What is Korean Fried Chicken

Have you ever taken a bite of fried chicken and thought, “This is delicious, but there has to be more”? Well, Korean Fried Chicken is here to answer that call. Korean fried chicken is made using a double-fry technique that involves coating the chicken with a thin layer of potato or corn starch to get it extra 바삭바삭~ (crispy). The chicken is then fried twice, creating a lighter and crispier texture that locks in the juices and flavor, giving it a satisfying crunch with each bite.

Apparently Korean fried chicken was made on the battleground.. This all happened during the 1940s and 1950s, South Korea (backed by the US) was in a war against North Korea with the Soviet Union and China. During Thanksgiving, American soldiers were facing a lack of turkey, so they turned to fried chicken as a way to bring a sense of home to their meal. This way of cooking was shared with Korean soldiers (who, btw, never had fried chicken before), making them break away from their traditional way of cooking chicken, steaming or boiling. From the 60s and 70s, fried chicken was only for special occassions but eventually in the 90s, the Korean fried chicken concept was popularized and it can be easily delivered and enjoyed as a cheap snack or meal.

Besides its method of cooking aka the double-frying technique, Korean fried chicken uses a thin and light batter which creates this crispy crust. This also lets the flavors of the seasoning and chicken to shine through, without being too greasy. And if by any chance it gets too greasy, you can pair it with pickled radish or 무 (mu). It also makes a great palete cleanser in between dishes!

With the rise of Korean culture from K-dramas and K-pop, Korean fried chicken has gotten more and more popular over the years. According to Korea Times, Koreans eat 12 chickens per year, adding up to 600 million dead chickens. And with that said, there are over 50,000 fried chicken restaurants in South Korea. We could sit here and tell you that there’s really no specific reason as to why Korean fried chicken is so popular besides the obvious fact that its delicious, but actually there is a reason how and why fried chicken has become a staple in Korean cuisine. And that’s because of the Asian Financial Crisis 20 years ago. Because of this, people lost their jobs so families and individuals have turned to opening their own Korean fried chicken restaurant just to make ends meet. From there on, Korean fried chicken is embedded in the country’s fascinating culture.

Korean cuisine is all about the flavor, and Korean Fried Chicken is no exception. The go-to and much-loved flavor is Yangnyeom (양념), made with a glaze that is smothered with gochujang. Then there’s the soy sauce deliciousness of Ganjang (간장), nailing that savory, sweet, and garlicky combo. And for your sweet tooth, the honey butter (허니버터) flavor is sure to satisfy your palete. There are sooo much more Korean fried chicken flavors.

At SOJU Bar, we proudly serve a range of flavor profiles, including classic soy garlic, bold and spicy gochujang, and more. Our chicken is always crispy, juicy, and packed with awesome flavors. We are sure you’ll find a flavor perfect for you!

Check out our menu for a full selection.

At SOJU Bar, we’re all about bringing the best of Korean food, drinks, and culture to the table. Chimaek is the ultimate power couple – a match made in heaven. It’s the delightful combination of chicken [치킨] and maekju [맥주], which means beer in Korean. Imagine this: biting into a juicy piece of chicken while sipping on a refreshing glass of ice cold beer. It’s like they were just made for each other! Now, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, why not level up your fried chicken game with some Soju? This beloved Korean spirit is known for its smoothness and versatility, which makes it a fantastic pairing for our crispy delicacy. Whether you prefer it neat, mixed in a cocktail, or even in a slushy form, Soju adds an extra kick to your fried chicken experience. Soju enhances the rich flavors of the chicken, creating a harmony that’ll make you go “오마이갓” (which means “oh my god” in Korean!).

Craving some finger-lickin’ good Korean Fried Chicken after reading this article? SOJU Bar invites you to experience the crispy, moisty chicken for yourself. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of traditional flavors or ready to go on a flavor adventure, we’ve got you covered. It’s time to satisfy your chicken cravings and create unforgettable memories with us!

Learn more about our Korean Fried Chicken offerings here.