Cooking:
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once heated, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook them for approximately 6 minutes per side or until fully cooked through.
- While cooking, brush or spoon any remaining marinade onto the chicken occasionally.
Serve:
- Transfer the Korean BBQ chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes and serve.
Gochujang Substitutes
Gochujang is a Korean chili paste made with fermented soybeans, red chili peppers, glutinous rice, and salt. It has a sweet, savory, and spicy flavor, and as it’s such a versatile ingredient, it can be used as a marinade, a dipping sauce, or a cooking sauce.
It can be tricky to find, but don’t worry! If you don't have gochujang, there are a few substitutes that you can use. Here are the three best gochujang substitutes:
Sriracha
Sriracha is a hot chili sauce from Thailand made with chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, salt, and garlic.
It has a similar spicy flavor and texture to gochujang, but it’s not as sweet, so you can add some sugar to it.
Chili Garlic Sauce
Chili garlic sauce is another hot chili sauce with a thick consistency. It’s similar to sriracha, but it has a stronger garlic flavor.
As it doesn’t have sugar, you can add some to balance out the flavors.
Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes)
As we mentioned before, gochugaru is made with dried red pepper flakes and it has a similar spicy flavor to gochujang, but without the sweet flavors.
Keep in mind that it’s important to adjust the amount of heat and sweetness to your liking. So, start with a small amount of the substitute and add more to taste.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Variations of Korean BBQ Chicken
Korean BBQ chicken is a versatile dish that can be adapted to different dietary restrictions and preferences. Here are some popular variations:
Gluten-Free Options
While the main ingredients of gochujang like red chili peppers are naturally gluten-free, some manufacturers might add wheat flour or barley malt as thickening agents or for flavor enhancement.
Luckily, there are gluten free gochujang alternatives. Look for products with certified gluten-free labels and avoid any product containing wheat, barley, or rye.
Also bear in mind that soy sauce contains gluten as well, so, you can use gluten-free tamari instead.
Vegan Options
For those exploring vegan Korean food, consider substituting chicken with tofu.
Gochujang tofu is a dish that offers a similar depth of flavor and texture, preserving the essence of the dish. The crispy pan-fried or baked tofu properly absorbs the bold flavors of gochujang, which provides a satisfying vegan alternative.
Traditional Sides and Accompaniments Served with Korean BBQ Chicken
A hallmark of Korean dining lies in the curation of accompaniments. The array of side dishes served with Korean BBQ is known as “banchan,” which can include:
Danmuji (Pickled Radish): Thinly sliced Korean radish pickled in a sweet and spicy brine. It adds a refreshing and crunchy element to the meal.
Kimchi: A staple in Korean cuisine. This spicy fermented cabbage adds a tangy flavor to the meal. You can try varieties such as cucumber kimchi (oi kimchi) or kimchi fried rice (kimchi bokkeumbap), which offer flavors and textures that fantastically harmonize with the bold flavors of Korean BBQ chicken. Also, kimchi fries, a fusion of Korean and Western cuisines, offers a unique gastronomic experience.
Bokkeumbap (gochujang fried rice): A spicy twist to the classic fried rice, with the addition of gochujang. It infuses the rice with a bold flavor that pairs exquisitely with the savory chicken. It can make for a main course as well.
Ssamjang (Korean BBQ Dipping Sauce): A thick and savory sauce made with gochujang, doenjang, sesame oil, and other ingredients, used for dipping the BBQ chicken and vegetables.
Gochujang Mayo: A dipping sauce full of umami flavor. The fusion of mayonnaise and gochujang creates a creamy, spicy sauce that adds a great depth of flavor to the dish.
Kongnamul (Soybean Sprouts): Seasoned soybean sprouts that add a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the meal.
Soju: A distilled liquor with a smooth, clean taste that pairs really well with Korean BBQ’s flavors.
6 Practical Tips and Tricks for Cooking Korean BBQ Chicken at Home
In order for you to savor the authentic Korean flavors of this dish, here we’ll share some helpful tips:
- Allow the chicken to marinate for an extended period (ideally overnight) to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Gochujang is the soulful ingredient of Korean BBQ chicken, so experiment with different quantities to achieve the desired balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in your marinade.
- Achieving the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors is key. Experiment with incorporating ingredients like honey for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or garlic for depth.
- Make sure that the grill or pan is adequately heated before cooking, because this allows the chicken to achieve a caramelized exterior while retaining its juiciness inside.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, in order to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Choose good Korean BBQ sides and dipping sauces to add interesting textures and flavors and enhance your experience.
The Growing Popularity and Influence of Korean BBQ Chicken Outside Korea
Korean BBQ chicken has had a meteoric rise transcending cultural boundaries. Once a local delicacy, this dish is contributing to the proliferation of Korean cuisine on an international scale.
Korean barbecue restaurants worldwide not only serve as dining destinations but also as cultural hubs, attracting people looking for an authentic taste of the Asian country. Chefs around the world experiment with popular Korean food, infusing local influences and innovative approaches to create fusion adaptations, such as Korean BBQ chicken tacos!
This global phenomenon exemplifies the power of gastronomy in uniting cultures and transcending borders.
Enjoy a Delicious Korean-Mexican Fusion: Korean BBQ Chicken Taco
In the pursuit of the best Korean BBQ, enthusiasts look for both an exquisite dish and an authentic, traditional experience.
Yumbii offers the delicious flavors of Korean BBQ in Atlanta, where you can enjoy a blend of Korean and Mexican cuisine.
Come visit us and enjoy our exclusive Korean BBQ chicken taco with Yumbii chili sauce, soy-sesame vinaigrette salad, and red onions.
It’s time to experience an incredible culinary fusion!