Korean Hawaiian Chicken

 Korean Hawaiian Chicken is a fusion dish that combines the bold, spicy-sweet flavors of Korean fried chicken with the tropical, tangy-sweet elements of Hawaiian cuisine. The dish often features crispy, double-fried chicken tossed in a sauce, honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and garlic for a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or wings
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp chili paste
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated

For Garnish:

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
• Pineapple chunks (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
2. Prepare the Coating – Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a separate bowl. Coat each piece of chicken evenly.
3. Fry the Chicken – Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes). Remove and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, double-fry for extra crispiness (another 2-3 minutes).
4. Make the Sauce – In a saucepan, combine chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Coat the Chicken – Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
6. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and pineapple chunks for a tropical twist. Serve hot with rice or a side of pickled radish.

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Sugars: 15g
• Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 900mg