Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Bulgogi: A Quick & Delicious Recipe
Making Deliciously Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Bulgogi with Basic Pantry Ingredients
For all the chicken lovers out there, this recipe is for you! Today, we’re making a deliciously spicy stir-fried chicken bulgogi using simple ingredients you likely already have at home. With only three main components and common seasonings, it’s perfect for students living alone or as a quick, flavorful appetizer to accompany drinks. The glossy, spicy sauce coats the tender chicken beautifully, making it a fantastic rice accompaniment too!
Main Ingredients
- 250g Chicken Tenderloin: I’m using chicken tenderloin for its tender texture. Feel free to substitute with chicken thigh or breast.
- 1/2 Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 Scallion/Green Onion: Provides a refreshing aroma and taste.
Spicy Marinade
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The foundation of our spicy flavor!
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): Adds a satisfying kick. Adjust to your spice preference.
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular): For savory umami.
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or other liquid sweetener): Adds a beautiful gloss and subtle sweetness. Can be substituted with sugar.
- 2 Tbsp Sugar: Balances the flavors and adds sweetness.
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine): Helps tenderize the chicken and reduce any gamey odors.
- 2 Pinches Black Pepper: For a hint of fragrant spice.
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The foundation of our spicy flavor!
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): Adds a satisfying kick. Adjust to your spice preference.
- 1.5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular): For savory umami.
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or other liquid sweetener): Adds a beautiful gloss and subtle sweetness. Can be substituted with sugar.
- 2 Tbsp Sugar: Balances the flavors and adds sweetness.
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (or cooking wine): Helps tenderize the chicken and reduce any gamey odors.
- 2 Pinches Black Pepper: For a hint of fragrant spice.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thinly slice the onion into strips about 2cm thick. Cutting the vegetables a bit thicker than usual helps them retain a pleasant crispness after stir-frying, preventing them from becoming too soft.
Step 2
Next, cut the scallion into large, 2-3cm pieces. You can use both the white and green parts.
Step 3
Cut the chicken tenderloin into bite-sized cubes, approximately 2-3cm. If you’re using a different cut like chicken thigh or breast, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Ensuring similar sizing for all ingredients promotes even cooking.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the delicious spicy marinade! Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the bowl with the chicken tenderloin. Marinating the chicken with sugar first can also help tenderize the meat.
Step 5
Sprinkle in about 2 pinches of black pepper to enhance the aroma.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of mirin (or cooking wine) to eliminate any unwanted odors from the chicken and add a subtle depth.
Step 7
Pour in 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce for savory flavor. You can adjust the saltiness to your preference.
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of gochujang, the star of our spicy flavor!
Step 9
Finally, add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (chili flakes) for that vibrant color and kick.
Step 10
Once all the marinade ingredients are in, mix everything thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until the chicken is evenly coated. Mix for about 2 minutes, then let it marinate for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 11
After the 5-minute marination, it’s time to cook the chicken. Place the marinated chicken into a dry, non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Starting with medium-low heat is key to prevent the sauce from burning and to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly.
Step 12
Stir-fry the chicken for about 5 minutes over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for another 4 minutes, for a total of approximately 9 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, cut into the largest piece – it should be opaque white all the way through.
Step 13
Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced onions and scallions to the pan.
Step 14
Now, turn the heat up to high and stir-fry quickly for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. Adding the vegetables at the end and cooking on high heat ensures they remain crisp and retain their natural sweetness, rather than becoming soggy.
Step 15
And there you have it! Your delicious Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Bulgogi is ready. Serve it hot over rice or enjoy it with fresh lettuce wraps.
