Shake Shack is no stranger to creative and trendy menu items, whether it’s a new shake inspired by everyone’s Dubai Chocolate obsession or a savory tribute to hot dogs. We’ve even seen the burger joint go beyond the standard fare to give diners an elevated fast food experience with its limited-edition Black Truffle menu.
The latest offering is actually not entirely new but exciting nonetheless and is inspired by the prominent flavors in Korean cuisine, like gochujang and kimchi. It was a huge hit upon its initial launch in 2021, so much so that a new menu featuring similar items briefly returned two years ago.
Fans on Instagram begged for its return, and this month, their wish has come true.
Shake Shack’s Korean-Style Menu Is Back
Allrecipes / Shake Shack
First up, several fan-loved items are finally back. The K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich features a crispy breaded chicken breast that’s coated in a spicy sesame gochujang glaze. Each sandwich is topped with fresh scallions and a tangy kimchi slaw made with Choi’s Kimchi and is served on a toasted potato bun.
Meanwhile, the K-Shack BBQ Burger starts off with a 100 percent Angus beef patty topped with American cheese. The burger is also loaded with crispy sweet onions, fresh scallions, and a savory Korean BBQ sauce on a toasted potato bun.
The K-Shack Spicy BBQ Fries are back on the menu as well, which combine the signature crinkle-cut fries with zesty kimchi seasoning and a side of Korean BBQ sauce.
Joining the menu for the first time are the K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites. Each six-count serving of chicken bites is coated in the same spicy glaze that’s found on the chicken sandwich. They’re also garnished with fresh scallions and served with the diner’s choice of dipping sauce.
Both sandwiches will cost around $10.49, while the new fried chicken bites cost $6.49. The K-Shack Spicy BBQ Fries are priced at $5.49.
Of course, you can’t enjoy a meal at Shake Shack without ordering a shake. The new K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake fits in perfectly with the lineup. At $6.99, the creamy custard base is flavored with a rich and spicy gochujang caramel. The shake gets topped with plenty of whipped cream and even more gochujang caramel for a sip that’s sweet and savory.
Our news editor, Bailey Fink, had an opportunity to sample the new menu early and shared her thoughts.
“As much as I love the K-Shack Fried Chicken Sandwich, the new K-Shack Fried Chicken Bites really stole the show. The crispy pieces of fried chicken let the sauce shine on its own—and bring out an even more savory and spicy flavor because the nuggets don’t have the slaw or bun to cut the heat,” she says. “The K-Shack Spicy Caramel Shake is the perfect winter milkshake as it has a heat that builds in the back of your throat and warms your body. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy that keeps you coming back for more until the cup is completely empty.”
The revamped menu is available on the Shake Shack app starting Jan. 6, and in-store starting Jan. 9. Make sure to head to your nearest location to give the Korean-style menu a try.
