Spicy Gochujang Chicken Salad
Spicy Gochujang Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, marinated chicken with fresh mixed greens and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a spicy-sweet gochujang dressing. This quick and easy salad offers a perfect balance of heat, freshness, and texture, making it ideal for a light lunch or dinner with bold Korean-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Total Time: 23 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens, washed and dried
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled and julienned
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing
- 2 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with gochujang paste, minced garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. Marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. The gochujang will caramelize slightly, creating rich flavor.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, wash and dry the mixed salad greens. Peel and julienne the carrot and cucumber, and chop the scallions. Arrange all the vegetables in a serving bowl to form a fresh, crisp base.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang paste, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar or honey, and minced garlic until smooth and balanced in spice, tanginess, and sweetness.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the warm cooked chicken on top of the salad greens and vegetables. Drizzle with the prepared gochujang dressing and toss gently to combine. Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if time allows, to deepen the flavor.
- Adjust the amount of gochujang paste according to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh and crisp vegetables for the best texture and taste.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before adding them to enhance their flavor.
- Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm chicken and crisp greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Spicy Chicken Salad, Gochujang Salad, Korean Chicken Salad, Healthy Salad, Quick Dinner
Find it online: https://marycorner.com/spicy-gochujang-chicken-salad/
