These spicy gochujang chicken burgers are packed with flavor! The kick from the gochujang sauce combined with crispy kimchi bacon jam makes every bite mouthwatering and fun!
When I make these burgers, I can’t help but smile. The sweet and spicy jam is just so good that I sometimes eat it straight from the jar. Seriously, you’ll want some with every meal! 😄
What I love about these burgers is how easy they are to whip up for a weeknight dinner. Just mix, grill, and enjoy a burst of flavor that’s perfect for sharing with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the heart of the burger. You can swap it for turkey or pork if preferred. If you want a vegetarian option, try using a plant-based ground meat product!
Gochujang: A key ingredient that adds heat and depth. If you can’t find it, red chili paste or sriracha can work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be exactly the same. Aim for a balance of heat and sweetness!
Bacon: Crispy bacon is crucial for the jam’s texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon is a great alternative. For a vegetarian jam, consider using smoked mushrooms instead.
Kimchi: This adds flavor and a bit of funk! If kimchi isn’t available, finely chopped sauerkraut can be an interesting substitute. Just keep in mind it will change the taste profile a bit.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken Burgers Without Drying Them Out?
Cooking chicken burgers can be tricky, as they can dry out quickly. Here’s how to keep them juicy:
- Use ground chicken with a bit of fat for moisture. Thigh meat is flavorful and less dry than breast meat.
- Don’t over-mix the meat. Just combine enough to incorporate the ingredients; overworking can make burgers tough.
- Make a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up while cooking.
- Always cook on medium-high heat. It helps sear the patties and lock in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer! Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), you’ll know they’re done without overcooking.
Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Spicy 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
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or soft sandwich buns)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Sliced cucumber or pickles (optional)
For the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup kimchi, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon gochujang (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- Black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, for a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken burgers with a deliciously unique twist—perfect for a weeknight meal or weekend gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Kimchi Bacon Jam:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Then, remove most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the chopped kimchi, brown sugar, soy sauce, gochujang (if using), apple cider vinegar, water, and a dash of black pepper. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 15-20 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Chicken Burgers:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onions, salt, black pepper, and egg (if using). Mix gently but thoroughly until everything is combined. Shape the mixture into 4 equal patties, making them slightly thicker in the middle to prevent puffing while cooking.
3. Cook the Burgers:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly oil the surface. Cook the chicken patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and properly browned on the outside (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
4. Assemble the Burgers:
Lightly toast the burger buns for a little crunch. Place some fresh lettuce leaves on the bottom half of the bun, then add the cooked chicken patty. Generously spread the kimchi bacon jam on top of the patty. If you’d like, add some sliced cucumber or pickles for extra crunch. Finally, cap it with the top half of the bun.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your spicy gochujang chicken burgers hot and enjoy the fantastic blend of flavors! This dish brings an exciting Korean twist to the classic burger that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
FAQ for Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. Just be aware that turkey can be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to help keep the patties moist.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’re looking for an extra kick, you can increase the amount of gochujang in the chicken mixture or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Additionally, incorporating sliced jalapeños into the burger or serving with a spicy dipping sauce can amp up the heat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers and kimchi bacon jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The burgers will be good for up to 3 days, while the jam can last up to a week. To reheat, simply warm the patties in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The jam can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make the Kimchi Bacon Jam Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the kimchi bacon jam in advance! It stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week, and its flavors will deepen as it sits. Just reheat it slightly before serving to bring back that delicious texture.
