Spicy Braised Chicken Stew (Dakbokkeumtang)
A Hearty and Delicious Korean Braised Chicken – Perfect for an Appetizer or Meal!
This Dakbokkeumtang features a whole chicken slow-cooked in a savory and slightly sweet, spicy sauce. Adding chewy rice cakes or noodles, along with tender chunks of potato, makes it a generous and satisfying dish perfect for sharing. It’s an ideal accompaniment to drinks for your husband and a delightful, wholesome side dish or main course for the kids. Enjoy this restaurant-quality Korean braised chicken right at home!
Main Ingredients- 1 whole chicken (approx. 1kg)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 carrot
- 1/2 green onion (scallion)
- Rice cakes or noodles (optional, to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the essential seasoning sauce for your Dakbokkeumtang. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 Tbsp Gochujang, 6 Tbsp Gochugaru, 4 Tbsp Soy Sauce, 2 Tbsp Sugar, 2 Tbsp Mirin, and 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. We’ll add the pepper at the very end.
Step 2
Rinse the chicken clean. Then, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the chicken for 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial for removing excess fat and any gamey odors, resulting in a cleaner, more flavorful broth. After blanching, drain the chicken and rinse it under cold water.
Step 3
Transfer the blanched chicken to a large pot. Pour the prepared seasoning sauce over the chicken and coat it evenly. Add just enough water to partially cover the chicken (about halfway up). Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 4
While the chicken is coming to a boil, prepare your vegetables. Peel the potatoes and cut them into large, bite-sized pieces. Cut the onion into large chunks and the carrot into similar-sized pieces.
Step 5
Once the liquid starts boiling, add the prepared potatoes, onion, and carrot to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to medium, and let it simmer. This allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook through.
Step 6
After simmering covered for about 15 minutes, lift the lid and give everything a gentle stir with a spoon. Check if the chicken and vegetables are tender. If you’re adding rice cakes or noodles, now is the time to put them in. (If using frozen rice cakes, soak them in cold water beforehand to thaw).
Step 7
Check the potatoes to ensure they are nearly cooked through (they should be easily pierced with a fork). Add the rice cakes/noodles (if not added already) and the diagonally sliced green onion. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes until everything is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. This is when your delicious Dakbokkeumtang is almost ready! For an extra spicy kick, you can add a few roughly chopped Korean green chilies (cheongyang peppers) at this stage.
Step 8
Finally, season with a pinch of black pepper to your preference. With a well-made sauce, creating this flavorful Dakbokkeumtang is surprisingly simple and convenient. Enjoy your warm, savory, and spicy meal!
