Dwaeji Bulgogi with Chicken | Korean BBQ Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Marinade
Introduction
Korean BBQ is known for its bold, savory flavors and rich marinades, and Dwaeji Bulgogi with chicken is no exception. This dish takes the traditional beef Bulgogi and swaps it out for tender, juicy chicken, marinated in a mouthwatering blend of sweet, savory, and spicy ingredients. The result? A flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
What makes Dwaeji Bulgogi with Chicken so special is the marinade. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and garlic creates a savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy coating for the chicken. Grilled or pan-fried to perfection, this chicken Bulgogi is tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. Plus, it’s customizable—you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste and swap out ingredients if necessary.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of making Dwaeji Bulgogi with Chicken, from marinating the chicken to cooking it and serving it up with some delicious sides. Let’s dive into this Korean BBQ favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a simple marinade and just a few ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality Korean BBQ dish in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: The marinade infuses the chicken with rich umami, sweetness, and a touch of heat. It’s the perfect balance of flavors.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and swap out proteins or vegetables to suit your preferences.
- Healthy: Chicken is lean and protein-packed, and this recipe offers a lighter, flavorful alternative to traditional beef bulgogi.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Chicken (Thinly Sliced)
For Dwaeji Bulgogi with chicken, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced against the grain. Chicken thighs are perfect for this dish because they stay moist and tender even when cooked at high temperatures. However, if you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work just as well. The key is to slice the chicken thinly so it can absorb the marinade fully and cook quickly. - Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is the base of the marinade and provides a salty, savory depth of flavor. It’s essential in creating that umami-packed profile that is characteristic of Korean BBQ dishes. You can use regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your preference. For a gluten-free option, substitute with tamari soy sauce. - Sesame Oil
Sesame oil adds a nutty, rich flavor that is essential to the taste of Dwaeji Bulgogi. It’s one of the most important ingredients in Korean cooking and provides that signature aroma. Be sure to use toasted sesame oil for the best flavor, as it’s more flavorful than the regular variety. - Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste)
Gochujang is the key ingredient that gives Dwaeji Bulgogi its heat and depth. This spicy, fermented chili paste has a balance of sweet and savory flavors that make it the perfect base for the marinade. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can adjust the amount of gochujang to your liking, or substitute it with a milder chili paste. - Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce and the heat from the gochujang. It also helps the marinade caramelize as the chicken cooks, creating a glossy, flavorful coating. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener, but the flavor will be slightly different. - Garlic and Ginger
Garlic and ginger are essential in Korean cooking, adding aromatic depth to the marinade. Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, savory kick, while ginger adds a refreshing, zesty note. Use fresh garlic and fresh ginger for the best results, as they’ll bring out the best flavors in the dish. - Green Onions (Scallions)
Green onions add a fresh, slightly sweet flavor and a nice crunch to the dish. They are used in the marinade and as a garnish. For the best flavor, slice the green onions thinly and sprinkle them on top of the finished dish as a garnish. - Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are a delicious garnish for Dwaeji Bulgogi with Chicken. They add a light crunch and nutty flavor that complements the richness of the chicken. You can use toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor or regular sesame seeds if you prefer. - Rice (for Serving)
Dwaeji Bulgogi is traditionally served with steamed white rice, which absorbs the flavorful marinade and complements the richness of the chicken. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use brown rice or even quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Start by thinly slicing the chicken against the grain. If you’re using chicken thighs, make sure to trim any excess fat before slicing. The thinner you slice the chicken, the quicker it will absorb the marinade and cook. - Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 2 tablespoons gochujang. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the marinade is smooth. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it spicier, add more gochujang. - Marinate the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken to the marinade and mix well to coat the meat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the chicken and marinade in a zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate for 2-3 hours (or even overnight). - Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. If the pan is too small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. - Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Serve the Dwaeji Bulgogi with Chicken with steamed rice, kimchi, or a fresh vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal. - Enjoy
Dwaeji Bulgogi with Chicken is best served hot, right off the stove. The sweet, savory, and spicy flavors combine perfectly with the tender chicken and rice.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder Bulgogi, reduce the amount of gochujang or leave it out entirely. You can also add chili flakes for a milder heat.
- Grill It: For an authentic BBQ flavor, grill the marinated chicken on high heat for a few minutes on each side. This will give the chicken a charred, crispy texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu, seitan, or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian or vegan version of Dwaeji Bulgogi.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a kick of heat, add fresh chilies or chili flakes to the marinade for an extra spicy touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Serve Dwaeji Bulgogi with Chicken alongside traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad. You can also pair it with a refreshing vegetable stir-fry or steamed vegetables.
- Pairing Drinks: This dish pairs beautifully with a cold Korean beer like Cass or Hite. For a non-alcoholic option, try a chilled iced tea or a citrus soda to balance the heat and richness of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Leftover Dwaeji Bulgogi with Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the leftovers even more delicious.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead of Time: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even deeper flavor.
- Best with Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger create the best flavor in the marinade, so avoid using dried or powdered versions.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Recipe Card Summary
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Korean
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Slice the chicken thinly against the grain.
- Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and gochujang for the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).
- Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken ahead of time for better flavor.
- Can be served with kimchi and sautéed vegetables.
Health Benefits
- Chicken: A lean source of protein, chicken helps in muscle building and tissue repair.
- Gochujang: Contains capsaicin, which aids in digestion and boosts metabolism.
- Sesame Oil: High in healthy fats, sesame oil supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe as they stay tender and juicy when cooked. - Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add extra gochujang or some chopped fresh chilies for more heat. - Can I use tofu instead of chicken?
Yes, tofu or portobello mushrooms make a great vegetarian alternative. - How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated as needed. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked Bulgogi for up to 1 month. - What should I serve with Dwaeji Bulgogi with Chicken?
Serve it with steamed rice, kimchi, and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Dwaeji Bulgogi with Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender marinated chicken, paired with savory rice and spicy kimchi, creates a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for the family, this recipe is sure to impress. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and feel free to share your thoughts and tweaks in the comments below! Happy cooking!
