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Looking for a mouthwatering, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for summer and meal prep? Look no further! These Korean Inspired Chicken Bulgogi Kebabs are a total game-changer. They’re packed with flavor, super easy to make, and ideal for prepping ahead.
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Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep and Summer:
- Flavorful and Fun: The combination of pear, ginger, and gochujang brings a delightful sweet-spicy kick that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
- Perfect for Summer: Grilling these kebabs is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and avoid heating up the kitchen. Plus, they’re juicy and tender, making them a perfect summer treat!
- Easy Meal Prep: These kebabs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. They’re great for quick weeknight dinners or even for meal prepping lunches.
- Budget Friendly: Chicken thighs are generally less expensive than chicken breasts, and the marinade ingredients are pantry staples. You get a gourmet meal without breaking the bank.
Here’s What You Need
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are chosen for their rich flavor and tenderness compared to chicken breasts. They remain juicy and flavorful even after grilling, which is perfect for this marinade-infused kebab recipe.
- Pear: Pears add a subtle sweetness and natural juiciness to the marinade. They also help to tenderize the chicken due to their natural enzymes. The pear’s mild flavor complements the savory and spicy elements of the marinade beautifully.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides the essential salty umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the marinade. It also helps to balance the sweetness from the pear and brown sugar.
- Honey: honey adds a rich, caramelized sweetness to the marinade. It creates a delightful contrast with the spicy and salty elements and helps to achieve a beautiful caramelization on the grill.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil imparts a nutty, toasted flavor that is a hallmark of Korean cuisine. It also adds depth to the marinade and contributes to the glossy finish on the grilled chicken.
- Chopped Onion: Onions bring a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the marinade. They also add complexity to the overall flavor profile and help balance out the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a punch of robust, aromatic flavor. It’s a key ingredient in many marinades and dishes for its ability to enhance and deepen the overall taste.
- Grated Ginger: Ginger introduces a fresh, spicy warmth that brightens up the marinade. It also aids in tenderizing the chicken and adding a hint of zing to the final dish.
- Gochujang: Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that provides a unique blend of heat, sweetness, and umami. It’s essential for giving the kebabs their distinctive Korean flavor and a slight kick.
- Green Onions: Green onions add a fresh, crisp garnish that contrasts with the rich flavors of the kebabs. They provide a burst of color and a mild, oniony crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sesame oil in the marinade. They also make the kebabs look extra appetizing and finished.
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Easy Steps for Grilling
- Blend the Marinade: In a blender, combine the pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. Blend until smooth. This marinade not only adds sweetness and depth but also tenderizes the chicken beautifully!
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl. Pour ¾ of the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Set the remaining marinade aside for basting. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prepare for Grilling: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers.
- Grill Time: Heat your grill (indoor or outdoor) to medium-high. Grill the chicken skewers for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Don’t forget to baste occasionally with the reserved marinade to keep the chicken juicy and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
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Meal Prep Tips for Chicken Bulgogi Kebabs
- Prep Veggies Ahead: If you’re serving these kebabs with veggies (like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini), chop them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. They’ll be ready to toss on the grill or stir-fry when you’re ready to eat.
- Batch Cook Grains: Prepare a large batch of grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous. Store them in the fridge in separate containers. They pair perfectly with the kebabs and can be used in various meals throughout the week.
- Make a Flavorful Dip or Sauce: Prepare a simple dipping sauce or additional marinade for extra flavor. Store it in a small container in the fridge. A quick soy-ginger sauce or a yogurt-based dip can complement the kebabs beautifully.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. However, chicken thighs are recommended because they remain juicier and more flavorful after grilling. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out quickly.
 What if I don’t have gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute with a mix of red chili flakes and a bit of honey or brown sugar. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will still give you a spicy-sweet kick.
Can I use other fruits in the marinade?
Yes! While pears are traditional, you can experiment with other fruits like apples or pineapples. Adjust the sweetness to your taste and enjoy a different twist on the marinade.
Korean-Inspired Chicken Bulgogi Kebabs
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition