If there’s one dish you must try while in Korea, it’s Korean fried chicken. You might wonder why you’d want to try chicken abroad since it’s already a common dish back home. The answer is simple: Korean chicken offers a taste experience unlike any you’ve had before. With unique flavors and textures, you’ll be left wondering how one ingredient can inspire so many different dishes.
What Koreans refer to as “whole chicken” or simply “chicken” is, at its core, fried chicken. But imagine your usual fried chicken taken to new heights. That’s precisely what “Korean fried chicken” is—an upgraded version with incredible depth of flavor and crunch.
This dish has evolved since the 1980s, gaining immense popularity among Koreans. By the 1990s, chicken restaurants started diversifying from just spicy and plain versions to include an array of sauces and seasonings to cater to all tastes. Today, endless recipes and flavors keep chicken lovers returning for more, and new recipes are still constantly being developed.
So, why is Korean fried chicken so amazing? There are three main reasons:
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- A clean frying process with fresh oil for a light yet crisp taste.
- Continual innovation, with chefs developing new flavors and techniques to enhance each dish.
This fried chicken pairs exceptionally well with a cold beer, giving rise to a special pairing called “Chicken and Beer.” In Korean, this has its own nickname: Chimaek, a blend of chi (from “chicken”) and maek (from maekju, the Korean word for “beer”). Chimaek is a classic Korean combination and an all-time favorite for dining out.
Chimaek is especially popular during national sports events or baseball games. In Korean stadiums, you’ll often see fans enjoying chicken and beer right in the stands while watching the game.
Chimaek also becomes a staple in the summertime, the perfect after-work treat or casual hangout choice with friends. If you’re new to Korean chicken, try the “half-and-half” option. This way, you can sample both classic fried chicken and the beloved yangnyeom (seasoned with a sweet and spicy sauce) in one order. Now that you know what makes Korean fried chicken so special, be sure to add “Korean chimaek” to your must-try list when visiting Korea!
| Summery |
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| Must-Try Dish: Korean fried chicken offers a unique taste experience, unlike any you’ve had before. |
| Evolution: Since the 1980s, Korean chicken has evolved with numerous recipes and flavors beyond just spicy and plain. |
| Reasons for Popularity: – Fresh, high-quality ingredients. – Clean frying process with fresh oil. – Continuous innovation in recipes. |
| Chimaek: The combination of chicken and beer, a beloved pairing in Korea, especially during sports events. |
| Summer Staple: Chimaek is a go-to choice for after-work gatherings or casual outings with friends. |
| Try Half-and-Half: Sample both classic fried chicken and yangnyeom (sweet and spicy seasoned chicken) in one order. |
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