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If thereโs something youโre going to fry, it needs to be these Korean Fried Chicken Tacos.
And this is coming from someone who does everything she can not to fry. Oddly though, I have now fried three things this week.
Huh, maybe I secretly love it?
Nope, I donโt, but sometimes the mess and grease are worth it. Like for doughnuts, well and really any fried dough. And definitely this chicken.
Seriously though, this chicken is special. When I saw it over on one of my favorite blogs,ย The Tart Tart a few weeks ago I knew it was something I really wanted to try. Itโs all about two important things. One, itโs double fried, and two, the sauce. The sauce is amazing and itโs due to Gochujang sauce. A word I have not a clue how to say, but I do know that itโs Korean hot chile paste and it MAKES this chicken.
I could not find it at my local store (surprise, surprise), but I just ordered it on Thrive Market, which for me is actually easier than going to the store.
Speaking of Amazon though, I kind of, sort of, think it would be awesome if everything could be bought from Amazon. My life would be so much easier.
Oh but, speaking of life? The barn is really happening.
Like floors, and counters, all the stuff is being planned and picked out. I need help. No really, I do! Please start telling me the doโs and donโts. Whatโs your favorite flooring? Bathroom sink? Lights? Windows? Furniture??
Taking any and all advice. Starting like yesterday.
I have so many ideas, but putting them all together into one space is hard. Kind of the way it is with my recipes and deciding on just one flavor, or whether to go fried or baked, chicken or tuna, savory or sweetโฆ while you get the picture. Only this is permanent. This is my new home.
Exiting and overwhelming all at the same time, but mostlyย exciting.
With so many decisions to make, the only thing I am sure of is that youโll love this recipe. With crispy noodles and queso fresco, there is nothing not to love. Go on, give it a try!
Korean Fried Chicken Tacos with Sweet Slaw, Crunchy Noodles + Queso Fresco.
Ingredients
Korean Fried Chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons gochujang, Korean chile paste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2/3 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite size pieces
- 1/2 pound cooked chow mein noodles or other thick asian noodles
Sweet Crunchy Asian Slaw
- 3 cups mixed red and green cabbage
- 2 carrots, sliced into match sticks
- 2 red chiles, seeded + sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
To make the slaw
- In a medium bowl mix together the cabbage, carrots, red chilies, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, sesame seeds and black pepper. Toss well to combine and place in the fridge until ready to use, but no longer than a few hours or the cabbage will get soggy.
Make the Chicken
- In a large bowl mix together minced or grated garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, sesame oil and honey. Set aside.
- Heat a few inches of oil in a heavy bottom high sided skillet or pot to 350 degrees F.
- Add the cooked noodles in 2 or 3 batches to the hot oil and fry until golden, 3-5 minutes. Drain on paper towel and then break into pieces. Set aside.
- Whisk flour, cornstarch, and 2/3 cup water in another bowl. Add chicken chunks and toss. Working in batches, fry chicken until golden, 6โ8 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Return oil to 350 degrees F. Fry chicken a second time until crisp, 6โ8 minutes more. Drain on paper towels. Add the chicken to the bowl with the sauce and toss well.
To Assemble
- Divide the chicken among the warmed taco shells. Top with sesame seeds and slaw. Add the crunchy noodle, cilantro and queso fresco. DEVOUR!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
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Oh, and if you start your day with this bowl, and end it with these tacos, your Wednesday will be completely balanced.
Absolutely one of the worst recipes I have ever tried! Flour, cornstarch and water mix is incorrect came out like a dough! The sauce was also the wrong consistency, came out watery! And I even tried remaking both twice because something didnโt seem right and I figured I missed something! Would not recommend this
Hey Rich! I am SO sorry to hear that this recipe wasn’t enjoyed, thank you for letting me know! xT
We made these for Easter, and they were amazing! We fried them once, but they were still great like that.
Hey Jenny,
Happy Monday!!๐ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear that it turned out well for you! xx
Tieghan,
These were a HUGE HIT at my house. I made them AGAIN for guest and they were IMPRESSED! I would like to copy a picture and put it on my upcoming church IG account. I am just learning the ropes on IG.
Would you mind if I did this, making sure that you get the credit for YOUR hard work?
Thank you!
This will be repeated monthly at my house. Maybe more!
Nancy
Hi Nancy! Of course that is alright! Thank you so much for thinking of this recipe and my blog to feature! Please just make sure to tag my Instagram @halfbakedharvest ? xTieghan
Gochujang is Korean Ketchup not hot chili paste which is a different product. It is spicy, however and definitely adds to many dishes. It’s also sweet. Just thought you might be interested to know there is an actual Korean hot chili paste. Yes, I cook a lot of Korean foods thanks to Korean friends. ๐
That is very interesting! Thanks Dena!
This is a beautiful recipe with lots of visual and textual appeal. I think frying the chicken is overkill. The coating takes over the flavor of the tacos and doesn’t Iet the flavors come together in the taco. I sauteed the remainder of the chicken and it was far better in my opinion.
I am really glad you liked this recipe! Thank you!
Tieghan, these look so more-ish. I can’t wait to try them. I just love Asian cuisine so to have this fusion sounds delicious!
https://missfoodfairy.com/2016/12/09/in-my-kitchen-december-2016/
Ah yes!! I think you love this one then!! Thanks!!