The Sweet Heat: Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Bacon Jam Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering gochujang chicken burger promises an adventurous culinary twist that’ll spark excitement at your next meal.

Korean-inspired spice weaves magic through tender meat, creating layers of bold flavor.

Crispy bacon jam adds a tangy counterpoint that makes each bite irresistible.

Sweet, smoky, and intensely savory notes dance across your palate with surprising complexity.

Unexpected combinations elevate this burger from ordinary to extraordinary, challenging traditional sandwich expectations.

Kimchi brings a zingy fermented crunch that cuts through rich protein perfectly.

Your dinner guests will marvel at this inventive recipe that blends global ingredients into one spectacular handheld feast.

Grab a napkin and get ready to experience a seriously delicious flavor explosion.

Why Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam Hit Every Flavor Note

• Spice Up Your Dinner: Gochujang chicken burgers bring bold Korean-inspired flavors that transform an ordinary meal into an exciting culinary adventure. The combination of spicy gochujang and savory bacon jam creates a mouthwatering taste explosion.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: These burgers come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families wanting a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques mean you can have gourmet-style burgers on the table fast.
• Customize Your Craving: Flexible recipe allows easy modifications to suit different taste preferences. Swap chicken for turkey, adjust spice levels, or add different toppings to make the burger uniquely yours. The kimchi bacon jam adds a tangy, sweet-spicy twist that elevates the entire dish.
• No-Fuss Cooking Method: Simple skillet or grill pan cooking makes this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. No complicated techniques required – just mix, form patties, and cook until perfectly golden and juicy.

What You’ll Need For Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for the burger patties, choose fresh ground chicken with moderate fat content for juiciness.
• Bacon: Provides rich, smoky flavor for the kimchi jam, thick-cut bacon works best for crispy texture.

• Gochujang, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Core Korean-inspired flavor profile for chicken patties, adds depth and umami.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential burger seasoning for balanced flavor enhancement.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice booster for kimchi bacon jam.

• Shallot, Kimchi: Creates complex sweet and tangy base for bacon jam.
• Brown Sugar, Rice Vinegar: Provides balance and caramelization in bacon jam.
• Buns: Soft carrier for the burger, preferably toasted for extra texture.
• Mayonnaise or Gochujang Aioli: Creamy condiment for added moisture.
• Lettuce or Slaw, Pickles or Cucumbers: Fresh elements for crunch and brightness.

Steps To Build Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

Step 1: Create Sizzling Kimchi Bacon Jam

• Bacon (chopped)
• Shallot
• Kimchi
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Red pepper flakes

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Keep a tablespoon of bacon grease and sauté shallots until soft and fragrant. Toss in remaining ingredients and let the mixture simmer and bubble. Stir occasionally until the jam becomes thick and glossy with intense flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Fiery Chicken Patties

• Ground chicken
• Gochujang
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Gently mix until everything is evenly distributed. Shape the mixture into perfect burger patties. Heat a skillet or grill pan and cook patties until golden brown and fully cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches the safe zone.

Step 3: Build Mouthwatering Burger Towers

• Burger buns
• Mayonnaise
• Gochujang aioli
• Lettuce
• Pickles
• Cucumbers

Toast burger buns until they’re crispy and golden. Spread a generous layer of mayo or spicy aioli. Place the sizzling chicken patty on the bottom bun. Top with the tangy kimchi bacon jam. Add fresh crisp lettuce and optional pickles or cucumber slices. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately while everything is warm and aromatic.

Tips To Balance The Heat In Gochujang Chicken Burgers

• Boost Bacon Jam Flavor: Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey while simmering for deeper, richer taste that complements the kimchi's tangy profile.
• Prevent Dry Chicken Burgers: Mix in a tablespoon of grated onion or breadcrumbs to keep ground chicken patties moist and tender during cooking.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust gochujang quantity based on heat preference – less for mild, more for intense Korean-style kick in your burger.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare kimchi bacon jam and chicken patties in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for quick assembly later in the week.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular soy sauce with tamari, use gluten-free buns, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

How To Store Gochujang Chicken Burgers Without Losing Juiciness

• Refrigerate leftover chicken burgers and kimchi bacon jam in separate airtight containers.
• Consume the burgers within 23 days for optimal freshness and taste.
• Safely store the kimchi bacon jam for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual burger patties in plastic wrap or place in sealed containers to prevent moisture loss.
• Avoid freezing assembled burgers, as the buns and toppings may become soggy.
• Reheat refrigerated patties in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and reaching an internal temperature of 165F (75C).
• Refresh the burger's texture by toasting the buns before reassembling.
• For best quality, prepare fresh components like lettuce and pickles when reheating stored burger patties.

Great Pairings For Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

• Pair with Tangy Korean Soju: Crisp, cold soju cuts through the rich, spicy burger flavors, creating a perfect Korean-inspired meal companion.
• Match with Bright Cucumber Salad: Fresh, crunchy cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing balances the burger's intense gochujang and bacon jam heat.
• Complement with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Light, clean pilsner beer refreshes the palate and provides a smooth contrast to the burger's bold, spicy profile.
• Serve alongside Pickled Vegetable Banchan: Traditional Korean side dishes with zingy, acidic notes help cleanse the palate between burger bites.

Creative Additions To Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

• Korean Fusion Burger: Replace ground chicken with ground pork for a richer flavor profile, adding grated ginger and green onions to the meat mixture for extra depth.
• Seafood Transformation: Swap chicken with fresh salmon or tuna, mixing in chopped scallions and seasoning with miso paste for a marine-inspired burger experience.
• Vegetarian Korean Burger: Create patties using firm tofu or black beans, incorporating gochujang and sesame seeds, topped with grilled mushrooms and crispy seaweed strips.
• Spicy Ranch Edition: Mix ranch seasoning into the chicken patties, drizzle extra gochujang on top, and add crispy onion strings for a tangy, crunchy version of the original recipe.

FAQs About Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam

• What makes gochujang special in this burger recipe?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste that adds a unique spicy-sweet flavor with deep umami notes to the chicken patties, giving these burgers an incredible depth of taste that’s way more interesting than traditional burger seasonings.

• How do I know if my chicken burgers are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through while staying juicy and preventing any foodborne illness risks.

• Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

You can prepare the kimchi bacon jam and form the chicken patties in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook the patties just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The heat level is moderate. Gochujang provides a warm, complex spiciness that’s flavorful but not overwhelming. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes or gochujang to suit your personal spice tolerance.

Gochujang Chicken Burgers With Kimchi Bacon Jam Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Korean-inspired gochujang chicken burgers sing with spicy, smoky flavors that dance between traditional and modern cuisine. Crispy bacon jam and bold gochujang sauce elevate this burger, inviting you to savor a delicious culinary adventure from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground chicken

Burger Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil, for cooking

Kimchi Bacon Jam:

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• ½ cup chopped kimchi
• 1 small shallot or onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Burger Toppings:

• Toasted burger buns
• Mayo, spicy mayo, or gochujang aioli
• Lettuce or cabbage slaw
• Sliced pickles or cucumbers (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft the kimchi bacon jam by sizzling chopped bacon in a skillet until golden and crisp, retaining a small amount of rendered fat. Sauté finely minced shallots until translucent and fragrant.
2. Incorporate diced kimchi, rich brown sugar, tangy rice vinegar, umami-packed soy sauce, and optional red pepper flakes into the skillet. Allow the mixture to gently simmer and reduce, developing a thick, glossy consistency that melds complex flavors.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend ground chicken with fiery gochujang, robust soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, aromatic garlic powder, pungent onion powder, and a balanced seasoning of salt and pepper.
4. Gently shape the seasoned chicken mixture into uniform patties, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
5. Warm a skillet or grill pan with a light coating of oil over medium heat. Carefully place chicken patties and cook until they develop a beautiful caramelized exterior and reach a safe internal temperature.
6. Toast soft burger buns until they acquire a delicate golden crispness around the edges.
7. Spread a luxurious layer of mayonnaise or gochujang aioli across the bun surfaces, creating a creamy foundation.
8. Layer the juicy chicken patties onto the prepared buns, generously crown with the rich kimchi bacon jam, and add crisp lettuce or refreshing slaw.
9. Garnish with pickled cucumbers or crisp pickle slices for an extra burst of tangy brightness. Serve immediately while the burger remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of gochujang and red pepper flakes for a personalized spice experience.
• Use ground chicken with a slightly higher fat content to ensure juicy, tender burger patties that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari and using gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
• Maximize flavor by letting the chicken mixture rest for 15-20 minutes before forming patties, allowing the seasonings to fully penetrate the meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg