Delicious and Traditional Korean Dakjjim Recipe

Ingredients

  • 600g of chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 200g of potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 large onion, cut into chunks
  • 2 green chili peppers, sliced
  • 2 red chili peppers, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of corn syrup
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 spring onions, sliced

Steps and instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Set aside for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook until they are browned on all sides.
  3. Add the chunks of potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pan. Stir to combine with the chicken.
  4. Add the sliced green and red chili peppers to the pan. Stir to mix with the other ingredients.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup to make a sauce. Pour this sauce over the ingredients in the pan.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  7. Remove the pan from the heat and drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the dish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds on top.
  8. Garnish with the sliced spring onions before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for preparing and chopping ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting and slicing the chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
  • Large pan - Used for cooking the dish.
  • Small bowl - Used for mixing the sauce ingredients.
  • Spatula - Helps in stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the quantities of ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts or bone-in chicken drumsticks.
  • Add different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  • Make it spicy by adding more chili peppers or chili flakes.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
  • Experiment with different sauces like gochujang or teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce and oyster sauce.
  • Add additional seasonings such as ginger, five-spice powder, or curry powder for added flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
  • Try using different types of starch, such as sweet potatoes or butternut squash, instead of regular potatoes.
  • Include other herbs and spices like cilantro, basil, or scallions for a fresh twist.
  • For a richer flavor, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth while simmering.

Recipe overview

Dakjjim, a traditional Korean dish, is a hearty and flavorful stew made with chicken and vegetables. This recipe combines chicken thighs with potatoes, carrots, onions, and chili peppers, all cooked together in a savory sauce. The chicken is first marinated in soy sauce, rice wine, and garlic, and then browned to perfection. The vegetables are added and everything is simmered until tender. The dish is finished with a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor. This dakjjim recipe is relatively simple to make and results in a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any day of the week.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? - Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer. However, keep in mind that chicken breast tends to be less juicy and flavorful compared to thighs.
  2. Can I omit the chili peppers if I don't like spicy food? - Yes, you can omit the chili peppers if you don't enjoy spicy food. The dish will still be flavorful without the heat.
  3. Can I use a different type of oil? - Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as canola oil or peanut oil instead of vegetable oil. Just make sure it has a high smoke point.
  4. Can I make this dish ahead of time? - Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. It will still taste delicious.
  5. Can I adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce? - Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce according to your taste preferences. Add more or less sugar as desired.
  6. Can I use other vegetables in this dish? - Yes, you can customize the vegetables in this dish to your liking. You can add or substitute with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan - A large pan with a lid to cook the chicken and vegetables.
  • Small bowl - A small bowl to mix the sauce ingredients.
  • Spatula - A spatula or a wooden spoon to stir and mix the ingredients in the pan.
  • Kitchen knife - A kitchen knife to peel and cut the potatoes, carrots, and onions.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board to chop and prepare the vegetables.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure the ingredients for the marinade and sauce.
  • Tongs - Tongs to handle and flip the chicken thighs while cooking.
  • Lid - A lid to cover the pan while simmering the dish.
  • Garnishing tools - Optional tools like tweezers or kitchen scissors to neatly garnish the dish with sliced spring onions.

Origin stories

Dakjjim, also known as braised chicken, is a beloved dish in Korea, with roots tracing back to the royal court cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty. The dish was originally known as "Jjim-Dak," which literally translates to "steamed chicken." It was a specialty in the city of Andong, renowned for its gastronomy, where it was served to the king and his royal entourage. Later, as time passed, the dish evolved into a staple of Korean home cooking. Interestingly, Dakjjim, in its modern form, includes not only chicken but also a variety of vegetables and a savory sauce, demonstrating the Korean culinary philosophy of balance and harmony. The dish is often enjoyed with a bowl of hot, steaming rice, making it a symbol of comfort food for many Koreans.

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.