Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam Recipe

Sizzling Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam Recipe

Juicy burger patties sizzle with a mouthwatering gochujang chicken burst of flavor that promises an unforgettable meal.

Spicy meets savory in this Korean-inspired culinary creation.

The blend of bold Korean chili paste and tender chicken creates a remarkable fusion of textures and tastes.

Crispy bacon jam adds a smoky complexity that elevates every bite.

Kimchi brings a tangy punch that cuts through the richness of the meat.

Each ingredient tells a story of bold, vibrant cuisine that dances across your palate.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and experience this extraordinary burger that redefines sandwich excellence.

Get Ingredients For Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

For Kimchi Bacon Jam:
  • Bacon: Crispy base that adds smoky richness and deep flavor complexity.
  • Shallot: Provides sweet-sharp undertone and aromatic background notes.
  • Kimchi: Introduces tangy fermented kick and Korean-inspired zesty profile.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized sweetness and balances spicy elements.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds bright acidity and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and enhances overall savory character.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice booster for extra heat and warmth.
For Chicken Burger Mixture:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein base with mild flavor ready to absorb seasonings.
  • Gochujang: Spicy Korean chili paste that introduces complex heat and depth.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and enhances meat's savory undertones.
  • Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty authentic Korean flavor dimension.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides consistent aromatic punch without fresh garlic chunks.
  • Onion Powder: Delivers subtle sweet-sharp background flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste enhancement.
For Burger Assembly:
  • Burger Buns: Soft carrier for holding juicy chicken and flavorful toppings.
  • Mayonnaise or Gochujang Aioli: Creamy binding element with potential spicy twist.
  • Lettuce or Slaw: Fresh crisp component adding textural contrast.
  • Pickles or Cucumbers: Crunchy acidic element for brightness.
  • Optional Toppings: Customizable layer for personal flavor preference.

Tools That Help With Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

  • Skillet: Essential for cooking bacon and chicken patties evenly.
  • Large bowl: Perfect for mixing ground chicken with seasonings.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping bacon and shallots.
  • Sharp knife: Helps chop bacon and shallots precisely.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
  • Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
  • Tongs: Useful for flipping burger patties safely.

How To Make Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

  • Sizzle Bacon into Jammy Goodness

Cook bacon pieces in a skillet until super crispy. Keep a touch of bacon grease and toss in minced shallots. Stir in chopped kimchi, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Let everything bubble and meld together for several minutes until the mixture gets thick and glossy.

  • Craft Spicy Chicken Patties

Blend ground chicken with gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into burger-sized patties. Cook them in a hot skillet or grill pan, flipping once, until they’re perfectly golden and cooked through.

  • Build Flavor-Packed Burgers

Toast your burger buns and spread a generous layer of mayo or gochujang aioli. Place the sizzling chicken patty on the bottom bun. Crown it with the rich kimchi bacon jam. Add crisp lettuce or crunchy slaw for extra texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss on some quick pickles. Cap with the top bun and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Tips For Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

  • Perfect Patty Technique: Wet your hands with cold water before shaping chicken patties to prevent sticking and create smoother, more even burgers.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust gochujang amount to customize heat – use less for mild flavor or more for intense Korean-style spiciness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare kimchi bacon jam and burger mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for quick meal preparation.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace soy sauce with tamari and serve on gluten-free buns to make this recipe celiac-friendly without losing authentic flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Transformation

How To Serve Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

  • Flavor Fusion Plating: Layer burger components strategically for maximum taste and visual appeal, ensuring each bite combines spicy gochujang chicken with tangy kimchi bacon jam.
  • Korean-Inspired Side Companions: Serve alongside quick cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or crispy seaweed chips to complement the burger's bold Korean flavors and provide textural contrast.
  • Refreshing Drink Pairing: Match the spicy burger with a cold Korean beer like Hite or Cass, or prepare a light cucumber-mint mojito to balance the rich, intense burger profile.
  • Customizable Topping Bar: Set out extra kimchi, sliced green onions, pickled radishes, and additional gochujang sauce, allowing guests to personalize their burger experience with fresh, zesty add-ons.

Storage Tips For Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

  • Jam Jar Magic: Transfer leftover kimchi bacon jam to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Perfect for spreading on sandwiches or topping grilled meats.
  • Patty Preservation: Uncooked chicken burger patties can be stored between wax paper sheets in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or seal in freezer bags for maximum freshness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Prep: Raw burger patties freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • Quick Reheat Trick: Leftover cooked burgers can be gently warmed in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Print
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Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam Recipe

Spicy Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Korean-inspired gochujang chicken burgers harness bold flavors from spicy sauce and crispy bacon jam. Balanced heat and umami create a memorable sandwich that satisfies cravings for complex Korean-American fusion cuisine you’ll devour with enthusiasm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground chicken
  • 2 tbsps gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp oil, for cooking
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped kimchi
  • 1 small shallot or onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Toasted burger buns
  • Mayonnaise, spicy mayonnaise, or gochujang aioli
  • Lettuce or cabbage slaw
  • Sliced pickles or cucumbers (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bacon Jam Preparation: Crisp chopped bacon in a skillet until golden, reserving some rendered fat. Sauté minced shallots until translucent and aromatic.
  2. Flavor Development: Combine diced kimchi, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes in the skillet. Simmer until the mixture reduces to a thick, glossy consistency that blends complex flavors.
  3. Chicken Patty Seasoning: Mix ground chicken with gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly incorporated.
  4. Patty Formation and Cooking: Shape seasoned chicken into uniform patties and cook in a lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium heat until caramelized and fully cooked through.
  5. Bun Preparation: Toast burger buns until edges turn golden and crisp. Spread mayonnaise or gochujang aioli across bun surfaces.
  6. Assembly and Garnish: Layer cooked chicken patties on prepared buns, top generously with kimchi bacon jam, and add crisp lettuce or slaw. Finish with pickled cucumbers or pickle slices for a tangy brightness. Serve immediately while burger remains warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Manage Moisture Carefully: Ground chicken can dry out quickly, so avoid overworking the meat when forming patties to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Balance Spice Levels: Adjust gochujang quantity based on heat tolerance; start with less and gradually increase for personalized flavor intensity.
  • Perfect Patty Technique: Create a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent bulging and ensure even cooking with a flat surface.
  • Smart Fat Management: Use a mix of ground chicken thigh and breast meat for enhanced moisture and richer flavor profile, preventing potential dryness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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