Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Slaw

Ah, the joy of a well-crafted sandwich! There’s something about the crunch of fresh vegetables paired with juicy, flavor-packed protein that brings happiness to any meal. A few weeks ago, I found myself daydreaming about my last visit to a bustling Korean BBQ joint, where the vibrant flavors of spicy gochujang marinated chicken danced on my palate. Inspired, I decided it was time to recreate that bliss in my own kitchen. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my take on the Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Slaw—a culinary delight that’s as inviting as it is satisfying.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Active Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total Duration: 1 hour (plus marinating time)
• Portion Size: Serves 4
• Complexity: Moderate

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: 450 approx.
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fats: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugars: 7 g
• Sodium: 850 mg

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Slaw

Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled chicken thigh, marinated in a bold blend of gochujang and sesame oil, topped with a refreshing, crunchy slaw. This sandwich is a perfect marriage of flavors and textures—spicy, sweet, and tangy, with a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken. It’s the kind of dish that transports you straight to the streets of Seoul, all while comfortably nestled in your kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your spice tolerance or ingredient preferences!

The Complete Cooking Journey

Let’s embark on this delightful cooking journey together, starting with the essential ingredients that will create our masterpiece.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 burger buns (preferably brioche)
• 1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for extra heat)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Oil for cooking (canola or vegetable)

Method:

Step 1: Create the Flavorful Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper to create a robust marinade that packs a punch of flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let that beautiful concoction work its magic in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Slaw

While the chicken marinates, it’s time to bring some crunch to our sandwich! In a large bowl, mix the finely shredded cabbage and julienned carrots.

Step 4: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, and sriracha (if you crave that extra kick). Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, tossing until everything is evenly coated. Set aside to allow those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Heat the Grill or Skillet

Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to coat the surface and get ready to sear that chicken!

Step 6: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once those thighs are beautifully cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. This will keep them juicy and tender for our sandwiches.

Step 8: Toast the Buns

While the chicken rests, toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until they’re golden brown. This step adds a wonderful texture to your sandwiches!

Step 9: Assemble the Sandwiches

To assemble the sandwiches, load a generous portion of the sliced chicken on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top it off with a heap of the crispy slaw, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Finish with the top half of the bun and serve immediately with your favorite sides. Perhaps some sweet potato fries or a simple salad?

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These sandwiches pair wonderfully with a chilled cucumber salad or spicy kimchi for an authentic Korean experience. A light beer or sparkling water with lime will quench your thirst and balance out the spiciness beautifully.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crispy slaw can also be stored but may lose some crunch. If you plan on having leftovers, consider keeping the slaw separate to maintain its texture!

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Marination: The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavor it will absorb. Don’t rush this step!
• Grilling: Keep an eye on the temperature; if it’s too high, the chicken will char before it cooks through. Aim for medium-high heat.
• Slaw Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to your slaw, such as bell peppers or radishes for extra color and crunch!

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Looking for variations? Try swapping the chicken for pork or firm tofu for a different protein twist. You could also experiment with other types of slaw, like adding apples for sweetness or using green onions for added flavor.

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Absolutely! Just be cautious not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs.

2. Is gochujang available everywhere?
   Most supermarkets now carry it in the Asian foods aisle. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a mix of chili paste and some sugar for sweetness.

3. What if I am not a fan of heat?
   You can reduce the amount of gochujang and sriracha or simply omit them for a milder flavor profile.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your buns are gluten-free.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
   The best way is to use a meat thermometer, but if you cut into the chicken and the juices run clear, it’s ready!

Wrapping Up

There you have it—a Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Crispy Slaw that’s bursting with flavor and personality! Cooking can often feel like a chore, but isn’t it wonderful how a delightful dish can turn an everyday meal into something extraordinary? So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this tasty adventure. Happy cooking!

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