Savory Soy Sauce Braised Chicken (Jjimdak)
Super Easy Homemade Soy Sauce Braised Chicken Recipe for Beginners
We all love a hearty braised chicken, right? It’s a favorite of mine, and I make it often. However, buying it can be expensive, and cooking a large portion for one can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve prepared a simple and delicious homemade soy sauce braised chicken recipe. It’s incredibly easy! Why not try making this soy sauce jjimdak to enjoy with a glass of soju? If you encounter any difficulties or have questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll kindly answer them.
Main Ingredients- 1 whole chicken (approx. 1.0-1.2kg, cut into pieces)
- 500ml water
- 100ml soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 100ml cooking wine (mirin or cheongju)
- 2 stalks green onions
- 1/2 carrot
- 1 potato
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 100g soaked glass noodles (approx. 1-2 servings)
- 1/2 Tbsp grated ginger (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the cut chicken pieces thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. Place the chicken in a wide wok or deep pan.
Step 2
Pour enough water to cover the chicken (about 500ml) and add 1 Tbsp of sugar. Adding sugar helps to remove any gamey odor from the chicken.
Step 3
Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes to remove impurities and blood from the chicken in the first stage.
Step 4
Remove the chicken from the boiling water and rinse it again thoroughly under cold water. It’s also good to rinse the pan. Return the rinsed chicken to the pan.
Step 5
Pour in 100ml of soy sauce, enough to cover the chicken. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add an additional 50ml of soy sauce.
Step 6
Add an additional 500ml of water. You can adjust the amount later as the sauce reduces.
Step 7
Add 100ml of cooking wine (mirin or cheongju). Cooking wine helps to remove any unpleasant odors and enhances the flavor. (Optional)
Step 8
Chop one stalk of green onion into large pieces and add it to the pan. Save the other stalk for later.
Step 9
Add 2 Tbsp of minced garlic. Distributing it evenly over the chicken will help the flavors to meld well.
Step 10
Add 0.5 Tbsp of grated ginger. Ginger helps to enhance the chicken’s flavor and balance any richness. (Optional)
Step 11
Add 3 Tbsp of sugar to adjust the sweetness. You can add more or less according to your preference.
Step 12
Add 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and stir everything together with a spatula to combine.
Step 13
Cover the pan and simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by about half.
Step 14
Once the sauce has reduced slightly, add the chopped potato and carrot. Since potatoes and carrots take longer to cook, it’s recommended to add them first. (If adding other root vegetables like sweet potato, add them in the order: potato, sweet potato, carrot.)
Step 15
When the carrots and potatoes are nearly cooked, add the soaked glass noodles. Mix well to ensure the noodles are coated with the sauce.
Step 16
Once the noodles are cooked and all ingredients are well combined with the sauce, turn off the heat. Add the remaining chopped green onion and gently stir with a spatula. The residual heat will cook the green onions sufficiently. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy your delicious soy sauce braised chicken!
