Cheongdo Ongchigi (Braised Chicken)
Discover the Savory Charm of Cheongdo Ongchigi: A Delicious Braised Chicken Dish
Have you heard of Ongchigi, a specialty from Cheongdo in Gyeongsangbuk-do? This dish offers a delightful balance between a braised chicken and a savory soy sauce-based stew, similar to Jo-rim Dak or Andong Jjimdak, but with its own unique character. Give this Cheongdo Ongchigi recipe a try for a truly memorable meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 whole chicken (approx. 800g)
- 5 shiitake mushrooms
- 10 whole garlic cloves
- 1/2 stalk of green onion
- 3 Korean green chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by rinsing the chicken thoroughly under cold water 2-3 times. This step helps to remove any unwanted odors and ensures the chicken is clean before cooking.
Step 2
After washing, pat the chicken dry completely with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial to prevent oil splattering during cooking and to achieve a nice golden-brown sear on the skin.
Step 3
Thinly slice the shiitake mushrooms. Their earthy aroma will beautifully complement the chicken, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
Step 4
Finely chop the Korean green chilies. These add a pleasant kick of heat. Adjust the quantity to your preference; you can include the seeds for extra spice.
Step 5
Prepare the whole garlic cloves by peeling them. Adding them whole allows their natural sweetness to infuse into the sauce as it simmers, creating a wonderful harmony with the chicken.
Step 6
Slice the green onion diagonally into large pieces. Adding it towards the end of cooking will impart a fresh, aromatic flavor and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Step 7
Now, let’s prepare the delicious sauce for the Ongchigi. In a wide pan or pot, combine the soy sauce, water, mirin, corn syrup, sugar, and oyster sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 8
Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over high heat. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down and sear for about 10 minutes until the skin is golden brown and slightly crispy. This initial searing is key for flavor development.
Step 9
Once the chicken skin is nicely browned, carefully flip the chicken pieces to cook the other side.
Step 10
After flipping, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes. This steaming process will ensure the chicken cooks through evenly while remaining tender.
Step 11
When the chicken is cooked and nicely browned, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and whole garlic cloves to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and allow it to reduce, coating the chicken.
Step 12
During the simmering process, gently break apart some of the chicken pieces with a fork or spatula. This technique helps the sauce to penetrate deeper into the meat, intensifying the flavor. Be careful not to mash it completely; aim to keep some texture.
Step 13
Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, add the chopped green chilies and sliced green onions. Cook for another minute or two until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Your Cheongdo Ongchigi is now ready to be served and enjoyed!
