Gochujang Grilled Chicken: Bold Flavor, Gut-Friendly Twist
Why Gochujang?
Korean cuisine has been having a global moment for years now—and for good reason. It’s bold, balanced, and often surprisingly healthy. One of the defining ingredients of Korean cooking is gochujang, a fermented chili paste that brings not just heat, but deep umami and subtle sweetness. Thanks to its fermentation process, gochujang also brings probiotic benefits, making it a gut-friendly flavor bomb.
This Gochujang Grilled Chicken celebrates the magic of this paste, blending it with garlic, ginger, and sesame for a dish that’s bold, balanced, and versatile. It’s delicious over rice, but also works beautifully tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tablespoons gochujang
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar substitute)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Optional: sliced green onions & sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Add chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
- Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until fully cooked (about 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness).
- Serve with steamed rice and quick cucumber salad, or wrap in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Quick Cucumber Salad (Optional Side)
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
- Sprinkle of sesame seeds
Toss everything together and let sit while the chicken cooks.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Depth: Gochujang’s fermented kick balances perfectly with honey’s sweetness and sesame’s nuttiness.
- Gut Health Bonus: Fermented foods like gochujang contribute to a healthier microbiome.
- Flexible Serving: Rice bowls, lettuce wraps, or even sliced into a salad—this chicken works every way.
Specialty Diet Notes
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and confirm your gochujang is gluten-free (some brands contain wheat).
- Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the rice and serve in lettuce wraps. Substitute honey with a keto-friendly sweetener.
- Gut-Friendly: Contains fermented gochujang, which supports gut health.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Easily adaptable with honey or a sugar-free substitute.
Final Thought
If you’ve been curious about Korean cooking but felt intimidated, this recipe is your perfect entry point. It’s easy, adaptable, and brings a taste of authentic Korean flavor to your table without requiring a deep dive into unfamiliar ingredients.
Ready to give it a try? Grab some gochujang (you’ll find it in the international aisle or any Asian market) and let’s cook.
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