Get ready to set your taste buds on fire with the ultimate Korean-inspired sandwich that will make your mouth water and your heart race! The Korean Fire Chicken Sandwich is not just a meal - it's a flavor explosion that combines the intense heat of gochugaru, the rich umami of soy sauce, and the perfect crispy chicken that will have you craving more with every single bite. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to adventure into Korean street food-inspired cuisine, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp gochugaru
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 sandwich buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken thighs. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the marinade adhere better.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir well to create a marinade.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sandwich buns. You can toast them lightly on a skillet or in a toaster if you prefer a crispy texture.
- After the marinating time, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps retain the juices.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the sauce for the sandwich. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little more gochugaru if you like extra spice.
- Slice the cooked chicken thighs into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- To assemble the sandwich, spread a generous amount of the mayonnaise mixture on the bottom half of each sandwich bun.
- Layer the sliced chicken on top of the mayonnaise, followed by the sliced cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
- Top with the other half of the sandwich bun and press down gently.
- Serve the Korean Fire Chicken Sandwich immediately while warm, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the chicken sits in the gochugaru marinade, the more intense and deep the flavors will become.
- Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F (75°C) - this guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Spice Level Hack: Adjust the amount of gochugaru to control the heat. More gochugaru means more fire, less means a milder flavor.
- Crispy Texture Tip: For extra crispy chicken, you can lightly dust the marinated chicken with cornstarch before cooking.
- Bread Matters: Choose a sturdy sandwich bun that can hold up to the juicy chicken and sauce without getting soggy.
- Cooling Balance: The cucumber adds a fresh, cooling element that perfectly balances the spicy chicken. Don't skip it!
- Sauce Variation: Feel free to experiment with the mayo sauce by adding a touch of honey or sriracha for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
