korean bbq chicken marinade recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
korean bbq chicken marinade recipe
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The Best korean bbq chicken marinade recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Korean BBQ chicken marinade recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason – it’s incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether we’re having a family gathering or just a casual dinner night, this recipe never fails to impress.

I love how the sweet and spicy flavors of the marinade come together to create a truly authentic Korean taste experience. My kids adore helping me prepare the chicken, and they’re always eager to try new variations of this recipe. The best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, thanks to the use of natural ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This marinade is also super versatile – you can use it on beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. I’ve even used it on chicken breasts for a quick weeknight dinner.

The key to making this recipe shine is in the technique – don’t be afraid to get a little messy and really massage that marinade into those chicken pieces. Trust me, the results are worth it. We’ve enjoyed this dish so much over the years that I’ve even started experimenting with different variations of this recipe – adding in some extra kick with gochujang or trying out new seasonings like sesame oil.

But at the end of the day, there’s no substitute for the classic flavors of this Korean BBQ chicken marinade recipe.

Korean BBQ Chicken Marinade

Korean BBQ Chicken Marinade

4.8 from 1546 votes

This sweet and savory Korean BBQ marinade creates juicy, caramelized chicken with a perfect balance of soy, ginger, and gochujang. It works well for grilling or baking, infusing the meat with deep umami flavor and a subtle spicy kick.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins (plus 2 hours marinating)
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
2This creates a thick, fragrant marinade with a deep red color.
3Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat evenly.
4Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
5Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 375-400°F, or preheat an oven to 425°F.
6If using the oven, line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
7Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place on the grill or wire rack.
8Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is charred and caramelized.
9In the oven, bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the marinade forms a sticky glaze.
10Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
11Garnish with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired, and serve with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Large resealable bag or shallow dish
Grill or baking sheet
Tongs
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a milder version, reduce gochujang to 2 tablespoons. Marinate longer for more intense flavor, but do not exceed 8 hours to avoid overly salty meat.

Watch Video Of How Korean BBQ Chicken Marinade Works

This Korean BBQ chicken marinade recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a casual dinner night.

We love how easy it is to make and customize to our taste preferences.

The health benefits are also a big plus – with natural ingredients like soy sauce and garlic providing plenty of antioxidants and flavor without added preservatives or sugars.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Korean BBQ Chicken Marinade

Q: What is Korean BBQ chicken?

Korean BBQ chicken is a popular dish that originated in Korea and has gained worldwide popularity in recent years. It’s characterized by its sweet and spicy flavors, which are achieved through a combination of ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar.

Q: What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The key ingredients in this recipe include soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil.

Q: Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use other types of meat instead of chicken. This marinade works well with beef, pork, tofu, or even vegetables.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?

The marinating time will depend on your personal preference and the type of meat you’re using. For chicken breasts or thighs, marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour for best results.

Q: Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe by adding more or less gochujang (Korean chili paste). If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of gochujang or omit it altogether.

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