A savory, smoky grilled chicken with a bold Korean twist—perfectly balanced with heat and sweetness.
Thomy
The Story Behind Grilled Gochujang Chicken Thighs
Gochujang, a Korean staple, brings a bold, spicy kick to dishes, but with the addition of sweetness and umami, it elevates the chicken’s flavor profile. Grilled to perfection, the chicken thighs are tender and juicy on the inside, with a charred exterior that complements the spicy marinade. This recipe brings together bold flavors with a touch of refinement, offering a new way to enjoy grilled chicken.
About The Recipe
This dish is inspired by Korean grilling techniques and combines the depth of gochujang paste with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey to create a marinade that is both rich and complex. The Thomy Twist: a final brush of gochujang glaze before serving ensures that the flavors stay rich and vibrant, enhancing the dark red hue of the marinade while giving the chicken a final glossy finish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp gochujang paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together gochujang paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and mix well, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). - Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F), ensuring they are cooked through and have a beautiful char. - Final Glaze:
While grilling, brush the chicken with the reserved gochujang glaze to give it a glossy finish. This step enhances the dark red hue and adds extra flavor to the surface. - Serve:
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve with steamed rice or a simple salad.
Thomy Twist:
A final brush of gochujang glaze right before serving enhances the visual appeal of the chicken, creating a glossy, vibrant finish and allowing the dark red hues to shine through. This also adds depth to the flavor, ensuring each bite is just as impactful as the last.
Elevate the Experience:
HEAT RESISTANT TONGS
Use tongs to easily flip your Gochujang Chicken on the grill, ensuring a perfect char while preserving the rich, dark red glaze. Using tongs make help keeping the vibrant aesthetics intact.
SERVING PLATTER
Serve your Gochujang Chicken on an elegant serving plate to let the deep red hues of the dish stand out.
Why You’ll Love This
The Grilled Gochujang Chicken Thighs are a perfect blend of heat and sweetness, with a satisfying smoky flavor from the grill. The dark red hue of the gochujang glaze gives the dish a refined and visually striking look, while the tenderness of the grilled chicken makes it a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any occasion. With its balanced flavors and easy preparation, this dish adds a touch of elegance to any meal.
