Crispy Crunchy Korean Fried Chicken Dakgangjeong Recipes

DAKGANGJEONG (닭강정 / KOREAN SWEET, CRUNCHY FRIED CHICKEN)

Steps:

• Make the chicken:
• Mix the chicken pieces, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Transfer to a large zipper-lock bag, add the potato starch, close the bag, and mix well by flipping the bag over and back again until the chicken is well coated.
• Place a large mesh strainer over a bowl.
• Heat 2 inches vegetable oil in a large, deep pan or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches about 340°F, 8 to 10 minutes. If you don't have a thermometer, test it by dipping a tip of a chicken piece into the oil. If it bubbles, it's ready. Carefully add the chicken to the oil one piece at a time, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Deep-fry, turning the chicken with tongs, until all sides are light golden brown and crunchy, 10 to 12 minutes. As each piece is done, transfer it to the strainer. Once the chicken has drained, transfer it to a large bowl. Repeat with the rest of the chicken, making sure to bring the oil back up to 340°F between batches.
• Return the oil to 340°F over high heat and carefully add all the chicken-there's no need to work in batches this time. The chicken will look a little soggy at first. Deep-fry, turning occasionally, until all the chicken pieces are dark golden brown and very crunchy, another 10 to 13 minutes. Transfer the chicken pieces to the strainer or a rack to drain, then place in a large bowl.
• If using the peanuts, place them in a slotted spoon or a small mesh strainer, carefully dip them into the hot oil, and fry for 15 to 30 seconds, just until light golden brown. Transfer to a small bowl.
• Make the sauce and serve:
• Mix the rice syrup, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and mustard in a small bowl.
• Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers and stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic is a little crispy and fragrant. Add the soy sauce mixture and stir. Let it bubble for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is shiny and a little sticky. Remove from the heat if not using right away and reheat until bubbling when ready to finish the chicken.
• Add the chicken and peanuts (if using) to the bubbling sauce and toss with a wooden spoon to coat nicely. Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds and a few teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Transfer to a large plate or platter and serve. The chicken will remain crunchy for several hours if left at room temperature, or you can cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

CRISPY CRUNCHY KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN (DAKGANGJEONG)

Steps:

• Cut off the tip of each wing and chop the wing in half. After this is done you should have about 3 pounds of chicken, with 24 to 26 pieces.
• Put the chicken in a bowl and mix with salt, ginger, and ground black pepper by hand. Put the potato starch in a bowl and dip each wing in the powder to coat it, one by one. Squeeze each wing to press the coating to it tightly.
• Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons cooking oil, minced garlic, and the dried red chili pepper. Stir with a wooden spoon until fragrant for about 30 seconds.
• Add soy sauce, rice syrup, vinegar, and mustard sauce (optional). Stir with a wooden spoon and let it bubble for a few minutes. Add the brown sugar and continue stirring. Remove from the heat. Set aside.
• Put 4 cups of cooking oil in a frying pan or pot and heat it up for 7 to 8 minutes over high heat.
• See if the oil's ready by dipping a test wing into it. If the oil bubbles, it's hot enough to start frying. Slide the coated wings one by one into the hot oil and cook for about 12 to 13 minutes, turning over a few times with tongs.
• Take the wings out of the oil and shake them off in a strainer. Turn off the heat, and let the wings sit for a few minutes.
• Reheat the oil and fry the wings again for another 12 to 15 minutes until they all look golden brown and feel super crunchy through the tongs. If your frying pan or pot is not large enough to fry all the chicken at once, divide it into batches like I do in the video. If you use a larger frying pot to cook them all at once, you'll have to use more cooking oil.
• Reheat the sauce until it bubbles. Add the hot chicken and mix well with a wooden spoon to coat.
• Remove from the heat and transfer the coated chicken to a large platter. Sprinkle some sesame seeds over top and serve immediately. This chicken won't lose its crunchiness, even by the next day. You don't need any dipping sauce, but it goes well with baek-kimchi (white kimchi).