These Gochujang Chicken Burgers are bursting with flavor! Made with ground chicken and a spicy gochujang sauce, they bring heat and taste to your meal. Don’t forget the spicy kimchi bacon jam—it adds a tasty twist!
I absolutely love how the jam gives the burgers that sweet and spicy kick. It’s like a party on a bun! 🍔 Serve them with some crispy fries for the perfect night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in your burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works equally well. For a vegetarian alternative, try using a mix of beans, mushrooms, and quinoa!
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste is essential for flavor. If you can’t find it, sriracha or miso with some chili powder can add heat, but they won’t replicate the same depth.
Bacon: It gives the jam a delicious smoky flavor. If you’re avoiding meat, you can substitute with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a plant-based version.
Kimchi: This is packed with flavor and spice! If you’re looking for something milder, try pickled cabbage or any fermented veggies you have on hand for that tangy kick.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Chicken Burger?
Cooking chicken burgers can be tricky since ground chicken needs to be thoroughly cooked but can dry out quickly. Here are some tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to check that your burgers reach 165°F (74°C).
- Keep the grill or skillet at a medium heat to prevent the outside from burning while the inside cooks through.
- Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps to keep them juicy!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken burgers every time!
Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gochujang Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
For the Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup kimchi, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Assemble:
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced cucumber or pickled radish (optional)
- Mayonnaise or spicy mayo (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need around 10 minutes to make the spicy kimchi bacon jam, then about 10-15 minutes to mix and cook the chicken patties. It’s a deliciously quick meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain, leaving 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, which will take around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Now add the chopped kimchi, gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Let this simmer on low for about 10 minutes, occasionally stirring. Finally, return the crispy bacon to the skillet, stir to combine, season with salt and pepper, and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Burger Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onion, black pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the patties tough. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and gently shape each portion into a patty.
3. Cook the Chicken Burgers:
Heat a grill or a skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. Place the chicken patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the patties and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
4. Assemble the Burgers:
Lightly toast the burger buns in the skillet or on the grill. If you like, spread some mayonnaise or spicy mayo on the buns. Start with a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the chicken patty, and then top it generously with the spicy kimchi bacon jam. If you’d like extra crunch and freshness, add sliced cucumber or pickled radish. Finish it with the top bun, and your delicious Gochujang Chicken Burgers are ready to serve!
Enjoy your bold and spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers with the layered flavors of spicy kimchi bacon jam!
FAQ for Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will yield similar results in flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Spicy Is This Burger?
The level of spiciness largely depends on the amount of gochujang and red pepper flakes you use in the recipe. If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to reduce the gochujang or omit the red pepper flakes in the bacon jam. You can always add more spice with toppings or sauces if desired!
Can I Make the Kimchi Bacon Jam Ahead of Time?
Yes, the kimchi bacon jam can be made ahead! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving to enjoy the flavors fully.
What Should I Serve With These Burgers?
These spicy burgers pair well with a side of crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh salad. You could also serve some extra kimchi on the side for an additional kick!
