The Crave-Worthy Crunchy Chicken Calling My Name
As I sit here, my mouth is practically watering just thinking about it. That glorious, golden-brown exterior with the perfect crunch that gives way to the juicy, tender meat inside – Korean fried chicken is quite simply a masterpiece. And let me tell you, I’ve tried my fair share of fried chicken in my day, but nothing quite compares to this crispy, flavor-packed delight.
The Birth of a Crunchy Legend
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Fried chicken is fried chicken, what’s the big deal?” But let me tell you, Korean fried chicken is in a league of its own. The secret lies in the double-frying technique [1]. That’s right, these wings and drumsticks don’t just take a dip in the hot oil once, oh no. They go in, come out crispy, and then right back in for a second round, resulting in a texture that is out-of-this-world.
As Maangchi, the queen of Korean home cooking, explains, “It’s the only way to get that perfect ratio of batter to chicken.” [2] And let me tell you, the ratio is spot-on. The thin, crunchy coating perfectly complements the juicy meat, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for more, no matter how full you might be.
Saucy Seduction
But the magic doesn’t stop there, my friends. Oh no, these crunchy chicken wonders are then tossed in a finger-licking-good sauce that takes them to a whole new level. Whether it’s the classic soy-garlic [1] or the spicy-sweet yangnyeom [3], every bite is a flavor explosion.
I recently had the pleasure of trying the signature Korean fried chicken from Bonchon, a renowned fried chicken chain, and let me tell you, their “carefully brushed” sauce is absolute perfection. [2] It coats every nook and cranny of that crispy exterior, creating a glaze that is both sticky and irresistible.
The Ultimate Chicken Companion
Now, you might be wondering, what could possibly make this already-amazing dish even better? Well, my friends, allow me to introduce you to the perfect Korean fried chicken sidekick – pickled radish, or “chicken-mu” as it’s known in Korean. [3] This tangy, crunchy accompaniment cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, cleansing your palate and leaving you craving more.
And let’s not forget the classic pairing of Korean fried chicken and a cold, refreshing beer. The “chi-maek” (chicken and beer) combination is a time-honored tradition that just can’t be beat. [3] As Maangchi says, “If you drink alcohol, it also goes great with beer!”
The Boston Fried Chicken Scene
Now, I know what you’re thinking – where can I get my hands on this crispy, crunchy, flavor-packed Korean fried chicken masterpiece here in Boston? Well, my friend, you’re in luck. The city has no shortage of options when it comes to satisfying your Korean fried chicken cravings.
From the beloved Bonchon [2] locations scattered throughout the area to the local favorite Chicken & Rice Guys [4], there are plenty of spots to get your fix. And let’s not forget about the up-and-coming joints like Crazy Chickens in Saint-Henri [5], each putting their own unique spin on this beloved dish.
Oven-Baked Bliss
But what if you’re looking to indulge in the flavors of Korean fried chicken without all the deep-frying? Well, fear not, my friends. The brilliant minds over at Girl in the Little Red Kitchen have figured out a way to bake up a batch of oven-baked Korean fried chicken that is just as satisfying as the deep-fried version. [6]
By double-coating the chicken and using a combination of panko and breadcrumbs, they’ve managed to achieve that signature crunch without all the added grease. And the best part? You can enjoy this crispy, flavor-packed chicken in the comfort of your own home, no deep fryer required.
The Insta-Worthy Upgrade
But let’s not forget the visual aspect of this delectable dish. Korean fried chicken is not only a feast for the taste buds, but it’s also a feast for the eyes. Just take a look at the mouth-watering, Insta-worthy creations from the likes of @tiffy.cooks on Instagram. [7]
These beautifully plated and styled Korean fried chicken dishes are enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat. From the perfect drizzle of sauce to the carefully placed garnishes, it’s clear that these chicken connoisseurs know how to elevate a simple dish into a true work of art.
The Crispy Crunch Craze Continues
So, there you have it, my friends. Korean fried chicken is more than just a fried chicken dish – it’s a culinary phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. And here in Boston, we’re lucky enough to have a thriving scene that allows us to indulge in this crispy, crunchy, flavor-packed masterpiece whenever the craving strikes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Bonchon-style [2] feast or a homemade oven-baked creation [6], one thing is certain: the Korean fried chicken craze is here to stay. And I, for one, couldn’t be happier about it. So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and experience the crispy, crunchy glory that is Korean fried chicken!
[1] https://teekeatz.com/soy-garlic-korean-fried-chicken/
[2] https://bonchon.com/
[3] https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/easy-dakgangjeong
[4] https://www.petaluma360.com/article/entertainment/bonchons-crazy-crispy-korean-fried-chicken-now-available-in-petaluma/
[5] https://shutupandeat.ca/2021/02/01/korean-fried-chicken-in-saint-henri-les-crazy-chickens/
[6] https://girlinthelittleredkitchen.com/2015/04/oven-baked-korean-fried-chicken/
[7] https://www.instagram.com/tiffy.cooks/p/CNBgrsYHEjc/
