Kkanpunggi

About the dish

Kkanpunggi is a Chinese-style dish of crisply fried chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy garlic-chili sauce reduced until not a drop of liquid remains. The play of crackling crust and bold glaze has made it a much-loved specialty.

Key ingredient

Chicken (dakgogi) — lean, easily digested protein suited to recovery and restorative meals; methionine and essential amino acids aid the liver and immunity, with vitamin A for healthy skin. In season year-round (a summer restorative), raised nationwide.

Ingredients

Main: chicken, starch, scallion, garlic, dried chilies, bell pepper · Seasoning: soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, chili oil

Simple recipe

1. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, coat them in batter and fry until crisp.
2. Reduce a sauce of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and chili.
3. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger and chilies.
4. Add the fried chicken and toss until the sauce soaks in.
5. Toss until glossy, with no liquid left, and serve.

▶ Watch recipe videos

A Glass · Traditional pairing