These Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers are a fun twist on a classic! Made with zingy gochujang sauce, they’re juicy and full of flavor.
The best part? The Kimchi Bacon Jam adds a sweet and tangy kick. Trust me, once you taste this burger, no ordinary chicken sandwich will do! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken is lean and perfect for these burgers. If you prefer more flavor, you can substitute it with ground turkey or even ground pork. Each will give a slightly different taste and texture!
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds heat and depth. If you can’t find gochujang, try sriracha or a combination of chili paste and a little sugar for sweetness, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Kimchi: The star of the bacon jam! If kimchi is hard to find or you’re not a fan, try using sauerkraut for a similar tangy flavor, although it will change the overall taste of the jam.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a great texture to the patties. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work; just be aware they might make the patties a little denser.
How Do I Keep My Chicken Burgers Juicy and Flavorful?
Keeping chicken burgers moist can be tricky because they are lean. Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat. This helps maintain tenderness.
- Use a skillet or grill that’s preheated. This gives a good sear and locks in moisture.
- Cook until just done. Chicken should reach 165°F, but cooking it slightly less (around 160°F) and letting it rest will ensure juiciness.
Lastly, let them rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps retain the juices inside. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Assembly:
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Slices of cucumber or pickles (optional)
- Mayonnaise or spicy mayo (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 45 minutes to get these spicy burgers on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
Start by heating a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Once done, reserve half of the crispy bacon for garnishing later and keep the rest in the pan with the bacon fat.
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté these until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the brown sugar, gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and the chopped kimchi.
Turn the heat down to low and let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until it reaches a jam-like consistency. Keep it warm while you prepare the burgers.
2. Prepare the Chicken Patties:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, sliced green onions, egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
Season this mixture with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep your patties tender. Then, form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
3. Cook the Chicken Patties:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Carefully place the patties in the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re safe to eat!
4. Assemble the Burgers:
To assemble, you can spread mayonnaise or spicy mayo on the bottom halves of your toasted burger buns if you like. Then, place a lettuce leaf on each bun, followed by the cooked chicken patty.
Spoon a generous amount of kimchi bacon jam over each patty. For an extra crunch, sprinkle on some of the reserved crispy bacon pieces. If you want, add slices of cucumber or pickles for an added layer of flavor. Finally, cover with the top bun.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these spicy gochujang chicken burgers immediately with your favorite sides—fries or a salad pair great with this treat!
These burgers are bursting with spicy, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite, providing a delightful balance of textures that will excite your taste buds! Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ: Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute! It has a slightly different flavor but will still work wonderfully with the gochujang and other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more gochujang to the chicken mixture or tossing in some chopped fresh chili peppers. You can also spice up the mayonnaise by mixing in a little more gochujang or sriracha!
Can I Prepare the Kimchi Bacon Jam in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the kimchi bacon jam a day ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in a pan before serving to bring back its delicious flavors.
What Should I Do with Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Enjoy them on their own or as a sandwich!
