Spicy & Sweet Grilled Chicken: A Hearty Appetizer Recipe
Grilled Chicken, Grilled Chicken Recipe, Spicy and Sweet Hearty Appetizer Made with a Whole Chicken
Introducing a spicy and sweet grilled chicken recipe that makes a fantastic appetizer with a whole chicken. Its delightful texture and rich seasoning are a crowd-pleaser.
Main Ingredients for Grilled Chicken- 1 whole chicken (cleaned)
- 20 perilla leaves (shiso leaves)
- 10 cloves garlic
- 5 Korean chili peppers
Seasoning Ingredients for Grilled Chicken- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 Tbsp mirin (or cooking sake)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp yuzu zest or marmalade
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- 2 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 Tbsp mirin (or cooking sake)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp yuzu zest or marmalade
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If you buy the chicken at a supermarket, it’s fine to bring it home without further preparation. If purchasing from a butcher, you can ask them to portion it into legs, wings, and breast for more convenient cooking.
Step 2
Open the chicken cavity and thoroughly remove any internal debris. Pay special attention to rinsing out any residual blood, as this can cause an unpleasant gamey smell.
Step 3
For this recipe, we will only be using the chicken meat. The remaining parts with bones can be used to make a delicious chicken soup (dakgomtang) or to create a flavorful broth. Make sure to utilize every part!
Step 4
Gently rinse the prepared chicken meat under running water, then place it in a colander to drain any excess moisture. Thoroughly drying the chicken is crucial for the marinade to adhere well and for achieving a nice golden-brown sear.
Step 5
Slice the chicken meat into pieces that are neither too thin nor too thick. This ‘butterflying’ technique ensures the marinade penetrates evenly and speeds up the cooking time.
Step 6
This amount of chicken is perfect for 2-3 people to enjoy as a generous appetizer. You might find yourselves easily finishing off a few bottles of soju with this!
Step 7
Similarly, butterfly the chicken thigh meat. This preparation method enhances the satisfying chewiness and offers a wonderfully tender bite.
Step 8
Now, let’s prepare the marinade. In a bowl, combine 2 Tbsp gochujang, 2 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 Tbsp mirin, 1 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp yuzu marmalade, and 1 tsp black pepper powder. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Step 9
Add the drained chicken meat to the prepared marinade and mix gently.
Step 10
Massage the marinade into the chicken pieces with your hands, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 1 hour in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 11
Marinating allows the sauce to become moist and the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken, resulting in a more delicious grilled dish.
Step 12
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat without adding any oil. Sear the chicken pieces on both sides until lightly browned. This initial searing helps to lock in the juices and create a slightly crisp exterior.
Step 13
After the initial sear, return the chicken to the marinade and toss it once more to ensure it’s well-coated. This step helps the flavors penetrate further.
Step 14
Place the marinated chicken back into the pan and continue to cook until thoroughly done. The glaze will become wonderfully sticky and savory, making it an irresistible appetizer that will surely call for another drink.
Step 15
Since we’re using only the meat, there’s no hassle of dealing with bones. The chicken shreds easily along the grain, allowing you to experience the true essence of grilled chicken.
Step 16
Chicken and perilla leaves are a match made in heaven! Place a piece of well-grilled chicken on a fresh perilla leaf, add a slice of Korean chili pepper and a clove of garlic if you like, and wrap it up gently. Everyone’s mouths will water in anticipation. ‘Ahhh!’ you’ll say!
Step 17
Once you taste it, you’ll be so captivated by its addictive ‘magical flavor’ that you’ll forget about your drink, and find yourself instinctively reaching for more, piling ingredients onto the perilla leaf.
Step 18
I never realized how wonderfully perilla leaves, which add a touch of freshness to the table, would complement this dish. Knowing such a delicious appetizer, I might feel a little hesitant knowing they’ll ask for it again next time we have drinks. But seeing them enjoy it so much brings more happiness than any inconvenience.
Step 19
The long summer has passed, and autumn slipped by unnoticed. Seeing the first snow fall heavily makes me realize winter has truly arrived. The weather is quite cold. As we enter the full swing of winter, please take good care of your health. Wishing you a generous and happy final weekend of November. Thank you! ^^
