How to Make Dak Galbi: Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Dak galbi, also known as Korean spicy fried chicken, is a popular Korean dish that consists of tender pieces of chicken seasoned with gochujang that is spicy, sweet and sour, mixed with vegetables in a dish that cannot uninhibited in this known rich flavor, there are colors presented and satisfying taste m . Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, Dak Galbi is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious!

What is Dakgalbi?

Dakgalbi or Dak Galbi is a spicy chicken dish made with boneless pieces of chicken, rice cakes (tteokbokki tteok), and some vegetables Dak means chicken and Galbi means ribs. However, there are no ribs in this dish. In those days, pork ribs (dwezi galbi) were becoming too expensive to eat every day, so a chef made a similarly delicious dish with chicken and called it dak galbi

This spicy chicken dish originated in the 1960s in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, hence the dish is also called Chuncheon Dakgalbi. On one of my trips to Korea, I took a day trip to Chuncheon with a couple of friends. I always loved this food I had in Seoul, but I wanted to experience it in its birthplace.

Chuncheon is a small town about an hour’s drive from Seoul. It is a beautiful town with mountains and lakes and lots of duckgalbi restaurants. We went to the famous Dak Galbi Galla which had plenty of restaurants. We chose to look busy outside. It was past lunch time, but the place was still buzzing.

Why You’ll Love This Dak Galbi Recipe

Dak Galbi has the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and sweet, making it a crowd pleaser for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables and sweet rice cakes makes it a delight for any bite. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit your tastes and preferences, and it’s a great way to introduce Korean food to your family and friends Plus, it’s easy and only takes one fork!

INGREDIENTS

Main

• 500 g chicken thigh fillets (1.1 pounds), you can use a whole chicken or chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
• 1/2 sweet potato (180g / 6.3 ounces), cut into long thick sticks (like English chips)
• 1/2 carrot (60g / 2.1 ounces), diagonally sliced
• 1/4 cabbage (320g / 0.7 pounds), shredded
• 10 leaves Korean perilla (35g / 1.2 ounces), thinly sliced
• 18 pieces Korean rice cakes (175g / 6.1 ounces), separated, if you use pre-packaged rice cakes, separate them first then soak in warm water for 10 minutes before you use them
• Some cooking oil (2 to 3 Tbsp) – I used rice bran oil

Marinade Sauce

• 3 Tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
• 2 Tbsp rice wine
• 1 Tbsp gochugaru Korean chili flakes
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp raw sugar
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp Korean curry powder
• 1/2 onion (35g / 1.2 ounces), grated or minced
• Few sprinkles ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Pour sauce over the chopped chicken and marinate for at least 30 mins.
2. Though I strongly recommend marinating it for at least 4 hrs, and if you can afford more time for better flavoured chicken then, overnight.
3. However, if you are really short of time, then 30 mins will do.
4. Heat a big pan over high medium heat; add some oil when hot. Place all the vegetables and rice cakes in the pan and put the meat on top.
5. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes then reduce to medium or low and cook more until everything is cooked, about 10 -15 minutes.
6. Stir frequently while cooking to avoid sticking of food in the pan. One can also put the lid on it to make it cook faster.
7. Serve with rice and other favorite Korean dishes.

Cooking Tips

• Using chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are preferred for tenderness and flavor, but it is quite easy using chicken breasts, too.
• Spice it up or tone it down: Play with the amount of heat by adding more gochujang and gochugaru. For a smoother texture, add a few or more spicy coconuts.
• Adding cheese: Mix grated mozzarella cheese over Dak Galbi for a more sophisticated result; Place on the serving plate. “Cheese Dak Galbi” is well known in Korea.
• Mix in the vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, like peppers, mushrooms or zucchini if ​​you like.

Serving Suggestions:

Dak galbi is usually wrapped in steamed white rice or lettuce leaves for a unique and crunchy texture. Finish the meal by adding Korean side dishes (banchan) such as kimchi, pickled radishes, or seaweed salad.

This Dak Galbi recipe is perfect for lovers of bold and spicy flavours. It’s a great way to bring Korean street food into your home, and it’s sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy this dessert with your friends and family, and bring the flavors of Korea to life in your kitchen!

FAQ’s