McDonald's has launched two new burgers featuring a unique gochujang butter sauce, a combination that has gained popularity among food creators in the U.S. and Europe. This fusion of Korean gochujang and butter has been highlighted on social media platforms like TikTok, with recipes for gochujang butter pasta and toast even appearing in the New York Times Cooking section. Now, this trend has made its way into McDonald's offerings.
On September 17, McDonald's Korea introduced the 'McCrispy Gochujang Butter' and 'McSpicy Gochujang Butter' burgers, both utilizing a gochujang butter sauce developed in Korea. This campaign, led by McDonald's Korea, will gradually expand to 13 Asian markets, including China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with each market offering variations that cater to local culinary preferences.
On the launch day, I visited the McDonald's location in Cheonho Rodeo, Seoul, to sample both burgers along with the gochujang butter sauce sold separately. Given that gochujang butter is used in various Western dishes like pasta and steak, I was optimistic about its compatibility with burgers. I first unwrapped the 'McCrispy Gochujang Butter.'
What caught my attention immediately was the cheese. Instead of the familiar yellow cheddar, a thick slice of colby-jack cheese, a mix of white and yellow, topped the chicken thigh patty. The McCrispy features a Cajun patty made from whole chicken thighs, paired with the gochujang butter sauce and colby-jack cheese, while the McSpicy combines the same sauce and cheese with a spicy chicken breast patty.
Taking a bite, I noticed a flavor that was similar yet distinct from the original McCrispy. While the previous version emphasized smoky and tangy notes, the new burger left a spicy aftertaste. The brioche bun, juicy chicken thigh patty, and smooth cheese combined with the gochujang butter sauce created a richer flavor profile.
Notably, the spicy sauce balanced the inherent richness of the chicken thigh. For consumers who enjoy the thick patty but find it a bit heavy, this new version may be a lighter option. The gochujang flavor did not overpower; instead, it added a layer of Korean spiciness to a Western-style burger, resembling a fusion dish.
Next, I tried the 'McSpicy Gochujang Butter,' which showcased a more pronounced spiciness. The base patty itself is spicy, and the addition of the gochujang butter sauce enhanced this heat. However, it was not overwhelmingly spicy; it was at a level that could be enjoyed without discomfort. The sauce's flavor stood out clearly on the lean chicken breast patty, making the gochujang butter more prominent than in the McCrispy.
If the McCrispy lightly blended Western-style chicken burger with Korean spiciness, the McSpicy brought the gochujang butter flavor to the forefront. Each burger had its own appeal, but personally, I preferred the McCrispy, where the richness of the chicken thigh harmonized smoothly with the spice.
The accompanying gochujang butter sauce was even more intense in flavor than in the burgers. Its light red hue resembled a rosé sauce, but the taste began with the spiciness of gochujang, followed by the rich and smooth flavor of butter. Pairing it with fried McNuggets or French fries, the spiciness helped balance the greasiness, creating a pleasant combination.
This sauce will be slightly modified to meet food standards in various Asian countries. In Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam, the Korean sauce will be used with minor adjustments to fit local tastes, while China has developed a separate sauce for its market.
When I tasted the sauce developed for China, I found that it had a milder gochujang flavor with a more pronounced sweetness. Although it left a spicy finish, it differed in texture from the Korean version. It was interesting to compare how the same sauce name could vary based on local preferences.
The packaging design also reflects a trendy aesthetic. This series features new models, including signature designs by G-Dragon, incorporating daisy and heart motifs. Notably, the packaging for markets like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia includes the Korean term 'gochujang butter,' highlighting the growing trend of Korean culture and language.
A representative from McDonald's Korea stated, "This new menu allows customers to enjoy Korean spiciness in a unique way using the gochujang butter sauce developed in Korea. As this campaign unfolds across various Asian markets, we hope customers will enjoy a special experience through diverse menus and content."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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