Authentic Korean Dalkalbi: A Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken Delight

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
  • 1 large sweet potato
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 cup of cabbage
  • 2 green onions
  • 2 cups of tteok (Korean rice cakes)
  • 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • For Marinade:
  • 3 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
  • 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of rice wine
  • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl: gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil.
  3. Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or ideally overnight in the fridge.
  4. Cut the sweet potato, carrot, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Chop the cabbage and green onions.
  5. Soak the tteok in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
  6. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
  7. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
  8. Add the chopped vegetables and tteok to the pan and stir-fry for another 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is fully cooked.
  9. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - For chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - To cut chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients.
  • Bowl - To mix the marinade and marinate the chicken.
  • Pan or Wok - To cook the chicken and vegetables.
  • Spatula or Tongs - For stirring and flipping the ingredients while cooking.
  • Warm Water - To soak the tteok (rice cakes).

Recipe variations

  • Replace chicken with beef or pork for a different protein option.
  • Make it vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh instead of meat.
  • Add different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of gochugaru and gochujang.
  • Experiment with different types of rice cakes, such as cylindrical tteok or flat tteok.
  • Add a spicy kick by including sliced jalapenos or Korean red pepper flakes.
  • For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of gochugaru and gochujang and add a bit more soy sauce.
  • Include additional seasonings like black pepper or Korean soybean paste (doenjang) for added depth of flavor.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are free from gluten.
  • For a seafood twist, add shrimp, squid, or clams along with the chicken.

Recipe overview

Delve into the mouth-watering world of Korean cuisine with this flavorful Dalkalbi recipe. Dalkalbi, or spicy stir-fried chicken, is a popular dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a medley of vegetables and tteok (Korean rice cakes), all cooked together in a fiery, fragrant chili sauce. This recipe breaks down the process of making Dalkalbi into manageable steps, making it an exciting and achievable culinary adventure even for beginners. Expect a savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile, punctuated by the satisfying chew of the rice cakes and the freshness of the vegetables. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, the delicious result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breast tends to be drier than thighs, so you may need to be careful not to overcook it to maintain its tenderness.
  2. Can I substitute the Korean chili powder and paste with other ingredients? While it's best to use gochugaru and gochujang for an authentic Dalkalbi flavor, you can substitute them with other chili powder and paste varieties. Just be aware that the taste may differ from the traditional Korean dish.
  3. What can I serve Dalkalbi with? Dalkalbi is commonly served with steamed rice. You can also enjoy it with lettuce leaves to make wraps, or with a side of kimchi and pickled radishes for a complete Korean meal.
  4. Can I make Dalkalbi vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Dalkalbi by substituting the chicken with tofu or seitan. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as tofu or seitan may cook faster than chicken.
  5. Is Dalkalbi spicy? Yes, Dalkalbi is known for its spicy flavor. The combination of gochugaru and gochujang gives it a spicy kick. However, you can adjust the amount of chili powder and paste to suit your spice tolerance.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface for chopping vegetables and cutting chicken.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients.
  • Bowl - A mixing bowl for combining the marinade ingredients and marinating the chicken.
  • Pan or Wok - A large pan or wok for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
  • Spatula - A utensil for stirring and flipping the ingredients while cooking.
  • Tongs - Tongs for handling the chicken and vegetables while cooking.
  • Strainer - A strainer for draining the soaked tteok.
  • Serving Platter - A platter for serving the cooked dalkalbi.

Origin stories

Dalkalbi, or Dak Galbi, hails from the city of Chuncheon, located in the Gangwon Province of South Korea. The dish became popular in the 1960s as an inexpensive anju, or food consumed with alcohol, in small, local taverns. The reason for its popularity was its affordability, as chicken was far cheaper than other meats. The city of Chuncheon even hosts a Dak Galbi festival every October, attracting both locals and tourists to celebrate this beloved dish. The dish's name, Dalkalbi, literally translates to "chicken ribs" in Korean, but despite the name, it is typically made with chicken thighs or other meaty parts of the chicken. The dish is a testament to Korean culinary expertise, transforming inexpensive ingredients into a flavorful, comforting, and communal meal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.