Korean BBQ Chicken
Grilling is one of America's favorite pastimes. My mom used to grill meat in our garage in unfavorable weather, which was probably not the safest practice, but a lot of fun. I still remember sitting on the steps staring at the small little grill she had covered in tin foil, watching her flip pieces of juicy meat over with chopsticks, and smelling the sweet smoke. This chicken recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. It is so ubiquitously delicious--even your Korean food doubter friends will gladly chow this down.
Grilling is one of America's favorite pastimes. My mom used to grill meat in our garage in unfavorable weather, which was probably not the safest practice, but a lot of fun. I still remember sitting on the steps staring at the small little grill she had covered in tin foil, watching her flip pieces of juicy meat over with chopsticks, and smelling the sweet smoke. This chicken recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. It is so ubiquitously delicious--even your Korean food doubter friends will gladly chow this down.
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons korean chile paste (gochujang)
- pinch of sea salt or kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (90 grams) mayonnaise such as kewpie, or korean mayo
- 1 tablespoon korean soy bean paste (doenjang)
- 1 1/4 cups (300 grams) soy sauce
- 1/2 cup (30 grams) packed dark brown sugar
- 6 grinds black pepper or to taste
- 6 cloves garlic grated
- 4 large spring onions or scallions chopped finely
- 8 boneless chicken thighs skin on
- vegetable oil to brush lightly on the grill
- 2 ears corn cut in half crosswise
- 15 chile threads for garnish
- pinch of black sesame seeds for garnish
- Carbohydrate 30.3485617195873 g
- Cholesterol 157.92 mg
- Fat 46.2787368995624 g
- Fiber 4.57650001644907 g
- Protein 36.8803649990946 g
- Saturated Fat 10.7592151909995 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (350g)
- Sodium 189.692734376419 mg
- Sugar 25.7720617031382 g
- Trans Fat 2.64772300109314 g
- Calories 682 calories
Step-by-step
- For the doenjang mayo: Mix the mayonnaise and doenjang together well with a spoon in a small bowl. Cover and place in the fridge.
- For the marinade and chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, maple syrup, vinegar, chile paste, ginger, sesame oil, sesame seeds, black pepper, salt, garlic and spring onions. Reserve about 1 cup (235 milliliters) to make the glaze.
- Place the chicken thighs in a medium bowl and pour in the remaining marinade, making sure all sides are covered. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours and better yet, overnight, to let the flavors infuse.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Bring the chicken up to room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling.
- Wrap the sweet potatoes in a sheet of foil, sealing well. Bake until a small knife goes all the way through the potatoes easily, about 1 hour. Let cool slightly, then peel the skins off and discard. Place the potatoes in a small bowl and mash roughly with a fork. Cover and set aside in a warm place.
- Place a saucepan over medium-low heat and tip in the reserved marinade to make a glaze to brush over the chicken. Simmer until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
- In the meantime, bring a grill or griddle pan to medium-high heat. Brush lightly with vegetable oil. Shake the excess marinade off the chicken and place on the grill skin-side down first. Cook until cooked through, flipping once, about 15 minutes. Let rest in a warm place while you cook the corn.
- Place the corn on the grill and cook, turning often, 9 to 10 minutes. Cut each piece down the center lengthwise.
- To serve, transfer the chicken to a serving plate or platter. Brush the chicken very lightly with the glaze, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish the chicken with the chile threads. Finish the sweet potatoes off with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds. Serve the corn with the doenjang mayo on the side or brush it on to the hot corn, letting it melt into the crevices.
Korean BBQ Chicken: A Taste of Home
The aroma of grilling meat always takes me back to my childhood. I have such vivid memories of my mom, painstakingly grilling in our garage, regardless of the weather. The smell of the smoky meat, the sight of her deftly flipping the chicken with chopsticks – it was a magical scene. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a trip down memory lane, a taste of family, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eaters will be clamoring for more. It's the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a delightful kick that keeps you coming back for another bite.
This Korean BBQ Chicken recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors. The marinade, a symphony of soy sauce, brown sugar, maple syrup, and a hint of spice, transforms ordinary chicken thighs into extraordinary culinary masterpieces. The sweet potatoes, baked to perfection, offer a comforting contrast to the savory chicken, while the grilled corn adds a touch of rustic charm. The doenjang mayo, a creamy and subtly fermented condiment, elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. Each component plays a crucial role, culminating in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Preparing this dish is a labor of love, a process that allows you to connect with your food on a deeper level. The careful preparation of the marinade, the tender care taken in grilling the chicken, and the thoughtful arrangement of the final dish – it all adds to the overall experience. And the best part? The leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day! The flavors have had time to meld, creating an even more intense and satisfying culinary journey. I guarantee this Korean BBQ chicken will become a staple in your home.
Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe is surprisingly versatile. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili paste to control the level of spiciness, or add other vegetables to the grill to create a more substantial meal. Experiment with different types of corn or even try using other cuts of chicken. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – let your creativity shine!
This is a recipe that has become a cornerstone of my own family gatherings. It is a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, togetherness, and delicious food. And honestly, the memories associated with it make it even more special. So, gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and prepare to be transported to a place of flavor and fond memories. Let the tantalizing aroma fill your home, and let the taste of home fill your heart.
So grab your aprons, friends, and get ready for a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Korea. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor and the ease of preparation. You won’t be disappointed!
