Spicy Korean Chicken Stew (Dakbokkeumtang) Recipe: Authentic and Easy to Follow

Ingredients

1 kg chicken parts
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoon sesame oil
3 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 medium potatoes, cubed
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 green onions, sliced
2 red chili peppers, sliced (optional)
2 cups water
2 teaspoon Korean chili paste (Gochujang)
1 teaspoon Korean chili powder (Gochugaru)
1 teaspoon black pepper
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chili paste, chili powder, and black pepper.
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, coating them thoroughly with the marinade. Leave the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable and sesame oils over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it's browned on all sides.
Add the sliced onion, cubed potatoes, and sliced carrots to the pot. Stir until they are well mixed with the chicken and the marinade.
Add the water to the pot, ensuring that the ingredients are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken and vegetables are cooked through.
Stir in the sliced green onions and red chili peppers, then cover the pot again and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Check the seasoning and add more soy sauce or sugar if needed. The flavor should be a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.
Once the Dakbokkeumtang is cooked, sprinkle it with sesame seeds for garnish before serving. Serve it hot with rice on the side.

Tools for making

Large bowl - For marinating the chicken
Large pot - For cooking the Dakbokkeumtang
Spatula - For stirring and mixing the ingredients
Knife - For slicing the onion, carrots, and green onions
Cutting board - To safely chop the vegetables
Measuring spoons - For accurately measuring the ingredients
Tongs - For turning and flipping the chicken
Ladle - For serving the Dakbokkeumtang
Serving bowls - To serve the finished dish

Recipe variations

Use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken parts for a more tender meat texture.
Add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of Korean chili paste (Gochujang) or add additional red chili flakes.
Make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth instead of water.
Add other seasonings like ginger, oyster sauce, or honey to customize the flavor profile.
For a heartier meal, serve the Dakbokkeumtang over noodles instead of rice.
Add a splash of rice wine or mirin for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Experiment with different garnishes such as cilantro, lime wedges, or chopped peanuts.
For a quicker version, use pre-made Korean Dakbokkeumtang sauce instead of making the marinade from scratch.
Make it extra comforting by adding a few spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter to the sauce.

Recipe overview

This recipe is for a Korean classic dish called Dakbokkeumtang, a hearty and spicy chicken stew that is sure to warm you up. At the heart of the dish is a marinated chicken, cooked with potatoes, carrots, and onions, in a spicy, savory, and sweet sauce. The key to this dish is the balance of flavors from the soy sauce, sugar, and Korean chili paste and powder. The dish is then topped with sesame seeds for added texture. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare, including the time for the chicken to marinate. Dakbokkeumtang is typically served hot and is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering. It is often enjoyed with a side of rice. Expect a comforting meal that is bursting with flavors and textures.

Common questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken for this recipe. Simply cut the boneless chicken into small pieces before marinating and cooking.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken is recommended as it helps to infuse the flavors into the meat. However, if you're short on time, you can skip the marination step and proceed with cooking.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
Absolutely! You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Korean chili paste (Gochujang) and chili powder (Gochugaru) according to your preference.
Can I substitute or add other vegetables?
Certainly! You can customize the recipe by adding or substituting vegetables based on your liking. Some popular additions include mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
What can I serve with Dakbokkeumtang?
Dakbokkeumtang is commonly served with steamed rice as a main dish. You can also enjoy it with a side of kimchi or other Korean banchan (side dishes).
How can I make it less salty?
If you find the dish too salty, you can dilute the flavor by adding a little more water or reducing the amount of soy sauce in the recipe.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large bowl - For marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
Large pot - To cook the Dakbokkeumtang and simmer the ingredients.
Stirring spoon - To mix the ingredients and sauce while cooking.
Knife - For slicing the onion, carrots, green onions, and chili peppers.
Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting vegetables and chicken.
Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the amounts of soy sauce, sugar, and seasoning.
Serving bowls - To serve the finished Dakbokkeumtang.
Rice cooker - To cook rice as a side dish to serve with the Dakbokkeumtang.
Sesame seeds grinder (optional) - To freshly grind sesame seeds for garnishing.

Origin stories

Dakbokkeumtang, also known as Korean Spicy Chicken Stew, has its roots in Korea's age-old culinary tradition. This hearty dish was traditionally enjoyed during the colder months, as the spicy ingredients provided a warmth that replenished the body's energy. The name "Dakbokkeumtang" itself is a testament to the dish's simplicity and straightforward nature, meaning "chicken that has been boiled and simmered". In the old days, this dish was particularly popular amongst farmers, who would gather around the pot after a long day's work, sharing stories and laughter as they enjoyed the hearty, warming stew. Over time, Dakbokkeumtang has evolved to become a staple in Korean households, loved for its balance of flavors and its capacity to bring people together.

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.