Spicy and Sweet Zico-ba Style Chicken Made at Home
Spicy and Sweet Zico-ba Style Chicken Made at Home
Homemade Zico-ba Style Spicy Chicken Recipe | Chicken Thigh Dish | Perfect for Chicken Rice!
Hello everyone! This is ‘Jinaa, the Cook’. Have you ever tried Zico-ba style chicken? Its spicy and sweet glaze is absolutely irresistible! Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll crave it again and again. It’s especially popular among those who love spicy food. If you enjoy the signature Zico-ba sauce, this homemade version is a must-try. The rich, thick sauce is perfect for spooning over white rice, making it a satisfying meal known as ‘chicken rice’. Let’s make this delicious dish together!
Chicken Ingredients- 500g chicken thigh meat
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cheongyang peppers (Korean chili peppers)
- 1 handful tteokbokki rice cakes
Spicy & Sweet Zico-ba Style Sauce Ingredients (Standard Adult Spoon Measurement)- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 5 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup) (or mulyeot/corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 5 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup) (or mulyeot/corn syrup)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare all the ingredients for the recipe.
Step 2
Chop one stalk of green onion into large pieces, about the width of two finger joints. This size will give a pleasant texture when cooked.
Step 3
Slice half an onion thickly. The onion will add sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks.
Step 4
Finely chop the cheongyang peppers. These will add a nice spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your preference for heat.
Step 5
Heat a pan with a little oil. Place the chicken thigh meat skin-side down first and sear until golden brown. This step allows the chicken skin to render its fat, creating a richer flavor. Cook the chicken until it’s nicely browned all over.
Step 6
*Tip: Chicken skin releases a lot of fat, so you might not need much oil. I added a little to prevent sticking, but you can often cook it without added oil.
Step 7
Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. This enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
Step 8
Cut the cooked chicken thigh meat into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to eat and ensures the sauce coats the chicken evenly.
Step 9
In the same pan used for the chicken, add the chopped green onions and onions. Sauté them in the rendered chicken fat until fragrant. This process creates a delicious ‘green onion oil’ with added flavor from the chicken.
Step 10
Add the soaked tteokbokki rice cakes to the pan and stir-fry with the onions and green onions. The rice cakes will absorb the delicious sauce later.
Step 11
Now, let’s make the signature spicy and sweet Zico-ba style sauce! Start by adding 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Step 12
Add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for a vibrant spicy flavor.
Step 13
Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to balance the spice with sweetness.
Step 14
Stir in 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce for added umami depth.
Step 15
Add 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup for a hint of tanginess and sweetness.
Step 16
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for both heat and a thicker consistency.
Step 17
Add 5 tablespoons of oligodang (or corn syrup/mulyeot) for a glossy finish and extra sweetness.
Step 18
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for a pungent aroma and flavor.
Step 19
Pour all the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables in the pan. Stir well to coat everything, and simmer over medium heat.
Step 20
*Be mindful of the heat to prevent the sauce from burning. If the heat is too high, the sauce can become too thick and sticky. You can adjust the sauce’s consistency by adding a little water if needed.
Step 21
To enhance the spicy kick, which is a key characteristic of Zico-ba sauce, add the chopped cheongyang peppers. Feel free to adjust the spiciness to your liking.
Step 22
For an authentic smoky flavor, you can use a kitchen torch to lightly char the surface of the chicken. This step is optional but greatly enhances the taste and aroma!
Step 23
And there you have it! Your delicious, smoky ‘Homemade Zico-ba Style Chicken’ is complete. Enjoy your meal!
