Gochujang-Braised Chicken and Crispy Rice

Ingredients for Gochujang-Braised Chicken and Crispy Rice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 8 garlic cloves, finely grated

• 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, peeled, finely grated

• 40g gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)

• 60ml soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon mirin

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more

• 550g cooked short-grain rice

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoons mustard powder

• 8 chicken drumsticks, patted dry

• Kosher salt

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 950ml low-sodium chicken broth

• 6 spring onions, white and pale-green parts only, cut into 1-inch pieces

Mix onion, garlic, ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl to combine; set sauce aside.

Toss rice, cumin, garlic powder, and mustard powder in a medium bowl to combine; spread out on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and chill until cold, about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, season chicken generously with salt. Heat butter and vegetable oil in a medium heavy pot over medium. As soon as foaming subsides, add chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add reserved sauce and bring to a simmer; cook until sauce appears to thin out, about 3 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, partially cover pot, and simmer, turning occasionally, until chicken is very tender, 45–55 minutes.

Divide rice into 4 portions; form into 3/4"-thick disks (moisten hands with water to prevent sticking). Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium. Working in 2 batches, cook rice cakes, turning halfway through, until crisp, puffed, and golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to plates.

Add spring onions to chicken and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Top each cake with 2 chicken legs and a few spring onions; spoon plenty of sauce over.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.