Bang Bang Chicken Bowls are a popular Korean-inspired dish that combines crispy fried chicken, spicy sauce, and crunchy vegetables in a bowl. Here's a complete recipe to make Bang Bang Chicken Bowls, along with some tips and variations:
**Main Ingredients:**
For the chicken:
* 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup cornstarch
* 2 eggs
* Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang sauce:
* 1/2 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup rice vinegar
* 2 tablespoons Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
For the bowl:
* 2 cups cooked white rice
* 1 cup kimchi, chopped
* 1 cup shredded napa cabbage
* 1 cup sliced red bell peppers
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
* 1/4 cup crispy garlic bits (optional)
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Prepare the chicken:** In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix together cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
2. **Fry the chicken:** Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Drain the chicken on paper towels.
3. **Make the Bang Bang sauce:** In a blender or food processor, combine gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Gochugaru, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the sauce as needed.
4. **Assemble the bowls:** Cook the white rice according to package instructions. Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with fried chicken pieces, kimchi, napa cabbage, red bell peppers, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top.
**Tips and Variations:**
* To make the chicken extra crispy, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
* For a spicier Bang Bang sauce, add more Gochugaru or use hotter peppers like habanero or ghost peppers.
* Add some crunch to the bowl by topping with crispy fried shallots or chopped peanuts.
* Swap the white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
* For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, and rice vinegar before pan-frying.
* Experiment with different vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to add more texture and flavor to the bowl.
* For a spicy kick, top the bowl with sriracha or hot sauce.
**Other ingredients that can be used to make variations:**
* Grilled chicken or pork for a different texture
* Crispy bacon or pancetta for added smokiness
* Pickled ginger or daikon for added acidity
* Roasted sweet potatoes or broccoli for more nutrients
* Fried eggs or kimchi fried rice for added richness
* Cilantro or scallions for added freshness
* Spicy Gochujang-glazed carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor
By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious and customizable Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy!
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