Maeun Dak Gangjeong

매운닭강정

(Sweet and Spicy Fried Chicken)

Fried chicken is a dish associated with Korea’s drinking culture. It is part of the popular food combination called “chimaek.” This name comes from “chi” for chicken and “maek” for maekju (beer). Not to be confused with its American counterpart, a colloquial term used for this dish is “KFC” or Korean Fried Chicken. Many chicken places in Korea have created their own versions of it. This dish is top star Song Yi’s go-to comfort food in the drama, My Love from the Star.16

16 My Love from the Star, directed by Tae Yoo Jang, written by Ji Eun Park, starring Ji Hyun Joon and Soo Hyun Kim (2013; Seoul: SBS), Netflix.

MAIN INGREDIENTS

• 500 grams chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup frying flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 liter cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds or sliced almonds

SEASONings

• 2 tablespoons onion juice
• 2 tablespoons cooking wine
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ginger juice (see additional cooking tips on page 13)
• 1/6 teaspoon black pepper

SAUCE

• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon red chili paste
• 1/2 tablespoon fine red chili powder,
  as needed
• 1/4 cup pineapple puree
• 3 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup

HOW TO Prepare

1. Cut chicken thighs into big bite-sized pieces and marinate with seasonings for 30 minutes.
2. Mix flour and cornstarch evenly.
3. Completely coat the chicken with mixed flour.

HOW TO COOK

1. Oil a pan with 2 tablespoons cooking oil. Sauté minced garlic.
2. Add all sauce ingredients and boil over medium heat.
3. Fry the chicken until it turns yellowish.
4. Fry again for a few more minutes until chicken is golden brown.
5. Put the fried chicken into the sauce and quickly toss it.
6. Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds or sliced almonds.

chef’s notes

Make a lot of sauce. It can be kept in the fridge for a long time so you can stock up and just take some when you need it.

 

This Dish Appears in the Following Korean Drama/s:

• Youn’s Kitchen: Season 2 (2018) - TVN
• I Live Alone (2013-present) - MBC
• Baek Jong Won’s Three Great Emperors (2015-2017) - SBS
• Infinite Challenge (2005-2018) - MBC

   

 

CHEF REGGIE’S TIPS

VARIATION

Chef Reggie’s Twist: I would make 1 recipe of the sauce to which I will add 1/4 cup of water. I’ll let it simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside.

1/2 red bell pepper, cut into large squares

1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into large squares

1/2 green bell pepper, cut into large squares

1 small red onion, sliced

a handful of grapes, cut into halves (or 1/2 cup pineapple chunks)

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil, then add bell peppers and onion. Cook for 3 minutes.
2. Add grapes and cook for 1 minute.
3. Turn heat off and toss in the sauce.
4. Toss with, or top over, the chicken.
5. Finish with some green onions.