Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the cornstarch and all-purpose flour to the chicken. Toss until the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry in Batches: Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, gochujang, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Simmer: Whisk the ingredients together and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Toss with Sauce: Once all the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, toss the chicken pieces in the sauce until they are well coated.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken.
- Serve: Serve hot as an appetizer or with steamed rice for a main dish.
Tips for Perfect Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken
- Double Fry: For extra crispy chicken, you can double fry the chicken pieces. Fry once, let them rest for a few minutes, then fry again quickly to crisp up.
- Adjust Heat: The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less gochujang according to your taste.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of pickled radishes or a light salad to balance the flavors.
Enjoy crafting this delicious Sweet and Spicy Korean Chicken dish that brings a delightful combination of flavors and textures to your table. It’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the sweet heat and the irresistible crunch of fried chicken!