Korean Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Korean Baked Chicken Drumsticks brushed with a savory thick sauce. This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, and Gochujang (Korean chili paste). The process of baking the chicken drumsticks allows the flavor to infuse into the meat. Resulting in juicy and tender chicken that’s bursting with Korean-inspired taste. Easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. So, roll up your sleeves. Grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delightful culinary experience with this delectable dish!
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What Makes Korean Cuisine Different From Other Asian Cuisine
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Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors and diverse range of dishes. One popular element in Korean cooking is Gochujang. It’s a fermented chili paste that adds a spicy kick to many dishes. Gochujang is made from chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It has a unique combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors essential in various Korean recipes.
One classic dish that features Gochujang is bibimbap. It’s a mixed rice bowl that typically includes various vegetables, meat, a fried egg, and a dollop of Gochujang for added flavor and heat. Another famous dish is tteokbokki. It’s a chewy rice cake cooked in a spicy Gochujang-based sauce. Gochujang is also used in marinades for grilled meats like bulgogi and in stews such as kimchi jjigae. Its versatility and distinctive taste make it a staple in Korean cuisine, beloved by many for its depth of flavor and spiciness.
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Ingredients Notes
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SAUCE:
Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce
Rice vinegar: Balance the flavor and contrast the sweetness
Sesame oil: Gives nutty flavor
Honey: Earthy flavor and sweetness
Brown sugar: Light brown sugar
Gochujang: Korean chili paste
Garlic: grated
Ginger: grated
Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce
OTHER INGREDIENTS
Chicken Drumsticks: Cut slits around the drumsticks to help infuse the flavor of the sauce
Salt and pepper: Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides
Sesame seeds: For garnish
Green onions: Sliced and also for garnish
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How to Make Korean Baked Chicken Drumsticks
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Time needed: 1 hour
STEP-BY-STEP
- MAKE THE SAUCE
In a saucepan combine, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, brown sugar, Gochujang, grated garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch. Place the saucepan on a stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high. Constantly stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- PREP THE CHICKEN
Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the chicken drumsticks on a prepared baking pan and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- BRUSH THE CHICKEN WITH SAUCE
Brush the chicken with the sauce on both sides. Make sure to coat them evenly.
- BAKE THE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions. Serve over steamed rice or steamed veggies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Storing baked chicken drumsticks properly is essential to maintain their freshness and flavor. After baking the drumsticks, allow them to cool completely. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the chicken from drying out. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2-3 months.
After freezing, when ready to eat, thaw the drumsticks in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them in the oven or microwave.
Yes, you can use beef or pork. The baking time might vary depending on the thickness of the meat.
Many delicious side dishes can complement the dish and create a well-balanced meal. Some popular options include roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or asparagus. Additionally, you can consider serving a fresh salad with a mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Steamed rice is a great option too.
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Korean Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- baking sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
FOR THE SAUCE
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
THE REST OF THE INGREDIENTS
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
Instructions
MAKE THE SAUCE
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, brown sugar, Gochujang, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Place the saucepan on a stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high. Constantly stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
BAKE THE CHICKEN
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the chicken drumsticks on a prepared baking pan.
- Season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Use a pastry brush and brush the chicken drumsticks with the sauce. Make sure to coat evenly.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with green onions. Serve with steamed rice or veggies.
Video
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