These Gochujang Chicken Burgers are a fun twist on the classic! Juicy chicken patties are mixed with flavorful gochujang and topped with a spicy kimchi bacon jam that packs a punch!
Honestly, what’s not to love? The spicy kick from the jam makes each bite exciting! I like to serve these on toasted buns with a side of sweet potato fries—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken keeps the burgers juicy. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey or a mix of ground pork could work. They still provide a good texture.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste is key for flavor. If you can’t find it, try using chili garlic sauce or sriracha, but they may alter the taste slightly.
Kimchi: The type of kimchi can vary! While traditional napa cabbage is great, you can use any packed kimchi you enjoy. For a milder option, look for non-spicy varieties.
Bacon: For a vegetarian twist, you can use smoked tempeh or mushrooms as a substitute. They add a similar savory element!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Burgers Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
Keeping chicken burgers juicy can be tricky since chicken is lean. Here’s how to nail it:
- First, mix the ingredients gently; overmixing can lead to tough patties.
- Let your patties chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
- Cook them on medium-high heat. This helps create a nice sear while keeping the inside cooked through.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to reach 165°F (74°C for safety without dryness!
Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gochujang Chicken Burgers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped (with some juice)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
To Serve:
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced cucumber or pickled radish (optional)
- Mayonnaise or Korean-style mayo (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to make these delicious burgers from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Patties:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, gochujang, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped green onions, panko breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix!
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s about ¾ inch thick. Set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until it becomes crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring to make sure it cooks evenly!
4. Add Onions and Kimchi:
Once the bacon is crispy, add the diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, then stir in the chopped kimchi, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and optional red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens up to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat!
5. Cook the Chicken Burgers:
In another skillet or grill pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken patties to the pan and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, toast the burger buns lightly in the oven or on a pan until they are golden brown.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a thin layer of mayo or Korean-style mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Place a lettuce leaf on top, followed by the cooked chicken patty.
8. Add the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
Spoon a generous amount of the spicy kimchi bacon jam over the patty. If you like, add sliced cucumbers or pickled radish for extra crunch and flavor!
9. Top It Off:
Finally, cover each burger with the top half of the bun. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful bite!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Gochujang Chicken Burgers immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy the spicy, savory goodness!
FAQ for Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken, and it will work well in this recipe. Just be mindful that turkey can be leaner, so make sure not to overcook the patties to keep them juicy.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy Without Kimchi?
Yes! If you prefer to skip the kimchi, you can add extra gochujang to the burger mixture or mix in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes directly into the patties for a spicy kick!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers and Kimchi Jam?
Store any leftover burgers and kimchi jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the burgers gently in a pan or microwave, and you can heat the jam in a small saucepan over low heat.
Can I Make the Kimchi Bacon Jam Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the kimchi bacon jam in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It actually develops more flavor as it sits, making it even tastier!
