Name: Korean Chicken Dak Galbi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 500 g chicken thighs (boneless and skinless); 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 cup cabbage (shredded); 1 cup zucchini (sliced); 1 cup carrots (sliced)

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Ah, Korean Chicken Dak Galbi! If you’ve never experienced the vibrant flavors of this dish, you’re in for a treat! Imagine tender, juicy chicken marinated in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, perfectly paired with colorful vegetables that add texture and crunch. This dish has a way of bringing a little bit of that Korean street food magic right into your kitchen. The first time I made it was a cozy evening with friends, and we couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. I love how quick it is to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something exciting for dinner.

What really makes Dak Galbi special for me is the memories it evokes. I remember visiting a bustling market in Seoul, the air filled with the smoky aroma of chicken sizzling on hot grills, and the sounds of laughter and chatter all around. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that connects you to culture and tradition. So, whether you’re looking to impress guests or just enjoy a comforting night in, this dish is sure to deliver joy and satisfaction with every bite!

Ingredients for Korean Chicken Dak Galbi

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
2 tbsp soy sauce

For the Vegetables:

1 cup shredded cabbage
1 cup sliced zucchini
1 cup sliced carrots

These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully spicy and satisfying stir-fry that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

How to Prepare Korean Chicken Dak Galbi

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the exciting process of making Korean Chicken Dak Galbi! Trust me, this dish comes together seamlessly, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.

Marinate the Chicken

First things first, we need to marinate our chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 500 g of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 3 tablespoons of gochujang and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Make sure to mix everything together well, so each piece of chicken is coated in that vibrant red marinade. I love using my hands for this—just get in there and really massage the marinade into the chicken. It’s the best way to ensure the flavors penetrate every bite!

Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for about 20 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate longer (even up to a couple of hours) will deepen the flavors even more. Just remember to keep it in the fridge if you’re letting it sit for longer!

Stir-Fry the Chicken

Now, let’s fire up that wok! Heat it over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot—this is key for getting a good sear on the chicken. Once hot, add the marinated chicken, spreading it out evenly. Don’t crowd the pan; if you need to, work in batches. Stir-fry the chicken for about 10 minutes, flipping occasionally to get that beautiful golden color on all sides. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely caramelized exterior. Oh, the smell is just divine!

Add the Vegetables

Next up, it’s time to add those colorful veggies! Toss in the 1 cup of shredded cabbage, 1 cup of sliced zucchini, and 1 cup of sliced carrots right into the wok with the chicken. Stir everything together and cook for another 10 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender yet still have a bit of crunch—think of that delightful contrast in texture! Keep stirring occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly. And just like that, your Korean Chicken Dak Galbi is nearly ready!

Once everything is cooked through, taste a bit of the sauce. If you want an extra kick, feel free to add more gochujang! Serve it up hot, and you’ll have a delicious meal that’s bound to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of marinating and 30 minutes of cooking, you can whip up this delicious meal in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of gochujang, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a vibrant and spicy-sweet flavor profile that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and a rainbow of veggies, this dish is a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice levels by adding more or less gochujang, or even toss in your favorite vegetables for a personal touch!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the fun and colorful presentation, as well as the delicious taste that makes dinner feel special.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Korean Chicken Dak Galbi turns out perfect every time, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, don’t rush the marinating process. The longer you let the chicken soak in that flavorful gochujang mixture, the better it will taste. If you can, aim for at least 30 minutes, or even a couple of hours if your schedule allows.

When you’re stir-frying, make sure your wok is hot enough before adding the chicken—this helps achieve that delicious sear. And remember, don’t overcrowd the pan; cooking in batches will give you that perfect golden color without steaming the chicken.

Lastly, keep an eye on your vegetables! You want them tender but still with a bit of crunch, so stir them in just towards the end. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to adjust the spice level to your liking. Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Korean Chicken Dak Galbi is super easy! If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to retain that amazing flavor!

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or a bit of oil to prevent sticking, and stir until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap to keep it moist. Either way, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time!

Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the deliciousness of Korean Chicken Dak Galbi, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I strive to provide accurate estimates, these numbers are just a guideline!

Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 450
Protein: 40 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Potassium: 800 mg
Vitamin A: 500 IU
Vitamin C: 30 mg
Calcium: 50 mg
Iron: 2 mg

With this nutritional profile, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on health! Just remember, adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs and enjoy every bite!

FAQ about Korean Chicken Dak Galbi

Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Dak Galbi?
Absolutely! While I love the rich, juicy flavor of chicken thighs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just as well. Just be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts may cook a bit faster than thighs.

Q2: Is Dak Galbi supposed to be really spicy?
Dak Galbi does have a kick thanks to the gochujang, but you can definitely adjust the spice level to fit your taste. If you prefer it milder, start with less gochujang and gradually add more until it’s just right for you!

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Dak Galbi is very versatile, so you can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even broccoli. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!

Q4: How do I serve Dak Galbi?
You can serve Korean Chicken Dak Galbi with steamed rice or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fun twist. It’s perfect for a family-style meal where everyone can dig in and enjoy!

Q5: Can I make Dak Galbi ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the chicken marinade a day in advance and let the chicken soak in the flavors overnight in the fridge. Just stir-fry it fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best taste and texture!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Cottage Cheese Korean BBQ Bowl Recipe or explore our Air Fryer Crab Cakes with Aioli. You can also find inspiration on our Pinterest page!