Tender Soy-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks: A Family Favorite
How to Make Delicious Soy-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks at Home
Hello everyone! Today, instead of the usual stir-fried or steamed chicken, I’ve chosen a special weekend delicacy: Soy-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks. While ‘Dakdoritang’ (spicy braised chicken) only has two drumsticks, making this dish allows for a more generous serving! I picked up a bag of frozen chicken drumsticks from the supermarket, and we’re going to make a wonderful soy-glazed dish using only drumsticks. My kids say it tastes just like ‘soy sauce chicken’! Follow along step-by-step and enjoy a delicious meal!
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (approx. 15 pcs) frozen chicken drumsticks
- 3 Cheongyang chili peppers (adjust to your preference)
Sweet & Savory Soy Glaze
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (standard Korean rice spoon)
- 10 Tbsp Water
- 3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup) or Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 3 Cheongyang chili peppers (adjust to your preference)
- A pinch of Black Pepper Powder
- 5 Tbsp Soy Sauce (standard Korean rice spoon)
- 10 Tbsp Water
- 3 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Oligodang (corn syrup) or Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 3 Cheongyang chili peppers (adjust to your preference)
- A pinch of Black Pepper Powder
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Since these are frozen chicken drumsticks, wash them thoroughly under cold running water. To ensure the glaze penetrates well and the thick meat cooks evenly, make 2-3 shallow cuts on both sides of each drumstick. Rinsing multiple times under running water or briefly blanching in boiling water is sufficient to remove any gamey odor, even without soaking in milk.
Step 2
Transfer the cleaned and cut chicken drumsticks to a pot. Add enough water to cover the drumsticks completely.
Step 3
Bring the water to a boil over high heat. As these are frozen chicken, you might notice some foam forming. Once boiling, simmer for about 5 minutes. This initial boiling helps to remove any remaining impurities and initial gamey smell.
Step 4
Drain the drumsticks using a colander and rinse them lightly under cold running water again. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels; this step helps prevent oil splattering during cooking.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Arrange the dried chicken drumsticks in a single layer.
Step 6
Cook the drumsticks over medium heat, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and nicely seared on all sides. This browning step helps to create a slightly crispy exterior and seals in the juices.
Step 7
While the chicken drumsticks are searing, prepare the soy glaze by mixing all the sauce ingredients listed above in a bowl. (Soy sauce, water, minced garlic, oligodang/sugar, mirin, Cheongyang chili peppers, black pepper).
Step 8
Once the drumsticks are nicely browned, pour about two-thirds of the prepared soy glaze over them. Reduce the heat to medium-low, as high heat can burn the glaze quickly. Let the drumsticks simmer and absorb the flavors. *Important Tip: To prevent the glaze from burning, always cook over medium-low heat.*
Step 9
As the drumsticks begin to turn a rich brown color, taste the sauce and add the remaining glaze, little by little, to achieve your desired saltiness and sweetness. Be careful not to make it too salty.
Step 10
Simmering the pan-seared drumsticks in the glaze results in incredibly tender and moist meat inside, with a delightfully chewy exterior, much like delicious fried chicken! The glossy, deep brown color is incredibly appetizing. By patiently simmering over medium-low heat, your chicken drumsticks will transform beautifully. Investing a little time in this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or treating your family – it’s a guaranteed hit!
Step 11
And voilà! Your delicious Soy-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are ready. The glaze has seeped deep into the meat, making it perfectly savory, not too salty, and delightfully sweet and spicy. These are fantastic as a snack with beer or as a satisfying main course with rice. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this special dish tonight!
