Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken Crushed Salad
This Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken Crushed Salad is a bold, flavorful dish featuring tender, spicy-sweet gochujang marinated chicken served over a crisp, vibrant salad. It’s a perfect balance of heat, umami, and freshness, making it an ideal light yet satisfying meal. The “crushed” salad style means the vegetables are lightly smashed or chopped to absorb the delicious dressing better.
Ingredients
For the Gochujang Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Crushed Salad:
1 ½ cups cucumber, roughly smashed or chopped
1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green)
1 cup carrots, julienned
½ cup radish slices (optional)
½ cup chopped cilantro
¼ cup green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Dressing:
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp gochujang (for extra kick)
½ tsp grated garlic
Instructions
1. Marinate & Cook the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and pepper.
Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
2. Prepare the Crushed Salad:
Lightly smash the cucumbers with a rolling pin or the back of a knife to release juices.
In a large bowl, mix cucumbers, cabbage, carrots, radish, cilantro, and green onions.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, gochujang, and garlic.
Pour over the salad and toss well.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Arrange the salad on a serving plate.
Top with sliced gochujang chicken.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Enjoy warm or chilled.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~320
Protein: ~32g
Carbohydrates: ~18g
Fats: ~14g
Fiber: ~4g
Sodium: ~700mg
Notes & Tips:
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
More Crunch? Add crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips.
Spicy Level: Adjust gochujang and red pepper flakes to taste.
This spicy Korean gochujang chicken crushed salad is fresh, fiery, and packed with bold flavors!