Introduction
Spicy Korean Fried Chicken is famous for its ultra-crispy coating and bold, sticky heat. Paired with creamy gochujang mayo, this dish delivers the perfect balance of crunch, spice, sweetness, and tang—making it a favorite for parties, dinners, or indulgent comfort food nights.
Origin & Cultural Significance
This dish comes from South Korea, where fried chicken has become a beloved street food and social dining staple. Korean fried chicken is known for its light, crackly crust and flavorful sauces, often enjoyed with friends as part of casual gatherings.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken
- 1 kg chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
Spicy Sauce
- ¼ cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Gochujang Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Chili flakes
- Lime wedges
Tips for Success
✔ Double-fry chicken for extra crispiness
✔ Pat chicken dry before coating
✔ Use cornstarch for lighter crunch than flour alone
✔ Toss chicken in sauce right before serving to keep crust crisp
Instructions
1. Prep Chicken
Pat chicken dry. In a bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Toss chicken until evenly coated.
2. First Fry
Heat oil to 170°C / 340°F. Fry chicken 6–8 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and rest 5 minutes.
3. Second Fry
Increase oil to 190°C / 375°F. Fry again 2–3 minutes until deep golden and extra crispy. Drain.
4. Make Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine gochujang, honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy.
5. Toss Chicken
Place fried chicken in a bowl and toss with sauce until evenly coated.
6. Make Mayo
Whisk mayonnaise, gochujang, and lemon juice until smooth.
7. Serve
Plate chicken, drizzle or dip with gochujang mayo, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Description
This dish delivers a crisp crackle with every bite, followed by juicy chicken coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze. The creamy gochujang mayo adds a cooling richness that balances the heat perfectly.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 30 g
Conclusion
Spicy Korean Fried Chicken with Gochujang Mayo is a bold, flavor-packed dish that turns simple fried chicken into a crave-worthy experience. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
Serving Suggestions
- Pickled radish or cucumbers
- Steamed rice
- Asian slaw
- Cold sparkling drinks
Healthful Indulgence Tip
For a lighter version, air-fry or oven-bake the chicken and brush with sauce instead of deep frying—still crispy, with less oil.