Gochujang Chicken Kimchi Jam

Gochujang Chicken Burgers with Kimchi Jam deliver spicy depth and a burst of juicy flavor in every bite, bridging Korean-inspired ingredients with classic burger satisfaction. This is not your ordinary chicken burger but a bold weeknight meal that feels special without the effort of a restaurant visit. When my family first tasted the kimchi bacon jam, it was one of those everyone-around-the-table-smiling moments and now it is a recurring request.

The first time I served these at a backyard cookout they disappeared fast and there were requests for more jam on the side because everyone loved that punchy kick.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken or turkey: brings lean juiciness and is a lighter alternative to beef
• Gochujang Korean chili paste: gives deep umami and gentle heat look for one with minimal additives
• Soy sauce or tamari: adds savory notes choose low sodium if needed
• Sesame oil: infuses a nutty aroma always buy toasted for richer taste
• Honey: balances the spice with subtle sweetness raw honey if possible tastes best
• Minced garlic and fresh ginger: brighten up the mixture pick firm unblemished items
• Green onions: add fresh zing buy bright green vibrant bunches
• Black pepper: sharpens the flavor freshly ground is best
• Breadcrumbs: help patties hold together use panko for a lighter crumb
• Vegetable oil: ensures a crispy sear use a neutral oil like grapeseed
• Turkey or beef bacon: delivers smoky bite check that slices are not too thick
• Chopped kimchi: is tangy and spicy opt for well-fermented kimchi for intense flavor
• Brown sugar: creates caramel notes use dark brown for deeper taste
• Rice vinegar: brightens the jam unseasoned is best for clean sharpness
• Onion for the jam: builds sweetness look for firm yellow or white onions
• Sesame oil again for the jam: adds earthiness
• Sriracha: offers a customizable heat level and vibrant color
• Brioche or potato buns: stay pillowy and sturdy enough to soak up juices
• Mayonnaise: cools the heat best with full-fat creamy texture
• Fresh cilantro: adds herbal freshness stems and leaves both work
• Lettuce and cucumber: bring crunch and an extra fresh bite look for crisp leaves and firm cucumber

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Kimchi Bacon Jam:

Heat your skillet on medium until hot add turkey bacon strips and cook until deeply crisped turning as needed for even browning about seven minutes then transfer bacon to a paper towel and crumble it once cool

 

With the bacon fat in the pan toss in your finely chopped onion and cook slowly until golden and translucent scraping any browned bits from the pan about four minutes

 

Spoon in the chopped kimchi letting it sear and caramelize for two or three minutes so it intensifies in flavor

 

Sprinkle in your brown sugar pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar mix in a dash of sesame oil and simmer over low for five minutes stirring frequently until you have a thick glossy mixture with a jam consistency

 

Fold in your crumbled bacon and the optional pinch of crushed red pepper flakes then keep the jam warm over low as you move on

Make the Gochujang Chicken Patties:

In a large mixing bowl combine ground chicken with gochujang soy sauce sesame oil honey minced garlic freshly grated ginger chopped green onions black pepper and breadcrumbs mix just until everything is evenly combined do not overmix or the burgers will toughen

 

Divide the mix into four even portions and shape into thick round patties pressing gently so they hold together but are not compacted

 

Heat vegetable oil in your skillet over medium-high swirl to coat the base and lay in the patties leaving space between each so you get a nice sear

 

Cook for five to six minutes per side flipping only once and pressing lightly do not overcrowd for best browning you want a deep caramel crust and juicy interior check doneness with a thermometer or cut open to confirm no pink remains

Toast the Buns:

Slice your buns in half and butter the cut sides lightly then toast on a hot skillet or griddle for two or three minutes until sides are deeply golden and crisp this prevents sogginess and adds bonus flavor

Assemble the Burgers:

Mix your mayonnaise with a spoonful of sriracha if you want heat then generously spread on the toasted bottom buns

 

Set a chicken patty on each then top with a large dollop of kimchi bacon jam letting all the chunky bits drape over the sides

 

Finish with a handful of cilantro some crisp lettuce leaves or sliced cucumber and place the top bun firmly on

 

Serve right away while everything is warm and fragrant

Save

I always double the jam batch because it transforms plain rice or eggs into a new meal and once my sister tried it on grilled cheese she said it was life changing for a simple lunch.

Storage Tips

Leftover patties store well in an airtight container for three days in the refrigerator reheat gently in a skillet until warm to preserve juiciness Kimchi bacon jam tastes even better after a day and stays fresh chilled for up to a week For freezing uncooked burger patties wrap them individually for up to two months thaw fully before cooking

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey makes an easy substitute for chicken if that is what you have on hand For vegetarian friends swap burger patties for firm tofu slices marinated in soy sesame and gochujang Cook them until crispy For gluten free versions use tamari and gluten free buns Also try using vegan bacon and egg free mayo for plant based eaters

Serving Suggestions

These burgers are great with quick pickled cucumber or a side of Asian slaw For a bit of fusion try adding a fried egg or shredded cheddar cheese on top The burgers also shine when paired with oven sweet potato fries or even sticky rice on the side for soaking up extra jam

Cultural Notes

Gochujang is an essential Korean chili fermentation that provides more depth and character than typical hot sauces Kimchi jam is a nod to the Korean love of fermented foods combined with a modern burger twist bringing together textures that are at once sticky crisp spicy and sweet With these burgers you get a beautiful marriage of cultures in each bite

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use turkey instead of chicken for the patties?

Yes, ground turkey can replace chicken. It offers a similar texture and soaks up the gochujang flavors perfectly.

→ How spicy are these burgers?

The heat level is customizable. Adjust gochujang and sriracha amounts to suit your spice preference.

→ Is the kimchi jam essential?

Kimchi jam adds unique tang and rich umami, but you can use regular kimchi or skip the bacon if needed.

→ What’s the best bun to use?

Soft brioche or potato rolls are ideal, as they balance spice and soak up juices without getting soggy.

→ Can I make these burgers gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure buns and breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well.

→ What toppings go well with this burger?

Fresh cilantro, lettuce, cucumber, and extra mayo complement the bold flavors nicely.