Dive into the heart of Korean street food with Seoul's Sweet Heat: Yangnyeom Chicken. This dish is a tantalizing blend of crispy fried chicken coated in a lusciously sweet and spicy sauce. Each bite offers a crunch that gives way to a burst of flavors - a delightful balance of sweetness, heat, and a hint of tang, making it an irresistible treat for your taste buds.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4 people
- Serving Size: 3-4 pieces per person
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredients
Chicken
- 800g (1.76 lbs or 28.22 oz) chicken wings or drumettes
Batter
- 100g (3.53 oz) all-purpose flour
- 100g (3.53 oz) cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 240ml (8.12 oz) cold water
- Salt to taste
Yangnyeom Sauce
- 60ml (2.03 oz) ketchup
- 30ml (1.01 oz) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 40g (1.41 oz) honey
- 30ml (1.01 oz) soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 20g (0.71 oz) brown sugar
- 10ml (0.34 oz) sesame oil
For Frying
- Vegetable oil
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Make the Batter: Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cold water, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
- Prep the Chicken: Clean and pat dry the chicken. Dip in the batter.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) and fry the chicken until golden and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine ketchup, gochujang, honey, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well-coated.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Double Fry for Extra Crunch: Fry the chicken twice for a crunchier texture.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer for a thicker consistency.
- Balanced Flavors: Taste and adjust the sauce as needed for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used; adjust cooking time as needed.
Is it very spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of gochujang.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead and fry the chicken when ready to serve.