Gochujang Chicken with Scallion and Cilantro Chimichurri

Anonymous

31 Aug, 2022

Gochujang Chicken is a delicious fusion dish that combines the spicy and savory flavors of Korean gochujang with the fresh, herbaceous notes of chimichurri. This recipe typically involves marinating chicken in a gochujang-based sauce and then grilling or roasting it, serving it with a bright and zesty chimichurri sauce made from scallions and cilantro.

About the Recipe

Gochujang Chicken

Gochujang: This is a traditional Korean fermented chili paste that adds a spicy, slightly sweet, and savory flavor to the chicken. It's the star ingredient in the marinade.

Marinade: The chicken is marinated in a mixture of gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness like honey or brown sugar. This marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors and helps to tenderize it.

Cooking: The marinated chicken is then grilled, roasted, or pan-fried until it’s cooked through and slightly caramelized on the outside, enhancing its savory-sweet profile.

Scallion & Cilantro Chimichurri

Chimichurri: Traditionally an Argentine sauce made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil, this version incorporates scallions and cilantro for a fresh, green, and tangy twist.

Ingredients: This chimichurri includes finely chopped scallions, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Flavor Profile: The sauce is herbaceous, tangy, and slightly spicy, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy gochujang chicken.

How It All Comes Together

Serving: The dish is typically served with the gochujang-marinated chicken topped or accompanied by the scallion and cilantro chimichurri. The combination of the spicy, umami-rich chicken with the fresh and zesty chimichurri creates a balanced and exciting flavor profile.

Sides: It can be paired with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

This dish showcases the versatility of gochujang and the brightness of chimichurri, making it a unique and delicious meal that's both comforting and exciting.

Gochujang Chicken Recipe

This Korean-inspired chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful gochujang sauce, grilled to perfection, and topped with a fresh scallion and cilantro chimichurri.

Prep Time15

Cook Time11

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Chicken:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1/3 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce or tamari)
1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Scallion & Cilantro Chimichurri:

3/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
2/3 cup finely chopped scallions
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds

Instructions

Marinade Preparation:

In a blender, combine the garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, gochujang, sesame oil, and honey. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the blended marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to let the flavors infuse.

Chimichurri Preparation:

In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped cilantro, scallions, jalapeño, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, and both types of sesame seeds. Stir well until thoroughly combined.
Cover and store the chimichurri in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

Grill Instructions:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes on one side. Brush with any remaining marinade as they cook.
Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Oven Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.