Ginseng Fried Chicken Bites: Crispy, Chewy, and Wholesome!
Ginseng Fried Chicken Bites: Crispy, Chewy, and Wholesome!
Easy Recipe for Delicious Ginseng Fried Chicken Bites
Looking for a unique and healthy twist on classic fried chicken for a special occasion like Boknal (Korean summer solstice)? This easy Ginseng Chicken Gangjeong recipe is a delightful surprise! We’re infusing this popular Korean street food with the goodness of ginseng, making it both nutritious and incredibly delicious. Your kids will love the crispy exterior, tender interior, and the subtle, aromatic flavor of ginseng. It’s a perfect, fuss-free recipe to impress your family and friends!
Main Ingredients- 3 chicken breasts (approx. 500g)
- 100g fresh ginseng (thoroughly washed, including roots)
- 60g frying powder
- 40g potato starch
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
- 1 egg white
Sauce Ingredients- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 5 Tbsp cooking wine (like Mirin)
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (for shine and sweetness)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 6 Tbsp water
- Pinch of black pepper (to taste)
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 5 Tbsp cooking wine (like Mirin)
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (for shine and sweetness)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 6 Tbsp water
- Pinch of black pepper (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 3 to 4 pieces per breast. In a bowl, place the chicken pieces. Add 1 egg white, 3 pinches of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 Tbsp of cooking wine. Gently mix and massage the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken.
Step 2
Next, prepare the ginseng. Wash the fresh ginseng thoroughly, then thinly slice it into julienne strips. Finely mince the julienned ginseng with a knife. This ensures the ginseng’s fragrant flavor infuses well into the chicken gangjeong.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the batter. In a large bowl, combine the frying powder and potato starch. Add the marinated chicken pieces, minced ginseng, 1 egg white, and 3 Tbsp of vegetable oil. Mix everything together until the chicken and ginseng are evenly coated with the batter. Ensure the minced ginseng adheres well to the chicken pieces by mixing thoroughly.
Step 4
It’s time to fry the chicken! Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or wok to 170-180°C (340-350°F). To test the oil temperature, drop a small piece of batter into the oil. It should slowly float up with bubbles. Once the oil is ready, carefully add the battered chicken pieces one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for a few minutes until lightly golden. If the bubbling becomes very vigorous, reduce the heat slightly. Continue frying until the chicken feels firm to the touch and is lightly golden brown. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. This is the first fry.
Step 5
We’ll double-fry the chicken for extra crispiness. While the chicken rests, let’s make the delicious sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, cooking wine, corn syrup, sugar, and water. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Add a pinch of black pepper for an aromatic touch.
Step 6
Reheat the oil to 170-180°C (340-350°F). Carefully add the first-fried chicken back into the hot oil. Fry for another 1-2 minutes until the chicken is deep golden brown and extra crispy. Listen for the sizzle – when it intensifies, it’s getting perfectly crisp. Stir gently with chopsticks to ensure even crisping. Double-frying is the secret to achieving that delightful crispy exterior.
Step 7
Now, let’s coat the chicken with the sauce. Pour the prepared sauce into a clean pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once the sauce is bubbling, add the double-fried chicken pieces. Increase the heat to high and quickly toss the chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken beautifully. Remove from heat and serve immediately on a plate. Your aromatic Ginseng Chicken Gangjeong is ready!
Step 8
Voila! Your homemade Ginseng Chicken Gangjeong is complete! This dish is a fantastic option for a special summer meal or a healthy, tasty snack for kids. The crispy coating, tender chicken, and hint of ginseng make it a truly special treat. Enjoy every bite! ♡
