Dakgangjeong Bites

Dakgangjeong is a popular Korean dish renowned for its crispy, sweet, and spicy qualities. It is typically made with double-fried chicken for a delectably crispy exterior and coated in a sticky sauce. One can trace the roots of this dish back to Korean street food markets, where its irresistible blend of flavors quickly catapulted it to popularity.

Ingredients

• Chicken (500g, boneless)
• Cornstarch (1 cup)
• All-purpose flour (1/2 cup)
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
• Egg (1, beaten)
• Soy sauce (1/4 cup)
• Rice wine (2 tablespoons)
• Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup)
• Honey (1/4 cup)
• Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons)
• Gochujang (2 tablespoons)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Sesame seeds (for garnishing)
• Green onion (sliced, for garnishing)

Preparation

To make Dakgangjeong Bites, first, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Coating the Chicken

Next, prepare the coating by mixing cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and baking powder in a bowl. Dip each piece of marinated chicken in the egg, then dredge it in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Cooking Process

Frying the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. For an extra crispy texture, fry the chicken a second time. Allow the chicken to rest while you prepare the sauce.

Preparing the Sauce

In a separate pan, combine brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and gochujang. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce is bubbling and thickened. This takes approximately 5 minutes. Toss the double-fried chicken in the sticky sauce until each piece is evenly coated.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish the Dakgangjeong Bites with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or enjoy them as a crispy snack. Use a cooking timer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked!