The aroma of sizzling meat, the symphony of crackling flames, the enticing symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors – that’s the essence of a Korean BBQ experience. And if you’re looking to bring that magic to your backyard or kitchen, look no further than these Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers.
This recipe is a labor of love, a tribute to Korean cuisine’s vibrant flavors and culinary artistry. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion—a weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even a casual gathering with friends. It’s also great for beginners, as the marinade does most of the work for you, leaving you to enjoy the process of grilling and savor the fantastic results.
Who Is This Recipe For? Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
This recipe is for anyone who loves bold flavors and easy-to-make dishes. It’s perfect for:
- BBQ enthusiasts: Take your grilling to the next level with these flavorful skewers.
- Korean food lovers: This is a fantastic introduction to Korean flavors or a delicious way to revisit familiar favorites.
- Busy weeknight cooks: The marinade does the heavy lifting, making this a quick and easy dinner solution.
- Entertaining hosts: Impress your guests with these show-stopping skewers, perfect for casual and formal occasions.
Why This Recipe Is Great
- Simple and easy: The marinade is straightforward and requires minimal prep time.
- Flavorful and delicious: The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy will have you craving more.
- Versatile and adaptable: You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Great for meal prep: Make a batch of marinated chicken skewers ahead of time for quick and easy meals.
- Crowd-pleasing: These skewers will surely be a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to adventurous foodies.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large bowl
- Marinating container (or zip-top bags)
- Skewer sticks
- Grill (or skillet)
- Grill tongs
- Serving platters or skewers
Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- One teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
Directions:
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Grilling:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- While the grill is preheating, thread the chicken cubes onto skewers, alternating with the green onions, red bell pepper, and onion.
- Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on it and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
- Rice: Serve the skewers over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or sticky rice.
- Noodles: Pair the skewers with ramen, udon, or glass noodles.
- Salad: Add a refreshing touch with kimchi, cucumber salad, or a simple green salad.
- Kimchi: A classic Korean dish, kimchi adds a spicy and tangy kick.
- Drinks: Enjoy these skewers with a refreshing Korean beer, chilled soju, or a fruity Korean tea.
Leftovers:
Any leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can then be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Tips and Tricks
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of gochujang to your desired spice level. For a milder flavor, start with one tablespoon and gradually increase as needed.
- Marinating time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for best results, but you can marinate for up to overnight.
- Chicken substitutions: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier while grilling.
- Vegetable substitutions: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables for the skewers. Other great options include:
- Bell peppers (yellow, orange, or purple)
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Pineapple chunks
- Cherry tomatoes
- Grilling alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, cook the skewers in a skillet over medium heat.
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Sauce: Serve the skewers with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as:
- Gochujang sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Peanut sauce
- Sesame sauce
Recipe Swaps and Variations
- Beef skewers: Use beef cubes instead of chicken for a heartier option. Marinate the beef in the same marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Shrimp skewers: For a lighter option, use shrimp instead of chicken. Marinate the shrimp for 15-20 minutes before grilling.
- Tofu skewers: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu instead of chicken. Cube the tofu and marinate it for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
