Sweet Pumpkin Jjimdak (Steamed Chicken): Perfect for Summer Health Food!
Sweet Pumpkin Jjimdak (Steamed Chicken): Perfect for Summer Health Food!
Golden Recipe for Jjimdak with Plenty of Seasonal Pumpkin and Potatoes, Recommended for Summer’s Peak Heat (Malbok) Health Food
Introducing a delicious Jjimdak made with plenty of mini pumpkins and tender potatoes, which are in season right now. This dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly flavorful, making it an excellent health food to beat the summer heat. It’s especially perfect for enjoying with your whole family during Malbok (the hottest day of summer).
Main Ingredients- 1kg chicken (for braising)
- 120g glass noodles (dangmyeon)
- 250g mini pumpkin (or 1/4 of a regular pumpkin)
- 220g potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 250g onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 210g carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- 100g green onion (1 stalk)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 30g jujubes (about 5-6 pieces)
Jjimdak Sauce- 7 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger
- 10 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 5 Tbsp plum extract (maesil cheong)
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (mulyeot)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp curry powder
- Pinch of black pepper
- 3 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or similar)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 250ml water
- 7 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp minced ginger
- 10 Tbsp soy sauce (jin ganjang)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 5 Tbsp plum extract (maesil cheong)
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (mulyeot)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp curry powder
- Pinch of black pepper
- 3 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or similar)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 250ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all the ingredients needed to make delicious Sweet Pumpkin Jjimdak. Fresh ingredients are key to the taste of your dish!
Step 2
First, soak the glass noodles in lukewarm water for about an hour before you start cooking. Once softened, cut the noodles into approximately 10cm lengths. This will help the noodles absorb plenty of sauce, making them even tastier.
Step 3
Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly under running water. Place the chicken in a pot, add enough water to cover it completely, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn off the heat. Rinse the parboiled chicken under cold running water to remove any impurities. This step effectively removes any gamey odor from the chicken.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine 7 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp minced ginger, 10 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oyster sauce, 5 Tbsp plum extract, 3 Tbsp corn syrup, 2 Tbsp sesame oil, 2 Tbsp sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp curry powder, a pinch of black pepper, 3 Tbsp cooking wine, and 2 Tbsp vinegar. Add 250ml of water and stir well with a whisk or spoon until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a delicious Jjimdak sauce.
Step 5
Peel the potatoes and carrots, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion similarly. Cut the pumpkin into large chunks, removing the seeds. Slice the green onion and red chili pepper diagonally for color and aroma.
Step 6
Place the parboiled chicken in a large pot or wok. Pour all the prepared sauce over the chicken. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over high heat.
Step 7
Once the sauce comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes. While the chicken is tenderizing, prepare to add the vegetables.
Step 8
After 15 minutes, add the large chunks of potato, carrot, and pumpkin to the pot. Cover again and cook over medium heat for another 10 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will start to absorb the sauce and soften.
Step 9
After 10 minutes, add the sliced onion and cook for 5 more minutes. Check if the vegetables are cooked by piercing a carrot with a chopstick or skewer; it should go in easily if cooked. Also, check if the pumpkin is tender.
Step 10
Finally, add the pre-soaked glass noodles. Toss gently to coat the noodles with the sauce, chicken, and vegetables. Cover and simmer for just 2 more minutes until the noodles are perfectly chewy and infused with flavor.
Step 11
Add the diagonally sliced green onions and red chili peppers and cook for just 1 more minute until done. The addition of chili pepper’s mild heat and the green onion’s fragrance will further enhance the flavor.
Step 12
The glossy sauce-coated chewy glass noodles, the sweet and tender pumpkin, the fluffy potatoes, and the chewy yet tender chicken – every component is irresistible! This summer, celebrate Malbok with this Sweet Pumpkin Jjimdak, a dish that offers both health benefits and delicious flavor for your entire family!
