Appetizer: South Korea – 닭강정 ➤ Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy glazed chicken)
Serving Size: 4
Approximate Time
Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Additional
10 min
Total
45 min
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs, approx. 1.5 lb (680 g) total, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (128 g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp (4 g) baking powder
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold water
- Vegetable oil for deep frying, about 6 cups (1.4 L)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) rice syrup or corn syrup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5 g) grated fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) water (to thin sauce if needed)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup (30 g) roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the cut chicken with salt, pepper, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and sesame oil. Marinate 20–30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Whisk flour, cornstarch, and baking powder in a bowl. Stir in cold water to make a slightly thick batter that will cling to the chicken.
3. Heat oil to 320°F (160°C). Coat the chicken pieces in the batter and fry in batches until cooked through and pale golden, about 5–6 minutes. Drain and rest on a rack 8–10 minutes.
4. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and refry the chicken in batches until deep golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
5. Meanwhile, make the glaze: in a skillet combine rice syrup (or corn syrup), soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and simmer until syrupy, 2–3 minutes. If too thick, add up to 2 tbsp water to loosen slightly.
6. Remove the skillet from heat. Working quickly, toss the hot fried chicken in the glaze so pieces are evenly coated; the glaze will caramelize slightly on the hot chicken.
7. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts if using, and serve immediately.
