Spicy and Hearty Dakgaejang (Korean Spicy Chicken Soup)
The Golden Recipe for Dakgaejang, Perfect When You Have No Appetite
Even with a fridge full of hearty side dishes, a meal feels incomplete without a comforting bowl of soup. Perhaps it’s a habit from childhood, but even after five years living in Canada, I find myself craving hot, soupy dishes, especially during the long, cold winters. Today, I’m excited to share a golden recipe for Dakgaejang that’s both spicy and refreshing, guaranteed to awaken your taste buds. We’ll use tender chicken drumsticks, simmered for a rich broth, and then add plenty of sweet napa cabbage and vibrant vegetables for a delicious finish. Ready to make this highly recommended dinner dish? Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients- 5 Chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 head Napa cabbage
- 1/3 bunch Chives
- 3 Scallions (green onions)
- 1/2 pack King oyster mushrooms
- 50g Glass noodles
- 1.5L Water
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1.5 Tbsp Fine Gochugaru
- 2 Tbsp Soy sauce (for soup)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1.5 Tbsp Fine Gochugaru
- 2 Tbsp Soy sauce (for soup)
- 1 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
**This content from ‘Man-de’s Recipe’ is best viewed with photos!**
Step 2
Let’s start by prepping the vegetables. Wash the scallions thoroughly. Finely chop about 1 tablespoon’s worth for garnish and set aside. Cut the remaining scallions lengthwise into two, then into 4cm segments. Cut the chives into similar lengths. Chop the napa cabbage into about 2cm pieces. For the king oyster mushrooms, trim off about 1cm from the base and gently separate any clumped pieces.
Step 3
Soak the glass noodles in lukewarm water to soften them. If you’re using dried noodles that haven’t been cut, it’s helpful to cut them in half after they’ve soaked a bit, making them easier to eat later.
Step 4
Place the chicken drumsticks in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil briefly. You don’t need to cook them long; just long enough for any impurities and blood to rise to the surface. Discard this water. This blanching step helps create a cleaner broth.
Step 5
Return the blanched chicken drumsticks to the pot and add 1.5 liters of fresh water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is very tender. This slow simmering extracts a deep, rich flavor from the chicken.
Step 6
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, let it cool slightly. Then, carefully shred the meat off the bones into bite-sized pieces. You can remove the skin if you prefer. Prepare the shredded chicken for the soup.
Step 7
Now it’s time to season the shredded chicken. In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon gochugaru, 1.5 tablespoons fine gochugaru, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for a few minutes.
Step 8
Pour the rich chicken broth into a clean pot. Add the seasoned shredded chicken, napa cabbage, and king oyster mushrooms. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
Step 9
Once the cabbage and mushrooms have softened a bit, add the chives and chopped scallions. Stir them in gently, just enough to incorporate them without overcooking.
Step 10
Add the pre-soaked glass noodles to the pot. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes, until the noodles are translucent and tender.
Step 11
Finally, whisk the egg in a small bowl and slowly drizzle it into the simmering soup. Let it cook gently until the egg is set. Ladle the hearty Dakgaejang into serving bowls and garnish with the reserved chopped scallions. Your delicious and satisfying dinner, Dakgaejang, is now ready!
Step 12
The gochugaru in this recipe is quite potent, providing a wonderfully spicy and clean flavor without the need for extra chili peppers. Spicy soups are truly the best when your appetite is feeling sluggish! This Dakgaejang, with its deep chicken broth and abundant fresh vegetables, is incredibly satisfying. Why not make your dinner table extra special tonight with this warming, spicy Dakgaejang? Enjoy your meal! 🙂
