Dakgangjeong, Korea’s crispy fried chicken, gets even tastier with time. Discover the secrets of this flavorful dish, from its fiery gochujang sauce to the magic of starch syrup. And check out the places to find the best authentic dakgangjeong and embark on your own Korean fried chicken adventure!
Dakgangjeong (닭강정) or the sweet crispy Korean fried chicken is something that you can’t miss when you are in Korea. It is essentially a deep-fried crispy chicken dish that is coated with a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. The dish has so many variations that you can’t even possibly imagine.
Korean Fried Chicken
The love Koreans have for fried chicken is apparent from the multiple varieties of the dish and dakgangjeong contributes towards it majorly. ChiMaek is another popular combo that is popular among locals. It is essentially fried chicken with beer – chi comes from chicken (치킨) and maek from maekju (맥주, the Korean word for beer).
What is Dakgangjeong?
Don’t be fooled by its resemblance to popcorn chicken or nuggets! Dakgangjeong is a unique Korean dish with a surprising twist. Unlike regular fried chicken, which gets soggy over time, dakgangjeong actually gets crispier and tastier the longer it sits.
The Korean word ‘dak’ translates to chicken and ‘gangjeong’ is a Korean confectionery – fried glutinous rice cakes.
How is it made?
The secret to this dish lies in the generous use of starch syrup. While other flavored fried chicken varieties might include a touch of syrup, dakgangjeong gets a much heavier dose. This syrup plays a crucial role – it mimics the texture of gangjeong (fried glutinous rice cakes). The syrup helps these bite-sized pieces harden and become delightfully crispy, even when not fresh out of the fryer. Lastly they are coated with puffed rice, sesame seeds, or nuts.
Dakgangjeong Origins
It is unclear from where exactly this dish came from – whether the inspiration came from the West or China. However, this Korean dish has carved its own path as a unique fusion food experience.
Dakgangjeong boasts a flavor profile unlike its competitors. The fiery kick of gochujang (Korean chili paste) and chili powders is a hallmark ingredient, often accompanied by the sweetness of starch syrup. This key ingredient sets dakgangjeong apart. The generous use of starch syrup not only adds a touch of sweetness but also plays a crucial role in achieving the signature texture.While toppings like crushed nuts, tteok (rice cakes), French fries, cheese, and sweet potatoes add visual appeal and textural variety, the magic truly lies in the starch syrup. It’s responsible for the delightful crunch that dakgangjeong retains even as it cools, a characteristic absent in most fried chicken varieties.
Places for Best Dakgangjeong in Korea
Despite its mainstream popularity and versatility, authentic dakgangjeong can be surprisingly elusive. For the true experience, venture beyond convenience stores and franchised chains.While in Korea, to get some of the best dakgangjeong, you can check out the traditional markets. It is also a popular street food so you will find long queues in front of places with good dakgangjeong.
Two locations reign supreme: Sokcho Central Market in Sokcho and Sinpo International Market in Incheon.
Sokcho Central Market is a haven for dakgangjeong enthusiasts. National brands trace their roots back to this market, offering nationwide delivery. Each region boasts its own unique take on the dish, with Ganseok Free Market in Incheon favoring a more soy sauce-based flavor profile.
At Sinpo, vendors draw long lines with their signature dakgangjeong, a symphony of spicy pepper, garlic, starch syrup, and gochujang. Be prepared for the heat – the vendors even offer salad and chewing gum to tame the fiery sauce!
While convenient, avoid dakgangjeong from convenience stores and mall kiosks. Microwaving destroys the crucial crispy texture, leaving you with a soggy disappointment. Think of it like chicken nuggets – low-quality ingredients and shortcuts make for a vastly inferior experience.Though the hunt for authentic dakgangjeong might require some effort, the reward is well worth it. This versatile dish transcends the boundaries of snack, street food, or meal. Enjoy it casually or elevate it to bar grub – dakgangjeong is perfect for any occasion and setting.
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