Korean Fried Chicken vs Japanese Fried Chicken - K CHICKEN (2024)

Hello and welcome to this Korean fried chicken vs Japanese fried chicken review.

Ah, fried chicken. Is there any dish more universally beloved?

Whether you like your chicken Southern-style, with a crispy coating of flour and spices, or prefer it dredged in buttermilk and egg before being fried to perfection, there’s no denying that this dish is a comfort food favorite.

But what about when you want to spice things up a bit? That’s where Korean fried chicken and Japanese fried chicken come in.

These two popular Asian cuisines offer their unique takes on this classic dish, and today we’re going to pit them against each other to see which one comes out on top. Read on to learn more!

Korean Fried Chicken: The Contender

Korean Fried Chicken vs Japanese Fried Chicken - K CHICKEN (1)

Korean fried chicken, or KFC, as it’s sometimes called, is double-fried for extra crispiness and then tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. This variety of fried chicken is thought to have first gained popularity in South Korea in the 1970s. It has since spread worldwide, becoming a staple at Korean restaurants everywhere.

One thing that sets Korean fried chicken apart from its competitors is that it’s usually less greasy and heavy than other varieties.

It is because it’s typically cooked without skin, making it a healthier option for those watching their waistlines. And because it’s double-fried, it has a light, crispy coating that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Japanese Fried Chicken: The Competitor

Japanese fried chicken, or JFC, is very similar to its Korean counterpart in terms of ingredients and cooking method; however, a few key differences set it apart.

First, Japanese fried chicken is usually marinated in a soy sauce-based marinade before being dredged in flour and egg and then fried.

It gives the chicken a slightly sweeter flavor than Korean fried chicken.

Second, JFC is often served with various dipping sauces on the side. In contrast, KFC is typically done with just one dressing for all chicken pieces.

And finally, JFC is usually cut into bite-sized pieces before being served, making it easier to eat with chopsticks (though fork and knife are perfectly proper utensils as well).

So which one should you try? Why not both?

Head to your nearest Asian market or restaurant and try these two delicious dishes!

You might find yourself with a new favorite way to enjoy fried chicken.

Conclusion

In the battle of ” Korean fried chicken vs. Japanese fried chicken, there can only be one winner, and that winner is you!

Because no matter which cuisine you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious plate of crispy, finger-licking good fried chicken.

So next time you’re feeling adventurous, why not try both cuisines?

You might find yourself with a new favorite way to enjoy this classic dish.

Korean Fried Chicken vs Japanese Fried Chicken - K CHICKEN (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Korean fried chicken and Japanese fried chicken? ›

3 Japanese fried chicken is tossed in rice or cornstarch. Korean fried chicken uses potato starch. The Japanese style of cooking the chicken is lightly floured before fried. This is usually rice flour or cornstarch.

Is Korean fried chicken better than fried chicken? ›

In conclusion, Korean fried chicken can be a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken if prepared and served in a healthier way. By being mindful of the cooking method, seasoning, and sauces used, you can enjoy the delicious taste of fried chicken without compromising your health.

What makes Korean fried chicken different? ›

The chicken is usually seasoned with spices, sugar and salt, prior to and after being fried. Also, Korean fried chicken is often made with a wet batter and coated in a thin layer of potato starch, which helps to create a unique crunchiness.

Is Korean fried chicken less greasy? ›

One thing that sets Korean fried chicken apart from its competitors is that it's usually less greasy and heavy than other varieties. It is because it's typically cooked without skin, making it a healthier option for those watching their waistlines.

What is the number 1 fried chicken in Korean? ›

#1 BBQ. Since BBQ have opened its business in 1995, the brand itself was more like a symbol of Korean fried chicken. Due to their long history and the quality of food, customer loyalty is higher than other brands; people would still order their food but complain about their price and extra delivery fee.

What is the real name of Korean fried chicken? ›

Therefore, yangnyeom chicken (양념치킨) means "seasoned fried chicken" in Korean. Unseasoned fried chicken is called dakgogi-twigim (닭고기 튀김; chicken meat fritter) or fried chicken (프라이드치킨). Outside Korea, yangnyeom chicken is known as Korean fried chicken.

Why is Korean fried chicken so expensive? ›

Higher-Quality Ingredients

In addition to the chicken, Korean fried chicken is also marinated in a unique blend of spices and sauces, giving it its distinct flavor. These sauces often require high-quality ingredients, such as Korean chili paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.

Why is Korean fried chicken so juicy? ›

The chicken itself is often marinated in a mixture of buttermilk, spices, and sometimes even fruit juice to add flavor and tenderize the meat. This step ensures that every bite is bursting with juicy, flavorful chicken. Of course, you can't talk about Korean fried chicken without mentioning the side dishes.

What are the white things in Korean fried chicken? ›

In Korean fried chicken, what is the white, square crunchy food they eat on the side? - Quora. Home-maker of kimchi and makgeolli. This side dish is pickled radish. It is typically called chicken mu (moo) which is literally 'chicken radish'.

Why do Koreans fry their chicken twice? ›

The Korean fried chicken is super crispy because potato starch is added to its batter and the chicken is fried twice. This second frying also cooks off the excess water in the chicken from the first frying. Korean fried chicken is known to stay extra crispy for a long time, even with a glazed surface.

Why do Koreans eat so much fried chicken? ›

In the 60s and 70s, fried chicken was meant for special occasions, but the Korean fried chicken concept became popular in the 90s. This was when most Korean families lived in apartment complexes, and food can be easily delivered and enjoyed as an affordable meal or snack.

How unhealthy is Korean chicken? ›

There are also foods to be avoided completely if you are on a healthy eating diet. These are foods that you should avoid eating too often:Korean fried chicken. This tastes so good: juicy, tender chicken in a crunchy coating, often served with a sweet sauce. But it's high in fat, salt and sugar.

How to keep Korean fried chicken crispy? ›

Frying twice, and using potato starch instead of flour. Potato starch fries up much crispier than wheat flour, and it holds that crisp for far longer. Using potato starch makes this fried chicken gluten free, although the sauce is not :(.

Is Korean fried chicken supposed to be pink? ›

Color is not a reliable indicator of safety or doneness. Safely cooked poultry can vary in color from white to pink to tan. All poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

Why does Korean fried chicken taste so good? ›

The key to the best Korean fried chicken, according to Taste Asian Food, is to marinate it for at least two hours with salt, ground black pepper and ginger juice. To fry the chicken, first coat it with potato or corn starch and baking powder before frying.

What's the difference between Japanese and American fried chicken? ›

What is the Difference Between Karaage and Fried Chicken?
  • Karaage is marinated: Karaage's unique flavor must come from its marinade. ...
  • Karaage is not dredged in batter: Unlike tempura which uses a liquid batter, or katsu, which relies on panko (breadcrumbs), karaage theoretically uses only dry coatings.
Jul 27, 2023

What is the difference between Japanese and Chinese chicken fried rice? ›

Chinese fried rice uses varieties of long-grain white rice, which includes the likes of basmati and jasmine. This gives the dish a characteristically dry, firm texture and leads to a little more crispness when fried. Japanese fried rice, on the other hand, uses short-grain white rice, like sushi rice aka Japanese rice.

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