The Ultimate Homemade Jjimdak Recipe
Forget Takeout! The Golden Recipe for Delicious Jjimdak at Home
A top-notch chicken dish that’s perfect for kids and adults alike! Enjoy the savory and slightly sweet flavors of this beloved Korean stew.
Main Ingredients- 1 whole chicken, cut for braising (dak-bokkeum-tang style)
- 1 onion
- 3 potatoes
- 1/3 carrot
- 2 shiitake mushrooms
- 1 green onion
- 1 handful glass noodles (dangmyeon)
- 3 cups water
Seasoning Sauce- 1 Tbsp instant coffee
- 13 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp white sugar
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp instant coffee
- 13 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp white sugar
- 2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces. For best results in removing any gaminess, soak the chicken in milk for about 10-15 minutes. If milk isn’t available, soaking in cold water to remove blood is also an option.
Step 2
Prepare your vegetables as desired. In this recipe, we’ve used extra potatoes as my family enjoys them more than the chicken in jjimdak! Chop the potatoes, carrot, and onion into large, bite-sized pieces. For a fun touch, especially for children, you can carve shapes into the carrot or make decorative cuts. Add 2 shiitake mushrooms as well.
Step 3
Soak the glass noodles (dangmyeon) in cold water for about 50 minutes before you start cooking. This helps them retain a pleasant chewy texture without becoming too mushy. A handful is typically sufficient, but feel free to add more if you love noodles!
Step 4
In a large pan or pot, combine 3 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of instant coffee. The coffee not only helps to neutralize any remaining gamey odors from the chicken but also contributes to a richer color of the broth.
Step 5
Next, add the base of our savory flavor: 13 tablespoons of soy sauce. Using a good quality soy sauce will enhance the overall taste.
Step 6
Rinse the chicken well after soaking it in milk and drain any excess water. Add the chicken pieces to the simmering liquid. As the mixture comes to a boil, impurities may rise to the surface. Carefully skim off these impurities with a spoon to ensure a clean and delicious broth.
Step 7
Once all impurities have been removed, stir in 2 tablespoons of white sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer again, letting the sweetness meld with the savory notes.
Step 8
For an added layer of sweetness and a beautiful glaze, add 2 tablespoons of oligosaccharide (or corn syrup) along with the sugar. This will give the jjimdak a lovely sheen and a smoother sweetness.
Step 9
Now it’s time to add the vegetables. Begin with the potatoes, as they take the longest to cook. Add the potatoes first, followed by the other vegetables (onion, carrot, shiitake mushrooms). Save the green onion for later.
Step 10
Once the potatoes are partially tender, add the rest of the vegetables. Continue to cook, allowing the flavors to meld. If the sauce becomes too thick as it cooks, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 11
Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. This will infuse the broth with a wonderful aroma and flavor that is characteristic of jjimdak.
Step 12
Sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper. The subtle peppery notes complement the richness of the chicken. Keep the heat on high throughout this simmering process to help reduce and thicken the sauce.
Step 13
When all the vegetables are tender, add the chopped green onion. Adding it at the end preserves its fresh color and provides a slight crispness.
Step 14
Finally, add the pre-soaked glass noodles. Cook for approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or until the noodles are tender yet still have a slight chew. The best way to check is to taste them periodically. Adjust the time slightly based on your preference for noodle texture. (Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy!)
Step 15
Once the glass noodles are perfectly cooked, your delicious homemade jjimdak is ready! No need to order takeout when you can create this incredible dish right in your own kitchen. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal! ^^
