Authentic Korean Jjimdak Recipe: A Hearty Chicken Stew to Warm Your Soul

Ingredients

1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
200 g glass noodles
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 large carrot, cut into chunks
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 green onions, cut into lengths
10 cloves of garlic, minced
2 dried red chili peppers, cut into pieces
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 tablespoon of corn syrup
1.5 liters of water
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
Sesame seeds for garnish

Steps and instructions

Soak the glass noodles in cold water for about 30 minutes.
In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, water, soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Add the potatoes, carrot, onion, minced garlic, and red chili peppers to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Continue to cook for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Drain the glass noodles and add them to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are soft.
Stir in the green onions and sesame oil.
Transfer the jjimdak to a serving dish, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve hot.

Tools for making

Large pot - for cooking the jjimdak and its ingredients
Knife - for cutting the chicken, vegetables, and garlic
Cutting board - to provide a stable surface for chopping and slicing
Measuring spoons - for accurately measuring the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and corn syrup
Spatula or wooden spoon - for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot
Colander - to drain the soaked glass noodles
Serving dish - for presenting and serving the jjimdak

Recipe variations

Substitute chicken with beef or pork for a different protein option.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer dried red chili peppers.
Include other Korean ingredients like gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) or doenjang (soybean paste) for a unique twist.
Try using sweet potatoes or butternut squash instead of regular potatoes.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Experiment with different types of noodles such as udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti.
For a healthier version, reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Add Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon) towards the end of cooking for an extra chewy texture.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Korean perilla leaves for added freshness.

Recipe overview

Jjimdak is a popular Korean dish that is known for its tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and glass noodles, all cooked together in a savory and slightly spicy sauce. This hearty dish originated from the city of Andong, Korea, and has been beloved by people across the country and around the world. Our recipe will guide you through the steps to create this delicious and comforting meal at home. Expect a blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, and a satisfying mixture of textures from the different ingredients. This Jjimdak recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Common questions

Can I use other meat instead of chicken? Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meat like beef or pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
Can I make this dish less spicy? If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce or omit the dried red chili peppers. You can also remove the seeds from the peppers before adding them to the dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with tofu or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Jjimdak is versatile, and you can add your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare the jjimdak in advance and reheat it before serving. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste? Certainly! Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and other seasonings according to your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the jjimdak and accommodate all the ingredients.
Strainer - A strainer will be helpful to drain the glass noodles before adding them to the pot.
Chopping board - A sturdy chopping board is essential for preparing the vegetables and cutting the chicken.
Knife - A sharp knife is needed for cutting the chicken, vegetables, and garlic.
Wooden spoon - A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients in the pot.
Serving dish - A nice serving dish is needed to present the jjimdak when it is ready to be served.
Sesame seeds grinder - A grinder specifically for sesame seeds is recommended for freshly grinding sesame seeds for garnishing the dish.

Origin stories

Jjimdak, which means 'steamed chicken,' is a popular dish that originated from Andong, a city in South Korea, known for preserving traditional Korean culture. The dish was created during the 1980s as an alternative to fried chicken, which was becoming popular due to Western influence. Despite its relatively recent origin, it quickly gained prominence for its unique flavour and has become a staple in Korean cuisine. Interestingly, the Andong area is famous for its spicy foods, but the original Jjimdak is not spicy. Spiciness was added to cater to the tastes of more regions and these days, it's common to find both versions. This dish truly encapsulates the ability of Korean cuisine to adapt and evolve while preserving its roots.

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.