Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Chicken with Gochujang and Sesame
A vibrant, spicy chicken stir-fry featuring gochujang paste and toasted sesame seeds for a deep Korean flavor. This korean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs grams boneless chicken thighs, tablespoon soy sauce, tablespoon 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
- 400 grams boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut 400 grams boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces about 1-inch each. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar. Stir to form a smooth marinade.
- Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes until edges start to brown.
- Step 5: Add 3 tablespoons water to the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cover. Cook for 6-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Stir in 2 sliced green onions and 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes. Cook uncovered for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Step 7: Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds on top, and serve immediately with steamed rice or greens.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Chicken with Gochujang and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Spicy Korean Chicken with Gochujang and Sesame?
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 grams boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy Korean Chicken with Gochujang and Sesame?
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 Spicy Korean Chicken with Gochujang and Sesame 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 Spicy Korean Chicken with Gochujang and Sesame?
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.
