Quick Skillet Chicken Bulgogi
I remember the first time I made Quick Skillet Chicken Bulgogi. It was a busy Wednesday evening, and I needed something quick yet satisfying. This dish, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine, turned out to be the perfect solution. The marinated chicken, with its savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes, was exactly what my taste buds were craving. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to bring a taste of Korea into my kitchen in just 30 minutes.
The Marination Magic
Preparing the marinade for Quick Skillet Chicken Bulgogi was a breeze. Combining soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl, I could already smell the delightful blend of flavors coming together. I sliced the chicken thighs into thin strips and let them soak in the marinade, ensuring each piece was well-coated. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to absorb all the rich flavors, making the final dish incredibly delicious.
Cooking to Perfection
Cooking the marinated chicken in a hot skillet was my favorite part. The sizzle of the chicken hitting the pan and the aroma filling the kitchen were simply irresistible. I made sure to stir frequently, allowing the chicken to cook evenly and caramelize beautifully around the edges. In just 15 minutes, my Quick Skillet Chicken Bulgogi was ready. The chicken was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before serving.
Serving with Style
I served the Quick Skillet Chicken Bulgogi over a bed of fluffy white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The presentation was simple yet elegant, and the taste was out of this world. Each bite was a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy, taking me on a culinary journey to Korea. This dish has since become a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation, always impressing my family and friends with its incredible flavors and ease of preparation.
Chef’s Notes- Quick Skillet Chicken Bulgogi
- Preparation: Ensure your chicken is thinly sliced to promote even cooking and maximum flavor absorption from the marinade.
- Marinade: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes, but for deeper flavors, you can marinate it for up to an hour in the refrigerator.
- Cooking: Use a large nonstick pan to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Caramelization: Stir the chicken frequently while cooking to achieve a nice caramelization on the edges, enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Serving: Garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added crunch and freshness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and finely diced onion will provide the best flavor.
- Control Heat: Keep the heat at medium-high to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning the marinade.
- Adjust Sweetness and Heat: Taste the marinade before adding the chicken. Adjust the sweetness with more brown sugar or honey, and the heat with additional cayenne pepper or gochujang, as per your preference.
- Alternative Ingredients: Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with beef or pork strips for variety. Ensure they are also thinly sliced for quick cooking.
- Veggie Additions: Add thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking for a more nutritious meal.
Quick Skillet Chicken Bulgogi
4
servings15
minutes15
minutes269
kcal30
minutesDive into the flavors of Korea with this Quick Skillet Chicken Bulgogi! This dish is a breeze to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s packed with savory, sweet, and spicy notes that will leave your taste buds dancing. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. Inspired by the simplicity and bold flavors of Korean cuisine, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
- Marinade Ingredients
1/4 cup yellow onion finely diced
5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons garlic freshly minced
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Main Ingredients
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs sliced into thin strips
- Alternative Ingredients:
Soy Sauce: Tamari for gluten-free
Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or honey
Sesame Oil: Peanut oil or olive oil
Chicken Thighs: Beef or pork strips
Directions
- Prepare Marinade – In a medium mixing bowl, combine the finely diced onion, low-sodium soy sauce, dark brown sugar, freshly minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, ground cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. (Approx. 5 minutes)
- Marinate Chicken – Add the thinly sliced chicken thighs to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated by stirring thoroughly. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. (Approx. 10 minutes)
- Cook Chicken – Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade. Cook and stir frequently until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized around the edges, about 15 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
- Serve – Serve the cooked chicken bulgogi over a bed of steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Nonstick Pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 269kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 28g
- Vitamin A: 2IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 4mg
- Iron: 10mg
FAQ- Quick Skillet Chicken Bulgogi
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may be slightly less tender than thighs. Ensure to slice them thinly and avoid overcooking.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes. You can marinate it for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor.
What can I serve with Chicken Bulgogi?
Chicken Bulgogi pairs well with steamed rice, kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a side of sautéed greens.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
