Ryu Soo-young’s Galbi Chicken: The Perfect Sweet & Savory Crispy Chicken!
Pyeonstaurant Ryu Soo-young’s Galbi Chicken Recipe
I’ve been faithfully watching ‘Pyeonstaurant’ every Friday! Seeing the recipe for ‘Galbi Chicken’ made me curious – is it like galbi or chicken? It sounded like that familiar sweet and savory soy sauce flavored chicken, so I decided to try making it. This recipe perfectly captures that addictive taste!
Main Ingredients- 1 whole chicken, cut for stir-fry (approx. 1kg)
- 2 stalks green onions
- 1 handful of garlic cloves (about 10-15)
- 5 slices fresh ginger
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the chicken. Take one whole chicken, cut for stir-fry. Trim off the very end of the wings and the tendon from the leg area, as these parts can be tough. Rinse the chicken thoroughly inside and out. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior when pan-frying.
Step 2
Next, prepare the aromatics and vegetables that will add flavor. For the garlic, you can use about a handful of whole cloves, either thinly sliced or lightly crushed with the side of a knife. Slice about 5 pieces of fresh ginger thinly. Cut the two green onions into large pieces. Chopping them into manageable sizes will help prevent them from burning too quickly.
Step 3
Now, let’s start cooking the chicken. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the prepared chicken pieces and sprinkle them with a little salt. Do not stir the chicken for the first 3 minutes; let it sear until golden brown on one side. This initial sear will help create a delicious crust.
Step 4
After 3 minutes, reduce the heat to medium. Flip the chicken pieces over. Cover the pan and let them cook for another 3 minutes. Covering the pan allows the heat to penetrate evenly, ensuring the chicken cooks through and stays moist inside.
Step 5
Now, add the sliced ginger to the pan. Cover again and let it cook for about 10 minutes. The ginger will infuse the chicken with its aromatic flavor. To prevent sticking and burning at the bottom of the pan, gently scrape the bottom with a spatula occasionally, mixing it with the chicken.
Step 6
Once the chicken is partially cooked, add the crushed garlic and the chopped green onions to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the green onions begin to soften. The vegetables will release their sweetness and aroma.
Step 7
Time for the sweet and savory sauce! First, add the sugar and stir well to coat the chicken as it dissolves. Then, push the chicken and vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the soy sauce into the empty space. Let the soy sauce bubble and caramelize slightly for about 30 seconds – this technique, like ‘burning’ the soy sauce, deepens its rich, umami flavor.
Step 8
After caramelizing the soy sauce, add the oyster sauce and corn syrup. Stir everything together thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. The oyster sauce adds extra depth of flavor, while the corn syrup provides a beautiful glaze and sweetness, completing the galbi chicken sauce.
Step 9
Finally, cover the pan again, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This steaming process allows the sauce to fully penetrate the chicken, melding all the flavors together beautifully. Cooking on low heat ensures a tender result.
Step 10
And that’s it! Your delicious Galbi Chicken is ready to be served. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a final touch of nutty flavor and visual appeal. This dish is a fantastic main course, especially when served with a bowl of warm rice!
