These Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers are a fun twist on the classic! Juicy chicken patties are mixed with spicy gochujang, giving them a tasty kick. The real star is the Kimchi Bacon Jam, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love bacon? When you put it in jam form with kimchi, it’s a game changer! I love serving these burgers with a splash of mayo and extra lettuce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of your burgers. You can substitute with ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option. Just remember, chicken has a milder flavor, so if you switch, a bit of extra seasoning might help!
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste brings spice and depth. If you can’t find it, sriracha or a mix of chili powder and miso paste can work in a pinch. But gochujang is really special, so I recommend trying to get it if you can!
Bacon: For the kimchi bacon jam, any type of bacon works well, but I love using thick-cut for extra crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon could be a great alternative, though it may yield a different texture.
Kimchi: This fermented side dish is packed with flavor! If you can’t find kimchi, try sauerkraut or pickled veggies for a different tangy touch, although it won’t have the same kick.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Patties Stay Juicy?
Keeping your chicken patties moist can be a challenge. Here’s the trick: don’t overmix the meat when combining ingredients. Just mix until everything is combined, then form the patties gently.
- Shape the patties around ¾ inch thick for even cooking.
- Cook them on medium heat so they don’t dry out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F / 75°C) without cutting into the patties.
And if you feel like adding a little extra moisture, a simple drizzle of some oil before grilling can help keep them juicy too!
How to Make Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Burgers:
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
For the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup kimchi, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water
To Assemble:
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Lettuce leaves
- Mayonnaise (optional)
- Sliced cucumber or pickles (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes for preparation and cooking. It’s super quick for such delicious burgers! Plus, if you make the kimchi bacon jam ahead of time, you can save even more time on cooking day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, remove most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Next, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the kimchi, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, gochujang, and water. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently while stirring occasionally, until it thickens up and turns into a jam-like consistency, about 15-20 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
2. Make the Chicken Burger Patties:
In a large bowl, toss together the ground chicken, gochujang (yes, more of that tasty stuff!), minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, salt, chopped green onions, panko breadcrumbs, and the egg. Mix everything together gently, but be careful not to overmix; we want our patties to stay tender. Once mixed, divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty that’s about 3/4 inch thick.
3. Cook the Chicken Burgers:
Heat up a grill or large skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You want to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are fully cooked through. If you’d like, during the last minute of cooking, you can also toast your burger buns on the grill to add a lovely crunch.
4. Assemble the Burgers:
Now for the fun part! Spread a little mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun (if you’re using it). Then, lay down a fresh lettuce leaf, followed by placing the cooked chicken patty on top. Generously spoon the delicious kimchi bacon jam over the patty; don’t be shy! Finally, if you want, add sliced cucumber or pickles for that extra crunch, and top with the other half of the bun. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top!
5. Serve:
Enjoy your spicy gochujang chicken burgers immediately while they’re warm, accompanied by your favorite sides like crispy fries or a fresh salad. Trust me, they’re a hit!
Enjoy your homemade, flavorful Korean-inspired chicken burgers! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to chicken. Just be aware that turkey has a milder flavor, so you may want to adjust your seasonings slightly to ensure your burgers are flavorful.
How Long Can I Store the Kimchi Bacon Jam?
The kimchi bacon jam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness!
Can I Freeze the Chicken Patties?
Yes! You can freeze the chicken patties before cooking. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to use, cook directly from frozen, but adjust the cooking time accordingly!
What Can I Serve With These Burgers?
These spicy chicken burgers pair wonderfully with crispy fries, a refreshing salad, or even sweet potato wedges. You could also serve them with a side of pickled vegetables to complement the flavors!
