Sweet and Savory Jjimdak (Braised Chicken)
Easy Jjimdak Recipe: Simpler Than You Think
While spicy dakbokkeumtang is delicious, here’s a sweet and savory jjimdak recipe that even kids will love! Tender chicken pieces, mashed potatoes, and the flavorful sauce are a match made in heaven. Serve it alongside rice for an even more delightful meal! You can adjust the amount of Cheongyang chili peppers to your preference. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish!
Main Ingredients- 50g glass noodles
- 2 whole chickens (cut for braising)
- 2 potatoes
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 2 Cheongyang chili peppers (optional)
- 5 cloves garlic or 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 stalks green onions
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Soak the glass noodles in water for at least 30 minutes until softened. Keep them aside, as they will be added towards the end of cooking. Stir them occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 2
Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold water. Blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes to remove impurities and any gamey smell. Rinse again with cold water. This step ensures a cleaner flavor. Place the blanched chicken into a pot suitable for braising.
Step 3
Peel the potatoes and carrot, then cut them into large, bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm) so they don’t get mushy during cooking. Cut the onion into similar-sized pieces. If you like a bit of heat, thinly slice the Cheongyang chili peppers. Lightly smash the whole garlic cloves with the side of a knife to release their aroma, or use minced garlic. Cut the green onions into large sections. Arrange the prepared vegetables and garlic around the chicken in the pot.
Step 4
Add enough water to the pot to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Baste the chicken and vegetables with the sauce from time to time for even flavor distribution.
Step 5
When the potatoes and carrots are nearly tender, add the soaked glass noodles to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from clumping together.
Step 6
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in the sesame oil for a fragrant finish and give everything a gentle stir. Adding sesame oil at the end preserves its aromatic flavor.
Step 7
Your delicious Jjimdak is ready! Serve it directly from the pot for a comforting and hearty meal, especially when paired with rice.
Step 8
Alternatively, you can plate it beautifully for a more elegant presentation. For an extra treat, mash some of the potatoes and mix them with the sauce and rice – it’s incredibly delicious!
