Description
Chicken Bulgogi is a flavorful and easy-to-make Korean-inspired dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs in a balanced blend of savory, sweet, and tangy natural ingredients. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or sharing with friends, this versatile recipe delivers authentic taste with simple pantry staples and offers adaptable variations to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (natural)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Optional Ingredients
- natural gelling agent (a light sprinkle to thicken marinade, optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce (natural), brown sugar (natural), minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips to enable faster cooking and better flavor absorption. Add the sliced chicken to the marinade and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to two hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using, sprinkle a natural gelling agent lightly over the marinade before cooking to thicken it for a glossy finish. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, toss in chopped green onions and stir to combine. Serve immediately over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a fresh and flavorful experience.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor; overnight marination is ideal.
- Cut chicken into thin slices to ensure quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Cook on medium-high heat to caramelize edges without drying out the meat.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the most vibrant flavor instead of powders.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar (natural) and apple cider vinegar to balance sweetness and tang to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chicken Bulgogi, Korean chicken, marinated chicken, easy weeknight dinner, savory sweet tangy chicken
