Name: Korean Fried Chicken Burger
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: For The Chicken Marinade:; 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; For The Coating:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 tablespoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru); 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon baking powder; Salt, to taste; For The Glaze:; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 inch piece of ginger, grated; Additional Ingredients:; Vegetable oil for frying; 4 brioche buns, toasted; Mayonnaise; Pickles; Freshly shredded cabbage or slaw; Sesame seeds (for garnish)

This Korean Fried chicken burger is more than just food; it’s a conversation between cultures, a blend of traditions, and, most importantly, a bridge that connects us to experiences far beyond our own. So, put on your apron, and let’s preheat our skillets and spirits for a culinary adventure that promises to awaken your senses and rejuvenate your love for cooking.

Table of Contents

What Is Korean Fried Chicken Burger?

A Korean fried chicken burger typically is a crispy, flavorful fried chicken patty seasoned with Korean spices, often served in a soft bun. It’s usually topped with pickled vegetables, spicy mayo, and sometimes kimchi, adding a tangy and spicy kick.

Ingredients:

For The Chicken Marinade:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder

For The Coating:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon baking powder
Salt, to taste

For The Glaze:

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 inch piece of ginger, grated

Additional Ingredients:

Vegetable oil for frying
4 brioche buns, toasted
Mayonnaise
Pickles
Freshly shredded cabbage or slaw
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re completely submerged. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Coating: Combine the flour, cornstarch, Korean chili flakes, black pepper, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Mix well.
Heat the Oil: In a deep pan or a fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces completely.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well coated. For an extra crispy layer, double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture again.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for about 7-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all the glaze ingredients. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Coat the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken in the glaze until evenly coated.
Assemble the Burger: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a glazed chicken thigh on top, followed by pickles and shredded cabbage. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds over the cabbage for an extra touch of texture and flavor.
Serving: Cap with the top buns and serve immediately. Enjoy the burst of flavors, textures, and the essence of a culinary fusion that pays homage to traditional Korean tastes with a beloved Western twist.

Tips:

Marination Time: Letting the chicken marinate overnight will infuse it with more flavor and tenderness.
Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at the right temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy without absorbing too much oil.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the sauce reduce more on the heat. Add a tablespoon of water to adjust the consistency for a thinner glaze.
Customizing Toppings: Feel free to customize your burger with additional toppings like kimchi or a fried egg for an even more authentic Korean touch.

What To Serve With

Kimchi Slaw: Instead of a traditional coleslaw, choose a kimchi slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and spicy kimchi. The tangy and spicy kimchi flavors will complement the fried chicken’s richness.
Sweet Potato Fries: Swap out regular fries for sweet potato fries. These fries’ slight sweetness and crispy texture make them a perfect pairing with the savory Korean fried chicken burger.
Pickled Daikon Radish: A side of pickled daikon radish adds a refreshing and crunchy element to the meal. The pickled flavors balance out the rich and spicy flavors of the burger.
Soy Garlic Edamame: Seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sesame oil, soy garlic edamame makes a nutritious and flavorful side dish that complements the Asian-inspired flavors of the burger.
Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing cucumber salad dressed with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds can provide a cooling contrast to the heat of the fried chicken burger.
Korean Corn Salad: A corn salad with a Korean twist featuring corn kernels, bell peppers, red onions, and a gochujang-spiked dressing adds color and texture to the meal. The spicy-sweet flavors go well with the burger.

Drinks:

Korean Beer (Hite, Cass): Pair your Korean fried chicken burger with a crisp and cold Korean beer for an authentic dining experience. The refreshing bubbles will complement the savory and spicy flavors of the burger.
Soju Cocktails: Create Soju-based cocktails like Soju Mojitos or Soju Sangria to elevate your meal. The light and slightly sweet taste of Soju blends well with the bold flavors of the burger.
Iced Citrus Green Tea: A refreshing and slightly tangy iced citrus green tea can be a tremendous non-alcoholic option to balance the burger’s heat while providing a burst of citrus flavor.
Yuja Ade (Citron Tea): A sweet and citrusy Yuja ade made with a Korean citron tea base can be a delightful accompaniment to the spicy kick of the Korean fried chicken burger.

Dessert:

Green Tea Ice Cream: End the meal with a scoop of green tea ice cream for a relaxed and creamy finish that ties in with the Asian flavors of the meal.
Patbingsu: A Korean shaved ice dessert topped with sweet red beans, chewy mochi, and a drizzle of condensed milk can provide a satisfyingly sweet conclusion to your Korean-inspired meal.

Health Benefits

Protein Content: The primary ingredient in a Korean fried chicken burger is chicken, a good source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall growth and maintenance of the body.
Opportunity for Whole Grains: Choosing a whole-grain bun for your burger can increase fiber intake and other essential nutrients. Whole grains can improve digestive health, support heart health, and contribute to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Inclusion of Fermented Foods: Korean cuisine often incorporates fermented foods like kimchi, which can be added to the burger within the slaw or as a side. Fermented foods are known for their probiotics, which can enhance gut health by improving the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.
Vegetable Servings: Adding vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocados to your burger increases the content of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The kimchi slaw mentioned previously, and side salads like cucumber salad can further boost nutrient intake.
Spices and Flavors: The spices used in the marinade and sauces of Korean fried chicken, such as garlic, ginger, and gochujang (Korean chili paste), contain bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and can boost metabolism. While these are consumed in small amounts, they contribute to the overall nutrient profile of the meal.

Final Thoughts

The Korean Fried Chicken Burger reminds us that food is a beautiful arena for exploration and innovation. Blending traditional Korean elements with a classic Western dish invites us to think creatively about our meals. This culinary creation is more than just a tasty option for a meal; it’s a symbol of cultural fusion, a conversation starter, and an opportunity to make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor. Write a blog post inro on the Korean Fried Chicken Burger Recipe.

More Recipes: