Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

The grilled Korean BBQ chicken sandwich holds a special spot in my culinary journey. It began during a summer backyard BBQ with friends. I wanted to serve something unique that would excite everyone’s taste buds. After some contemplation, I decided on marinated chicken thighs infused with bold Korean flavors. The moment that first sandwich touched my lips, I knew I had struck gold.

Every bite delivers a smoky, spicy kick backed by the sweetness of honey and brown sugar. Chicken thighs, with their juicy tenderness, become the stars of this dish. Add a cool crunch from pickled cucumbers, and you have a flavor explosion that fuels any gathering. This grilled Korean BBQ chicken sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

Creating this sandwich combines various techniques that elevate the dish to new heights. The key is in the marinade and the spicy mayo, both of which will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s delve into each element that makes this sandwich unforgettable.

Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich Basics

Fundamentals

To successfully execute a grilled Korean BBQ chicken sandwich, you need to understand the basics. The chicken marinade, made with Korean BBQ rub, sesame oil, and gochujang, works to infuse the meat with flavor. The chicken thighs benefit from marinating, becoming tender and full of zest.

Pickling cucumber rounds in rice vinegar enhances the sandwich’s profile. The balance of sweet and tangy contrasts perfectly with the savory chicken. Lastly, spicy mayo, a delightful mixture of mayo, sriracha, and sesame oil, provides an added layer of richness and heat. Each element comes together seamlessly, creating a symphony of flavors.

Preparation/Setup

Begin by gathering your ingredients and setting up your workspace. You’ll need a grill, a mixing bowl for the marinade, and a refrigerator to marinate your chicken and cucumbers. An organized prep area ensures a smoother cooking process.

Start by preparing your pickles. In a bowl, mix together rice vinegar, salt, and sugar until dissolved. Then add the sliced cucumbers. After mixing well, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This allows the cucumbers to soak up the tangy flavors, ideal for balancing the richness of the chicken.

Once the pickles marinate, focus on the chicken. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the Korean BBQ rub. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring a proper sear on the chicken.

Ingredients

For this delicious sandwich, gather all the necessary ingredients:

• 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup Korean BBQ rub
• 1 whole seedless cucumber, sliced into 1/8 inch rounds
• 1 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons gochujang (adjust based on your heat tolerance)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Korean BBQ rub
• 2 tablespoons water (for a slurry)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for a slurry)
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on your heat tolerance)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
• Sandwich buns or rolls

Directions

1. Pickling Cucumber: In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, salt, and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Add sliced cucumbers and mix well. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare Korean BBQ Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix sesame oil, grated garlic, grated ginger, low sodium soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir continually until the sugar dissolves.

3. Create Slurry: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Add this mixture to the sauce and cook until it thickens. Remove from heat.

4. Grill Chicken: Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Coat the chicken thighs in Korean BBQ rub. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Mix Spicy Mayo: Combine mayo with sriracha, sesame oil, and low sodium soy sauce.

6. Assemble Sandwiches: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and spread sriracha mayo on each bun. Layer the grilled chicken and top with pickled cucumbers.

Elevating Your Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Technique

The technique behind grilling the perfect chicken thighs is simple yet effective. Make sure the grill is preheated to maintain a good sear. The Korean BBQ rub will create a beautiful crust, sealing in the flavors.

Turning the chicken just once or twice prevents the loss of juices. Allowing the chicken to rest post-grilling provides fruitful results too. This step locks in moisture, making every bite succulent and tender.

Tips/Tricks

Here are a few tips to ensure your Korean BBQ chicken sandwich comes out perfectly:

• Marinate Longer: If time permits, marinate the chicken thighs for several hours or overnight. A longer marination time deepens the flavors.

• Two-Stage Cooking: Start with high heat to sear the chicken, then lower the heat to cook through evenly without burning.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Personalize the heat level by altering the amount of gochujang in the marinade and sriracha in the mayo.

• Test for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.

Perfecting Your Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Perfecting Results

To achieve the ultimate grilled Korean BBQ chicken sandwich, focus on the balance of flavors and textures. Soft, pillowy buns melted against the tenderness of marinated chicken creates a delightful contrast. Crispy pickles add an essential crunch, enhancing your overall experience.

Additionally, consider varying the sauces. A thicker sauce will cling to the chicken better, while a thinner, drizzling option can create a more refreshing sensation.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Should your chicken end up dry, consider marinating it longer next time or opt for a higher fat content in the thighs. Variations are endless with this recipe. For a different twist, try adding shredded carrots or daikon radish to your pickled mixture for extra texture and flavor.

Experimenting with different types of buns or even lettuce wraps can provide fresh alternatives. Swap the sriracha mayo for a yogurt-based sauce for a creamy option that still provides a kick.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Sandwich

Serving/Presentation

Presentation enhances the appeal of your grilled Korean BBQ chicken sandwich. Serve each sandwich on a wooden board surrounded by extra pickled cucumbers. Include a small bowl of spicy mayo for dipping.

Consider garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped scallions to elevate the visual aesthetics further. This attention to detail captivates your guests’ eyes before they even sink their teeth into the deliciousness.

Pairings/Storage

Pair this sandwich with various sides to create a delightful meal. Serve it alongside sweet potato fries for a satisfying crunch. Coleslaw adds a refreshing bite that complements the sandwich beautifully.

When it comes to storage, leftover chicken can stay in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken on the grill or in a skillet to maintain its juiciness.

If you have leftover pickles, they can last for about a week in the refrigerator, making them a great condiment for future meals. This ensures that the delicious flavors remain available long after your initial creation.

Creating your own grilled Korean BBQ chicken sandwich elevates your BBQ game. Each step, from marinating to grilling, enriches your culinary experience. Enjoy this perfect blend of flavors and textures — a truly memorable meal awaits!

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