Elevate your burger game with these Gochujang Chicken Burgers topped with savory Kimchi Bacon Jam. This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Korean cuisine in a juicy chicken patty, complemented by a sweet and tangy bacon jam infused with spicy kimchi. Perfect for a weekend barbecue or a weekday dinner, these burgers are sure to impress with their unique blend of ingredients and mouthwatering taste.
Ingredients:
For the Gochujang Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Sliced red onion, for serving
For the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Make the Gochujang Chicken Burgers:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, gochujang, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a burger patty, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
2. Cook the Chicken Burgers:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
- Cook the chicken patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let the patties rest for a few minutes.
3. Prepare the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
- In the same skillet or pan used for the burgers, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Add chopped kimchi to the pan with bacon, stirring to combine.
- Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, gochugaru, and sesame oil.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like, about 10-15 minutes. Adjust sweetness or spiciness according to your preference.
4. Assemble the Burgers:
- Place toasted burger buns on a serving plate.
- Layer each bun bottom with lettuce leaves and sliced red onion.
- Add a cooked chicken patty on top of the onions.
- Spoon a generous amount of Kimchi Bacon Jam over each chicken patty.
- Close the burgers with the top buns and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam immediately while warm.
- Enjoy the bold and delicious flavors of Korean-inspired chicken burgers with a unique twist of kimchi bacon jam.
Tips for Success:
- Handling Chicken Patties: Use slightly wet hands when shaping the chicken patties to prevent sticking.
- Bacon Jam Consistency: Cook the bacon jam until it reaches a thick and spreadable consistency, ensuring it’s not too runny.
- Customization: Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru in both the chicken patties and bacon jam to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these flavorful burgers with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh cucumber salad.
- Pair with a cold Korean lager or a refreshing iced green tea to complement the spicy-sweet flavors.
Delight your family and friends with these Gochujang Chicken Burgers topped with Kimchi Bacon Jam, a perfect fusion of Korean culinary delights in a burger form. Enjoy the explosion of flavors with each bite, making every meal a memorable occasion!