Spicy Braised Chicken Stew (Dakbokkeumtang)
Spicy Braised Chicken Stew (Dakbokkeumtang)
How to Make Delicious Dakbokkeumtang
This recipe guides you through making a wonderfully spicy and savory Dakbokkeumtang, a beloved Korean chicken stew. Learn the secrets to removing any gaminess from the chicken, the perfect ratio for the sauce, and tips for cooking the vegetables. Prepare to make a dish that’s truly a ‘rice thief’!
Ingredients for Dakbokkeumtang- 1 whole chicken (about 600g)
- 2 potatoes
- 1/2 carrot
- 1/2 onion
- 1 handful of green onions
Spicy & Sweet Sauce- 1.5 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds
- 1.5 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Pinch of Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash one whole chicken (about 600g) under running water multiple times. To effectively remove any gamey odors, place the chicken in boiling water with a splash of soju or cooking wine and blanch it for about 5 minutes. This process helps eliminate excess fat and unpleasant smells, resulting in a cleaner flavor.
Step 2
After blanching for 5 minutes, carefully drain the chicken and rinse it again under cold running water. It’s crucial to wash away any remaining impurities or grease from the surface.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the delicious sauce that will define the flavor of your Dakbokkeumtang. In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar, 3 tablespoons of gochugaru (chili flakes), and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Step 4
Next, add 1.5 tablespoons of gochujang (chili paste) and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper. Mix all the sauce ingredients thoroughly with a spoon until well combined to create your sauce.
Step 5
Add the clean, blanched chicken pieces to the prepared sauce and gently mix them together until evenly coated. For an even deeper flavor, cover the bowl or transfer it to an airtight container and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken beautifully.
Step 6
Prepare the potatoes and carrot for the stew by cutting them into large, bite-sized pieces. This size helps them hold their shape better during cooking. While some people round off the edges to prevent breaking, it’s not strictly necessary if you’re mindful when stirring. Place the cut vegetables in your cooking pot.
Step 7
Now, add the chicken pieces that have been marinated and rested into the pot with the vegetables. Arrange them nicely so they are well-distributed.
Step 8
Pour in enough water to create a savory stew, but avoid filling it completely. Aim to fill the pot with water about 80% of the way, so the ingredients are mostly submerged. This allows the sauce to concentrate and flavors to meld as it simmers.
Step 9
Bring the stew to a boil over high heat. Once it starts bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Be careful not to let it scorch at the bottom.
Step 10
Check if the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a chopstick or fork once the sauce has reduced to your liking. If the potatoes are still firm, add a little more water and continue to simmer until they are completely cooked. Once the potatoes are tender, add the sliced onion and green onions. Stir them in and cook for a brief moment more to allow their sweetness and aroma to infuse into the stew.
Step 11
And there you have it – delicious Dakbokkeumtang! I personally prefer a slightly saucier consistency, so I didn’t reduce it too much. The key is to cook it to your preferred level of thickness. If you like it richer and thicker, feel free to simmer it longer.
Step 12
Transfer the finished Dakbokkeumtang to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a final touch of visual appeal and flavor. Enjoy this comforting and delicious Korean stew with a bowl of warm rice!
