Stir-Fried Korean Gochujang Chicken with Scallions
A spicy, savory chicken stir-fry featuring the bold flavors of gochujang and fresh scallions for a quick and satisfying meal. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 stalks, sliced thinly scallions
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces with 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar; mix until chicken is evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the edges are golden and chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 4 thinly sliced scallions to the skillet; stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp water and 1 tbsp sesame oil; cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds before serving for added nutty aroma and crunch.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Korean Gochujang Chicken with Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Korean Gochujang Chicken with Scallions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Korean Gochujang Chicken with Scallions?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stir-Fried Korean Gochujang Chicken with Scallions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Korean Gochujang Chicken with Scallions?
Korean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Equipment for this recipe
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