Seoul’s Fiery Gochujang Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry: Your Guide to an Authentic Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Name: Seoul's Fiery Gochujang Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil), divided; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup chopped carrots or shredded carrots; 1/2 cup chicken broth or water; For the Gochujang Sauce:; 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional for extra heat); 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; For Garnish (optional):; Sesame seeds; Sliced green onions

Prepare your palate for an exhilarating culinary journey with Seoul’s Fiery Gochujang Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a vibrant symphony of flavors, delivering the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory that Korean cuisine is celebrated for. Tender pieces of succulent chicken, crisp garden vegetables, and a deeply savory, piquant gochujang-based sauce come together to create an unforgettable experience. Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this authentic Korean spicy chicken stir fry is destined to become your new favorite weeknight warrior, promising sensational Korean flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

This stir-fry brings the bustling streets of Seoul straight to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

Explosive Flavor: The star of the show, gochujang, offers a unique depth of flavor that is both spicy and fermented, creating an umami bomb balanced by the sweetness of honey and the sharpness of ginger and garlic.
Speedy & Satisfying: With a total time of just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you crave something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with lean protein from the chicken and a colorful array of vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Customizable Heat: Whether you prefer a gentle warmth or a fiery kick, the addition of gochugaru allows you to tailor the spice level to your exact preference.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredients for Seoul's Fiery Gochujang Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry

The magic of this dish lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt it:

Core Components:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breast works equally well for a leaner option. Cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Fresh Aromatics: Grated fresh ginger and minced garlic are essential for building the aromatic base of both the chicken marinade and the gochujang sauce.
Crisp Vegetables: A colorful mix of thinly sliced onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and chopped or shredded carrots adds texture, sweetness, and vital nutrients. Feel free to incorporate other favorites like broccoli florets, snap peas, or zucchini.

The Korean Flavor Powerhouses:

Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): This fermented, savory, sweet, and spicy condiment is the soul of the dish. Do not substitute it if you want an authentic flavor profile.
Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes): Optional, but highly recommended for an extra layer of heat and a beautiful vibrant red color. Adjust to your desired spice level.
Soy Sauce & Rice Vinegar: Provide the salty, tangy balance crucial to Korean stir-fries. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds an unmistakable nutty aroma and depth.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Balances the heat of the gochujang and contributes to the glaze-like texture of the sauce.

Notes on Substitutions:

For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or hearty mushrooms like shiitake or cremini.
Chicken broth or water helps to thin the sauce and ensure it coats all ingredients beautifully.

How to Make Seoul’s Fiery Gochujang Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry

Crafting this delicious stir-fry is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect result:

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine your chicken pieces with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Toss thoroughly to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
Prepare the Gochujang Sauce: While the chicken marinates, whisk together the gochujang, gochugaru (if using), honey or brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of neutral oil to the wok. Introduce the sliced onion, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, retaining a delightful bite.
Combine & Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared Gochujang Sauce over everything, then add the ½ cup of chicken broth or water. Stir diligently to coat all ingredients evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld into a cohesive masterpiece.
Serve & Garnish: Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Success

Achieve stir-fry perfection every time with these expert tips:

Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Cooking chicken in batches ensures proper browning and prevents steaming, which can lead to dull, grey chicken.
High Heat is Key: A hot wok or skillet is crucial for achieving that signature stir-fry “wok hei” (breath of the wok) and for cooking vegetables quickly to a tender-crisp texture.
Mind Your Veggies: Stir-fry vegetables just until they are tender-crisp. They should still have some bite and vibrant color.
Adjust Spice to Taste: Gochugaru offers an easy way to control the heat. Start with less and add more if you like it spicier.
Marination Matters: Don’t skimp on the marination time for the chicken. Even 15 minutes makes a difference in flavor and tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

This authentic Korean spicy chicken stir fry is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Classic Pairing: Serve hot over fluffy steamed white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Noodle Delight: For a heartier meal, serve it with Korean glass noodles (japchae) or udon noodles.
Fresh Sides: A simple side of kimchi adds fermented tang and crunch, while a refreshing cucumber salad can provide a cooling contrast to the spice.
Garnishes: Don’t forget the sesame seeds and fresh sliced green onions for both flavor and visual appeal.

For another fantastic chicken dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, try our Easy Crack Chicken Tenders.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of Seoul’s Fiery Gochujang Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry are just as delicious the next day:

Storage: Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave until warmed through. You may add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQ

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a savory, sweet, and spicy fermented Korean chili paste made from gochugaru (Korean chili powder), glutinous rice, meju (fermented soybean powder), yeotgireum (barley malt powder), and salt. It’s a staple in Korean cuisine, offering a complex depth of flavor unlike any other chili paste.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! The primary heat comes from the gochujang and the optional gochugaru. To reduce the spice, use a milder gochujang (though most are fairly consistent) and omit the gochugaru entirely. You can also increase the amount of honey or brown sugar slightly in the sauce to balance the heat.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains wheat, so this recipe as written is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari. Always check the labels of your gochujang and other ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free, as formulations can vary.

If you’re looking for more exciting chicken recipes to add to your repertoire, you might also enjoy this Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe from Fork Haven.

Conclusion

Seoul’s Fiery Gochujang Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore the vibrant, bold flavors of Korean cuisine in your own kitchen. Its quick preparation time, customizable spice level, and deeply satisfying taste make it an instant classic. Gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to create a meal that will tantalize your taste buds and impress everyone at your table. Enjoy the journey to flavor town!

Fiery Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry for a Flavor Explosion