Korean Popcorn Chicken
- 35 min
- Serves 4
- 16 ingredients
15 minutes to prep, 20 to cook. A crispy, sweetâandâspicy Korean popcorn chicken thatâs perfect for a quick dinner. The light batter gives a satisfying crunch while the tangy gochujang glaze delivers bold flavor. Serve it over rice or with your favorite side.
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Method
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (350°F).
In a bowl, whisk the egg, then add flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder; stir until a smooth batter forms.
Toss the diced chicken thighs in the batter, allowing excess to drip off.
Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 5â7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through; remove and drain on paper towels.
While the chicken fries, combine ketchup, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and butter in a small saucepan.
Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 3â4 minutes.
Transfer the fried chicken to a large bowl and toss with the hot sauce until every piece is evenly coated.
Serve immediately over steamed rice or with your preferred side, and enjoy while hot.
Tips while you cook
- Dry the batter before frying
- After tossing the chicken in the batter, let excess drip off before lowering into the oil.
- Heat oil to the correct temperature
- Preheat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) before adding the chicken.
- Combine sauce while chicken fries
- Prepare the glaze in a saucepan while the chicken is frying.
- Toss chicken while sauce is hot
- Transfer the fried chicken to a bowl and toss with the hot sauce right after the sauce thickens.
Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.
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Zach Olson made this.
The recipe comes from Zach Olsonâs Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.
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Popcorn chicken, 5 ways
Four creators posted their own. Every one is built on chicken and egg.
- Zach Olson35 min16 ingr.Deep-fried
- Jeremy30 min21 ingr.Only this one uses baking powder
- Donaldo Estevam26 min8 ingr.Only this one uses mustard and chives
- Donaldo Estevam26 min10 ingr.Only this one uses orange marmalade and ground ginger
- Ryan Miller40 min19 ingr.Only this one uses potato starch and white rice
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