Crispy Korean Fried Chicken with Sweet-Spicy Glaze

Korean Fried Chicken (Ayam Goreng Korea)

Dive into the crispy, succulent world of Korean Fried Chicken with this delightful recipe that brings a touch of Korea right into your kitchen. This dish, known as Ayam Goreng Korea, features chicken that’s marinated, coated in a flavorful batter, and then tossed in a spicy-sweet Korean sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a family dinner or a special treat, this recipe will have you making fried chicken like a pro.

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 3/4 pound chicken, cut into pieces
• A small piece of ginger
• 8 cloves garlic
• 2 packets Bon Cabe (Indonesian chili powder mix)
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Coating:

• All-purpose flour (such as Segitiga Biru, or any all-purpose flour)
• Cornstarch
• Seasoning powder
• Salt
• White pepper

For the Korean Sauce:

• A small piece of ginger
• 8 cloves garlic
• 1 small cup water
• Sesame oil
• Chili sauce (such as Sriracha)
• Tomato ketchup
• A few dashes of soy sauce
• 3 red chilies, chopped
• Salt and sugar to taste
• Sesame seeds

Steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces. Blend or finely chop the ginger and garlic until smooth. Combine this paste with the Bon Cabe chili mix and salt to create a marinade.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Rub the chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. Prepare the Coating:
   In a bowl, mix together all-purpose flour and cornstarch in equal parts. Add a pinch of seasoning powder, salt, and white pepper to taste. This mixture will create a crispy coating for the chicken.

4. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-low heat. Coat each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy. This should take about 8-10 minutes per batch, depending on the size of the pieces.

5. Make the Sauce:
   While the chicken is frying, prepare the Korean sauce. In a pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the remaining ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add the water and bring to a boil.

6. Add Flavorings:
   Stir in the sesame oil, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and soy sauce. Mix well. Add the chopped red chilies, and season the sauce with salt and sugar to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer until it slightly thickens. If needed, use a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) to achieve the desired consistency.

7. Finish the Dish:
   Toss the fried chicken pieces in the sauce until they are evenly coated. Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

8. Serve:
   Serve your Korean Fried Chicken hot, and enjoy the crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors that make this dish irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just indulging in a flavorful meal, this Korean Fried Chicken is sure to impress. Its combination of crispy coating and tangy sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy the taste of Korea right at home with this easy-to-follow recipe!