Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of Korean cuisine! The vibrant colors, the bold flavors, and that perfect balance of sweetness and spice—it’s a culinary adventure that I just can’t get enough of. One dish that really captures my heart is the Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry. I remember the first time I had it; I was at a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant, and the moment that spicy, savory aroma hit me, I knew I was in for something special. The juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and that zing from gochujang create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients
- 500g chicken fillet, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) for that spicy kick
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil, adding a lovely nutty flavor
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
- 1 onion, sliced thinly
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (I love using red for its sweetness!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for aromatic goodness
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced for a hint of warmth
- 1 tablespoon honey to balance out the spice
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnishing
How to Prepare Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the result is a dish bursting with flavor. You’ll want to start by marinating your chicken, so let’s get that going first!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken fillet, soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and honey. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated. You’ll want to let that marinate for at least 30 minutes—this is crucial for absorbing all those incredible flavors! If you have more time, marinating for a couple of hours is even better.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Next, grab a large pan or wok and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers a bit—that’s your signal that it’s hot enough. Be careful not to let it smoke; we want it hot but not burned!
Step 3: Stir-fry the Chicken
Once the oil is ready, add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and smells absolutely heavenly!
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp and vibrant in color. This step not only adds nutrition but also brings in that delightful crunch!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the pan from heat and garnish your stir fry with freshly chopped green onions. Serve it hot and enjoy it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s as simple as that! You’ll have a delicious, colorful dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delightful Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry. You’ll find approximately 320 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. It’s a healthy option packed with flavor, but remember, these numbers can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this tasty dish guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Bold and flavorful taste that’s totally addictive.
- Healthy ingredients packed with protein and veggies.
- Gluten-free option, making it suitable for everyone.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
- Adaptable recipe—switch up the veggies or protein!
- One-pan dish means easy cleanup, yay!
Tips for Success
To make your Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry truly shine, quality ingredients are key! Always opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken; it makes a world of difference. Don’t rush the marinating process—aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it sit for a couple of hours in the fridge. This allows the flavors to really soak in! When stir-frying, keep your pan hot but not smoking, and avoid overcrowding the pan; you want that beautiful sear on your chicken. Lastly, feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning, especially the gochujang, to suit your spice preference!
Variations
One of the best things about this Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry is how easily you can make it your own! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for some tender beef or shrimp for a different protein twist. For a vegetarian option, tofu works wonderfully; just make sure to press it to remove excess moisture before marinating. You can also mix in other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and color. And if you’re really in the mood for something fun, add a splash of pineapple juice for a sweet and tangy kick! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), you can store your Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools down a bit before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it in a pan over medium heat to keep that stir-fried goodness. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overheat—just heat it until warm and enjoy it as if it’s freshly made! This way, all those vibrant flavors will still be deliciously intact.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry, serving it over a steaming bowl of fluffy rice is a classic choice that balances the bold flavors beautifully. You can also pair it with stir-fried noodles for a delightful twist! For an extra touch, consider adding a side of kimchi for that perfect spicy kick or a light cucumber salad to refresh your palate. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your meal to a whole new level!
Print
Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry: 5 Bold Flavors to Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful Korean spicy chicken dish stir-fried with vegetables.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken fillet, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and honey for 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through.
- Add onion and bell pepper, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less gochujang.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
- Can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry, Chicken Stir Fry, Korean Cuisine