Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Jam

Are you looking to banish boring burger nights for good? Do you long for a meal that packs a punch with vibrant, unforgettable flavours? If that sounds like you, then we’ve got the perfect recipe. We’re about to guide you in creating the most spectacular burger you’ve ever experienced: our incredible gochujang chicken burgers with kimchi jam. This is far more than just a burger; it’s a culinary event. We’re bringing together the fiery, sweet, and savoury depth of Korean gochujang with succulent chicken thighs, then crowning it all with a truly sensational sweet and tangy kimchi jam. It’s the ideal marriage of comforting food and dynamic Korean cuisine.

What Makes These Gochujang Chicken Burgers So Special?

This is certainly not your typical chicken burger. We have carefully crafted this recipe to be a symphony of tastes and textures that come together in perfect harmony. Every single mouthful offers something new and delightful.

• The Flavour Profile: We have struck a flawless balance between sweet, spicy, savoury, and tangy. The gochujang marinade imparts a profound, umami-rich warmth, which the kimchi jam beautifully contrasts with its bright, acidic sweetness. It’s a wonderfully complex flavour that is remarkably simple to achieve.
• The Juicy Chicken: We’ve specifically chosen chicken thighs for this recipe. They remain exceptionally moist and tender as they cook, absorbing all the deliciousness of our special gochujang marinade. This results in a succulent, flavour-infused patty that leaves dry chicken burgers in the dust.
• The Incredible Kimchi Jam: This is our game-changing element. We take tangy, fermented kimchi and transform it into a sticky, sweet, and spicy jam that elevates the whole burger. It is the condiment you never realised you were missing, and we’re confident you’ll be adding it to everything.
• The Perfect Toppings: A crisp, refreshing slaw and a creamy mayonnaise complete the burger, adding a cooling crunch that provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.

A Closer Look at Our Star Ingredients

To fully appreciate why this spicy Korean chicken burger is so outstanding, we ought to get acquainted with its two most crucial elements: gochujang and kimchi.

Gochujang: The Heart of Korean Flavour

If you are new to the world of Korean cooking, gochujang is set to become your firm favourite. It’s a luscious, red chilli paste crafted from gochu-garu (Korean chilli powder), glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. Don’t let the term “chilli paste” mislead you; it is far more than just heat. Gochujang possesses a wonderfully intricate flavour profile that is spicy, sweet, and deeply savoury, all thanks to the fermentation process. You can find it in the world food aisle of most large supermarkets or at any Asian food shop. To discover more about this amazing ingredient, we suggest this fantastic guide from BBC Good Food.

Kimchi Jam: The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Condiment

Kimchi, a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, is a traditional fermented vegetable side dish, most often made with napa cabbage and Korean radishes. It is celebrated for its distinctive spicy, sour, and umami characteristics. In our recipe, we gently cook mature kimchi with a touch of sugar and gochujang to create a superb homemade kimchi jam recipe. This method softens the sourness and intensifies the flavours, resulting in a sticky, irresistible condiment that is the perfect partner for the spicy chicken.

Your Complete Shopping List: Ingredients for Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Jam

Before we dive in, let’s assemble all our components. Having everything prepared beforehand ensures the cooking experience is both seamless and pleasurable. For ease, we have divided the list into three sections.

For the Homemade Kimchi Jam:

• 200g mature kimchi, finely chopped (plus 2 tbsp of the brine)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Gochujang Chicken Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp gochujang
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Burgers & Assembly:

• 4 brioche burger buns
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo is excellent here)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or a simple cabbage slaw
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
• Spring onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

How to Make the Perfect Gochujang Chicken Burgers: Step-by-Step

Now we get to the best bit! Follow our straightforward steps to create these show-stopping burgers in your very own kitchen. We assure you it is much easier than it seems.

Step 1: Crafting the Homemade Kimchi Jam

1. Begin by placing a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the finely chopped kimchi, kimchi brine, brown sugar, gochujang, and rice vinegar.
2. Stir all the ingredients to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Lower the heat and allow it to bubble gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring from time to time. You’ll notice the mixture thickens and becomes jammy.
4. Once it has developed a sticky, spreadable texture, take it off the heat and mix in the sesame oil. Set it aside to cool down completely. This jam can be made several days ahead and kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

Step 2: Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavour

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and use your hands or tongs to ensure every piece is evenly and generously coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For a more profound flavour, we suggest marinating for 2-4 hours, or even overnight if you have the time.

Step 3: Cooking the Gochujang Chicken

1. Heat a large frying pan or griddle over a medium-high heat with a small amount of neutral oil (such as vegetable or sunflower oil).
2. When the pan is hot, gently lay the marinated chicken thighs in it. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook them in batches if you need to.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and displays a lovely, caramelised char on the outside. The sugars in the marinade can catch, so do keep an eye on the temperature.
4. Take the chicken out of the pan and let it rest on a chopping board for a few minutes before you start building the burgers. This step allows the juices to settle, which is key to keeping the chicken incredibly moist.

Step 4: Assembling Your Masterpiece Burger

1. As the chicken is resting, lightly toast your brioche buns. You can pop them in the same pan to soak up any remaining flavour, or simply use a toaster.
2. Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise onto the bottom bun.
3. Next, add a handful of your shredded lettuce or slaw.
4. Place a succulent, cooked gochujang chicken thigh right on top of the slaw.
5. Now, spoon a liberal helping of your homemade kimchi jam over the chicken. There’s no need to be sparing!
6. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced spring onions.
7. Place the top bun on, and serve your burger straight away while it’s nice and hot.

Tips and Tricks for Burger Perfection

If you’d like to elevate your gochujang chicken burgers even further, keep these expert tips in mind.

• Toast Your Buns: We consider this an essential step! Toasting the inside of the buns creates a protective layer, preventing them from becoming soggy from the juicy chicken and sauces.
• Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes post-cooking is vital for achieving a juicy burger.
• Control the Heat: The marinade has sugar (from both the gochujang and honey), which can burn quite easily. Maintain a steady medium-high heat and turn it down if you notice it’s charring too fast.
• Make It Ahead: The kimchi jam and the chicken marinade can both be prepared the day before, saving you valuable time when it comes to burger night.

If you love the spicy and tangy notes in this dish, we are sure you will also adore our Tasty Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, which present another thrilling way to enjoy chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this burger less spicy?

Of course! The level of heat mainly comes from the gochujang. You can simply decrease the quantity of gochujang used in the marinade and the kimchi jam. To keep the flavour balanced, you could add a little extra honey and soy sauce to the marinade instead.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

It’s possible, but we strongly advocate for using thighs due to their superior flavour and juiciness. If you opt for chicken breast, we recommend butterflying it or pounding it to a consistent thickness. This will help it cook through quickly and evenly, preventing it from drying out.

How long can I store the kimchi jam?

Your homemade kimchi jam can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Its flavours will continue to deepen over time. It is also wonderful in sandwiches, with grilled meats, or even as part of a cheese board.

Is there a good substitute for gochujang?

Gochujang has a very distinct flavour that is quite hard to replicate. In a pinch, however, you could try a mix of sriracha for heat, a touch of miso paste for that umami depth, and a pinch of sugar for sweetness. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.

Our Final Thoughts

We truly believe that cooking should be a joyful and creative journey, and our gochujang chicken burgers with kimchi jam are the perfect expression of that philosophy. They offer a wonderful opportunity to bring the bold, exciting flavours of Korean cooking into your kitchen in a way that is both familiar and comforting. This recipe isn’t just about making a meal; it’s about creating an experience, sparking conversation, and adding a guaranteed highlight to your dinner schedule.

If you’re seeking another simple yet flavour-filled idea for a weeknight dinner, take a look at our recipe for The Ultimate Easy Creamy Chicken Tortilla Wraps.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to gather your ingredients and prepare to make a burger that your family and friends will be raving about for weeks to come. We would be delighted to see your results! Please share your pictures with us on social media and leave a comment below to tell us what you thought.