Dakgangjeong (닭강정): Korean Sweet and Crispy Fried Chicken


Dakgangjeong (닭강정) is a popular Korean fried chicken dish known for its irresistibly crispy texture and sweet, sticky glaze. This dish features bite-sized pieces of chicken double-fried to perfection, ensuring a crunchy exterior that stays crisp even when coated in a luscious sauce made from soy, honey, garlic, and gochujang (Korean red chili paste). Whether enjoyed as a savory snack, appetizer, or main course, dakgangjeong delivers the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and savory goodness. Loved for its bold flavors and addictive crunch, this Korean fried chicken is a must-try for anyone who enjoys flavorful, crowd-pleasing dishes.

Why You’ll Love Dakgangjeong

  1. Crispy and Tender: Double frying ensures that each piece of chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside.

  2. Sweet and Spicy Glaze: The sauce, made with a mix of honey, soy sauce, and gochujang, coats the chicken with a delicious sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze that’s hard to resist.

  3. Perfect for Sharing: Dakgangjeong is great for parties, gatherings, or family dinners. Its bite-sized pieces and flavorful coating make it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

  4. Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a milder sweetness, dakgangjeong is easy to adjust to suit your taste preferences. Add more gochujang for heat or reduce the sugar for a less sweet option.

How to Enjoy Dakgangjeong

  1. Serve as an Appetizer or Main Dish: Dakgangjeong is versatile enough to be served as a snack or the star of a meal. Pair it with steamed rice or enjoy it on its own with a cold drink for the ultimate Korean fried chicken experience.

  2. Top with Crunchy Garnishes: For added texture, garnish your dakgangjeong with toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or green onions. These simple additions elevate the dish and make it even more satisfying.

With its crispy texture, bold flavors, and addictive sauce, Dakgangjeong is a must-try for anyone who loves Korean cuisine or fried chicken. Whether you’re making it for a casual meal or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and discover why dakgangjeong is one of Korea’s most beloved street foods!

Dakgangjeong (닭강정) – Korean Sweet & Crispy Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 pound (450g) chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 tablespoon rice wine (mirin) or cooking wine (optional)

  • 1/2 cup potato starch or cornstarch (for coating)

  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 3 tablespoons honey or corn syrup

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

  • 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts or almonds (optional)

  • Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:

    • In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rice wine (if using). Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

  2. Coat the Chicken:

    • After marinating, coat each piece of chicken with potato starch or cornstarch, making sure the pieces are evenly covered. Shake off any excess starch.

  3. Fry the Chicken:

    • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.

    • Fry the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

    • For extra crispiness, fry the chicken a second time for 1-2 more minutes.

  4. Make the Sauce:

    • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or corn syrup), brown sugar, gochujang, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

    • Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil.

  5. Coat the Chicken in Sauce:

    • Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss them in the sauce until evenly coated.

  6. Serve:

    • Transfer the saucy chicken to a serving plate and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts or almonds, and chopped green onions if desired.

Optional Add-ins:

  • Spicy Variation: For extra heat, add 1 teaspoon of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) to the sauce.

  • Crunchy Texture: You can also toss the chicken with fried rice cakes or serve with extra crispy vegetables.

Tips:

  • Double Frying: Double frying the chicken makes it extra crispy, which is essential for holding up to the sticky sauce.

  • Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the sugar or honey in the recipe. Feel free to adjust the spice level with more gochujang or chili flakes.

This Dakgangjeong recipe gives you irresistibly crispy fried chicken coated in a delicious sweet, savory, and spicy glaze. It’s a popular Korean street food that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Enjoy it with a side of rice or on its own for a flavorful treat!