Spicy Korean Chicken Skewers

Chicken & Marinade

• 300 g chicken thighs, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, minced or smashed

• 1 spring onion, minced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 1½ tbsp gochu-garu (Korean chili flakes)

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Skewers & Veggies

• 2 leeks or large spring onions, cut into 2-inch lengths

• 1 bell pepper, cubed

• Tteok (Korean rice cakes), optional

• Bamboo skewers

Optional Garnish

• Sesame seeds

• Extra sliced spring onion

Prepare the marinade

In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ginger, and spring onion.
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, gochujang, gochu-garu, and black pepper. Mix gently.

Add the diced chicken and toss until fully coated.
Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge.

Assemble the skewers

Thread the ingredients onto skewers in this order:

1. Onion or leek piece

2. Chicken piece

3. Bell pepper piece

4. Chicken piece

Repeat until the skewer is filled, keeping pieces touching but not squashed. Add tteok if using.

Cook the skewers

Heat a little vegetable oil in a frying pan or grill over high heat.
Place the skewers on the pan and let them char without moving for 2–3 minutes.

Turn the skewers and repeat on the other side.
Once charred, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Optional: Cover with a lid on low heat for 2 more minutes to ensure fully cooked.

Serve

Transfer the skewers to a plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra spring onion.
Serve with rice or lettuce leaves on the side.

FAQs:
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: 30 minutes to 1 hour works perfectly

Q: Can I use pork instead of chicken?
A: Yes, thinly sliced pork belly works beautifully with the same gochujang marinade.

Q: How do I get the perfect char on skewers?
A: Use high heat at the start, avoid moving too much, and finish on medium heat to cook through.

Q: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes, marinate in advance and store in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.