Soy Sauce Braised Chicken: A Family Favorite
Irresistibly Popular Soy Sauce Braised Chicken
While my wife is at work, I pondered what delicious meal to make for the kids. Inspired by the popular Baek Jong-won recipe, I decided to make Braised Chicken in Soy Sauce. To cater to the children’s preferences, I omitted caramel sauce and cola, focusing on the natural flavors. This dish offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet notes, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Main Ingredients- Chicken (10-ho size) 1000g (about one large chicken)
- Chicken Drumsticks 6 pcs (approx. 500g, a favorite for kids)
- Sweet Potato 1 (adds sweetness and tenderness)
- Glass Noodles 1 handful (approx. 50g, for chewy texture)
- Apple 1 (adds natural sweetness and flavor)
- Potatoes 4 (essential for a hearty dish)
- Perilla Leaves 10 pcs (for fresh aroma at the end)
- Green Onion 1 stalk (adds fresh flavor and aroma)
- Tteokbokki Rice Cakes 20 pcs (for chewy texture)
Savory Soy Sauce Marinade- Soy Sauce 1 cup (200ml)
- Oligosaccharide 1/2 cup (100ml, for glaze and mild sweetness)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp (the magic ingredient for flavor)
- Cheongju (Rice Wine) 1/2 cup (100ml, excellent for removing chicken odor)
- Minced Green Onion 1/2 cup (100ml, adds sweetness)
- Ginger Powder 1 tsp (approx. 2g, effectively removes chicken gamey smell)
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp (5ml, for nutty aroma)
- Water 1 cup (200ml, to adjust sauce consistency)
- Soy Sauce 1 cup (200ml)
- Oligosaccharide 1/2 cup (100ml, for glaze and mild sweetness)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp (the magic ingredient for flavor)
- Cheongju (Rice Wine) 1/2 cup (100ml, excellent for removing chicken odor)
- Minced Green Onion 1/2 cup (100ml, adds sweetness)
- Ginger Powder 1 tsp (approx. 2g, effectively removes chicken gamey smell)
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp (5ml, for nutty aroma)
- Water 1 cup (200ml, to adjust sauce consistency)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin cooking, prepare the ingredients that need soaking. Soak the tteokbokki rice cakes in cold water for about 10-15 minutes to achieve a chewy texture. Soak the glass noodles thoroughly. Peel the sweet potato, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and then soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. This step ensures a cleaner and more delicious braised chicken.
Step 2
Now, let’s create the fantastic soy sauce marinade that will define your braised chicken! In a bowl, combine 1 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of oligosaccharide, 1 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of cheongju, 1/2 cup of minced green onion, 1 tsp of ginger powder, 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, and 1 cup of water. Whisk everything together thoroughly with a whisk or spoon until well combined. Taste and adjust the soy sauce or oligosaccharide levels to your preference for the perfect balance of savory and sweet. This sauce alone will double the deliciousness of your chicken!
Step 3
Prepare the fruits and vegetables that will add richness to your braised chicken. Core the apple and cut it into large chunks. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large pieces. (Tip: Avoid cutting the potatoes too small, as they might break apart during cooking. Larger pieces hold their shape better!) Peel and cut the sweet potato into large pieces. Cut the green onion into large diagonal pieces. Wash the perilla leaves and thinly slice them for garnish. (If you have them, adding shiitake mushrooms or cabbage will enhance the dish further. Carrots can also be added for a visually appealing color!) The sweet potato, in particular, will lend a subtle sweetness to the braised chicken that children will absolutely love.
Step 4
It’s time to prepare the chicken. Wash the chicken thoroughly. Pay special attention to cleaning the inside of the chicken, especially any remaining giblets or bits attached to the cavity, to ensure a clean-tasting braised chicken free from any unwanted odors. We’ve added 6 chicken drumsticks (approx. 500g), which are a favorite among both children and adults, for an even more generous portion. Using drumsticks makes them easier for children to eat and adds a delightful chewiness.
Step 5
Place the prepared chicken in a pot and add enough water to cover it. Bring it to a rolling boil. For enhanced flavor and to remove any gamey smell, consider adding a few whole garlic cloves and a piece of ginger. Blanching the chicken like this helps to remove impurities and excess fat, resulting in a clearer and more delicious braised chicken broth. Think of this as a step to remove the blood from the chicken.
Step 6
Remove the blanched chicken from the pot, rinse it under cold water, and transfer it to another pot. Now it’s time to build the deep flavors of the braised chicken! Add the potatoes and sweet potatoes, which require longer cooking times, first. Pour in the entire prepared soy sauce marinade and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and sweet potatoes are tender. Ensure they are cooked through.
Step 7
As the braised chicken starts to simmer and reduce, periodically lift the lid and gently turn the chicken and vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. After about 10 minutes, check if the potatoes are cooked by piercing them with a fork; they should be easily pierced. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more water.
Step 8
Finally, add the tteokbokki rice cakes, soaked glass noodles, large pieces of green onion, and (if using) shiitake mushrooms and cabbage. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles and rice cakes to absorb the delicious sauce. Just before turning off the heat, garnish with the sliced perilla leaves for a final touch of fresh aroma, which will further enhance the overall flavor of your braised chicken. Your delicious, family-friendly Soy Sauce Braised Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!
