Korean Chicken Skewers (Dak Gochi) – A Flavorful Street Food Favorite

Korean Chicken Skewers, also known as Dak Gochi, are a beloved Korean street food that perfectly balances smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. These skewers are grilled to perfection, coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce, and make an irresistible dish for cookouts, gatherings, or even a fun weeknight meal.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

If you’ve ever wandered the vibrant streets of Seoul, you’ve likely caught the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling chicken skewers from food stalls. The juicy, tender meat, caramelized sauce, and slight charring from the grill create an irresistible combination. Even if you’re not in Korea, you can easily bring this authentic street food experience to your own kitchen.

These Korean chicken skewers are perfect for summer BBQs, game nights, or casual dinners with friends and family. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold & Balanced Flavors – The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy makes these skewers absolutely addicting.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious skewers ready in no time.
• Great for Grilling or Stovetop Cooking – Whether you have an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan, these skewers will turn out delicious every time.
• Perfect for Gatherings – A great appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or sesame)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8-10 skewers (wooden or metal)

For the Korean BBQ Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ teaspoon ginger (grated)
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)

For Garnishing:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced)

How to Make Korean Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling. This step is crucial if you’re cooking over an open flame or grill.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with oil, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for about 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and helps it stay juicy.

Step 3: Make the Korean BBQ Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, gochujang, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Once it starts bubbling, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. This should take about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 4: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure they are packed closely together but not too tight. This ensures even cooking and helps keep the meat juicy.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill with oil to prevent sticking.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. Brush the skewers generously with the prepared sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to allow it to caramelize slightly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a finishing touch.

Serve hot and enjoy! These skewers pair wonderfully with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad.

Helpful Tips

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before skewering. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
• If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or broil the skewers in the oven. Broil them on high for about 4-5 minutes per side, brushing with sauce as they cook.
• Adjust spice levels to your preference. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the gochujang or substitute it with mild chili paste.
• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They stay juicier and more tender when grilled.
• For a smokier flavor, cook the skewers over charcoal. The slight smokiness enhances the authentic street food experience.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Korean
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Notes

• If using metal skewers, no need to soak them beforehand.
• You can double the sauce recipe and save extra for dipping.
• These skewers taste great with a side of kimchi, Korean potato salad, or a fresh lettuce wrap.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~15g
• Fat: ~10g
• Sodium: ~700mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these skewers in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a few hours ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until ready to cook. The sauce can also be made in advance and kept refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra caramelization, broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end.

What can I use instead of gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute it with sriracha or a mix of red chili paste and a little honey. However, gochujang gives the most authentic flavor.

Can I use beef or tofu instead of chicken?

Yes! Beef works great with the same marinade, and tofu is a great plant-based alternative. If using tofu, press it beforehand to remove excess moisture and ensure better absorption of the sauce.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze marinated raw chicken on skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking. Cooked skewers can also be frozen, but they may dry out slightly upon reheating.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Korean Chicken Skewers, you might also enjoy:

• Greek Meatball Souvlaki Bowls

• Turkish Chicken Kabobs

Conclusion

Making Korean Chicken Skewers at home is a fun and rewarding experience. The combination of juicy, grilled chicken with a sticky, flavorful sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re grilling for a summer BBQ or just craving Korean street food, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

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