Dak Bulgogi (Korean Chicken BBQ)
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken thigh and/or breast.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Use regular sugar if unavailable
- 1 tablespoon honey
or 1 - ⅓ more tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
or mirin or white wine
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- pinch black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
Directions
- 1
Rinse chicken pieces. Trim off excess fat. Cut each of the chicken pieces into small sizes (about 2-inch long and 1-inch wide). If you want to use this recipe for outdoor grilling, cut the chicken into larger pieces and marinate longer. Double (or triple) the recipe as needed.
- 2
Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl until the sugar has dissolved.
- 3
Coat the chicken pieces with the marinade. Marinate for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- 4
Preheat a skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken pieces, reserving the marinade. Cook until cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 2 minutes each side. (The sugar and honey in the marinade will burn easily, so watch it carefully and add the reserved marinade by tablespoon when the pan gets dry. You can slightly reduce the heat to avoid burning, if needed.)
Dak Bulgogi (Korean Chicken BBQ)
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/246172-Easy-Bulgogi-ddmfs-104-4x3-1-c0ddcab340474175a5d1c96bc2edabbc.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 349 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the savory, sweet, and tangy flavors of Korean BBQ right in your own kitchen? This Dak Bulgogi (Korean Chicken BBQ) recipe brings that authentic taste to your table, offering a delicious and straightforward way to enjoy a beloved Korean dish.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to truly delicious Dak Bulgogi lies in its perfectly balanced marinade. This recipe expertly combines the umami depth of soy sauce with the gentle sweetness of brown sugar and honey, brightened by a splash of lemon juice. Aromatic fresh garlic and ginger, along with the nutty richness of sesame oil, infuse the chicken with complex flavors that are both vibrant and comforting, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
What to Expect
With this recipe, you can expect a wonderfully flavorful chicken dish, where the savory notes are beautifully complemented by a subtle sweetness and a hint of tang. The aromatic blend of ginger and garlic creates an inviting fragrance, while the sesame oil and seeds add that classic, toasted Korean BBQ finish. The resulting chicken promises to be tender and juicy, packed with a harmonious balance of tastes that will transport you straight to your favorite Korean restaurant.
Customization & Variations
This Dak Bulgogi recipe is quite adaptable. If you don't have brown sugar on hand, regular sugar makes an excellent substitute. Similarly, if honey isn't available, you can use 1 to 1⅓ more tablespoons of brown sugar to achieve a similar sweetness. For the rice wine, feel free to use mirin or even white wine in a pinch. You can also customize the chicken, opting for all boneless thighs for extra richness or a mix of thighs and breasts for a leaner option.
Serving & Context
Dak Bulgogi is a fantastic centerpiece for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering. Serve it alongside a bowl of steaming white rice to soak up all the delicious marinade, and perhaps a selection of your favorite Korean banchan (side dishes) for a complete and authentic Korean feast.