These Gochujang Chicken Burgers are packed with flavor, thanks to the spicy, sweet gochujang sauce. Topped with a deliciously unique spicy kimchi bacon jam, they’re a fun twist on a classic burger.
Who knew burgers could be this exciting? I love how the sweet and spicy jam adds a kick! They’re perfect for weekend grilling, trust me—you’ll be the star of the cookout!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the base of your burger. If you want a leaner option, use ground turkey instead. For a richer flavor, chicken thighs are a great pick.
Gochujang: The star of the show! If you can’t find gochujang, a mix of miso paste with a little chili powder can give a similar depth of flavor.
Kimchi: Use your favorite store-bought kimchi, or if you prefer homemade, it can be really fun to make! If you don’t like kimchi’s flavor, pickled veggies can be a nice alternative.
Bacon: It adds a wonderful smokiness. For a healthier twist, turkey bacon or even veggie bacon can work here, although they won’t have quite the same flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Adding these can help bind the patties. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers are good substitutes.
How Do I Get My Chicken Patties to Stay Juicy and Flavorful?
Keeping chicken patties juicy can be tricky! Here are some tips:
- Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense patties.
- Chilling the patties for 20-30 minutes helps them hold together while cooking.
- Cook over medium-high heat to achieve a nice char without drying out the insides.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a little cheese into the mix for even more flavor and moisture!
Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gochujang Chicken Burgers:
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (optional, to bind)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
For the Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam:
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped (with some juice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
To Assemble:
- Burger buns (brioche or sesame buns work great)
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced cucumber or pickles (optional)
- Mayonnaise or aioli (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and about 30-40 minutes for cooking total. You’ll spend a little bit of time making the jam, cooking the patties, and then assembling everything together. So get ready to enjoy some delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Gochujang Chicken Patties:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, chopped onion, grated ginger, black pepper, salt, and if you’re using it, the egg and panko breadcrumbs. Just mix until everything is combined but be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the patties tender! Once mixed, divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions and shape them into patties. Pop them in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to firm up.
2. Prepare the Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam:
While the patties are chilling, take a skillet and cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. If there’s too much bacon fat, you can remove some. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook it until it’s softened, which should take about 4 minutes. Then stir in the chopped kimchi, brown sugar, gochujang, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and optional chili flakes. Cook everything over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens and gets sticky—this will take about 10-15 minutes. Once done, set it aside.
3. Cook the Chicken Burgers:
Preheat your grill or a skillet to medium-high heat, and lightly oil the surface. Once heated, cook the chicken patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you like, you can also toast the burger buns on the grill for a little extra crunch!
4. Assemble the Burgers:
It’s time to put it all together! If you want, spread some mayonnaise or aioli on the bottom half of each bun. Place a fresh lettuce leaf on the bun followed by a juicy chicken patty. Spoon a generous amount of that spicy kimchi bacon jam on top, then add sliced cucumber or pickles for some freshness if desired. Cap it off with the top half of the bun.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your burgers immediately with your favorite side—fries or a crisp salad are excellent choices! These flavorful burgers are truly best enjoyed fresh, so dig in and savor the amazing blend of Korean flavors! Enjoy!
FAQ for Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Spicy 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 keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier, so be sure not to overcook the patties.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked patties and chicken jam in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, and gently reheat the kimchi bacon jam in a saucepan.
Can I Make the Spicy Kimchi Bacon Jam in Advance?
Yes, the spicy kimchi bacon jam can be made ahead of time! You can prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently in a skillet before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you love extra heat, feel free to add more gochujang to the burger mix or increase the chili flakes in the jam. You can also serve the burgers with additional chili sauces on the side.
