The fiery and flavorful Dak Galbi is a famous Korean meal, so get ready to have your taste senses blown away. Delicious stir-fried chicken with a medley of veggies and a thick, spicy sauce is sure to please the appetites of people who appreciate robust, flavorful fare.
The first step in making Dak Galbi is marinating boneless chicken breasts in a savory concoction of Korean red chili paste (gochujang), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sugar. The chicken gets its foundational flavor—a rich, savory, and spicy one—from this marinade.
After marinating, stir-fry the chicken in a hot pan or skillet for even cooking. Onions, cabbage, sweet potatoes, carrots, and browned chicken are sautéed together in a skillet. Not only do these veggies brighten up the dish with their color and texture, but they also soak up all the delicious sauce flavors, making for a perfect combination.
While the chicken cooks through and the veggies become soft yet slightly crunchy, the stir-frying procedure continues. Sliced green onions and sesame seeds are common garnishes for this dish because they add crispness and an additional blast of flavor.
Serve hot and eat with steamed rice or on its own. Dak Galbi is best appreciated directly from the pan. To add a touch of freshness and lightness to the dish, it’s usual to wrap the spicy chicken and veggies in lettuce leaves.
Dak Galbi Recipe
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 500 grams boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean red chili paste
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru Korean red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine mirin
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece of ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 cup cabbage chopped
- 1 cup sweet potato thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup carrot julienned
- 1/2 cup onion sliced
- 1/2 cup rice cakes tteok, optional
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Fresh lettuce leaves for serving
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice wine, honey or sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the marinade.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer for more flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Chop the cabbage, slice the sweet potato and onion, julienne the carrot, and chop the green onions.
- If using rice cakes (tteok), soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften.
Step 3: Cook the Dak Galbi
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Add the chopped cabbage, sweet potato slices, julienned carrot, and sliced onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
- If using rice cakes, add them to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are soft and heated through.
- Stir in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, mixing well to combine.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the cooked Dak Galbi to a serving platter.
- Serve hot with fresh lettuce leaves and cooked rice on the side.
- To eat, take a lettuce leaf, add a spoonful of Dak Galbi, and wrap it up. Enjoy the spicy, savory flavors wrapped in the refreshing crunch of lettuce.
Tips and Information
Tips and Information
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but you can also use chicken breast if desired.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochujang and gochugaru according to your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the quantities or omit the gochugaru.
- Rice Cakes: Korean rice cakes (tteok) add a chewy texture to the dish. If unavailable, you can omit them or substitute with another ingredient like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Serving Suggestions: Dak Galbi is often served with banchan (Korean side dishes) such as kimchi, pickled radishes, and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to develop even more.
Dak Galbi’s robust flavors and filling textures will amaze anyone, whether they enjoy spicy cuisine or are just seeking to expand their palate. Get everything you need for this tasty Korean stir-fried chicken dish, and get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey!