Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-fried Chicken)

Dak Galbi is a popular Korean dish made by stir-frying marinated chicken with a vibrant mix of vegetables and chewy rice cakes in a rich, spicy gochujang-based sauce. Originally from Chuncheon in South Korea, this hearty and flavorful dish is known for its bold taste, satisfying texture, and communal cooking style, often prepared at the table in a sizzling hot pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and spicy flavor: The gochujang sauce gives the dish a deep, rich heat balanced by sweetness and umami.

• Highly customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients or spice level to suit your preference.

• Perfect for sharing: This dish is designed for group enjoyment, served straight from the pan.

• Hearty and filling: Packed with chicken, vegetables, and rice cakes, it’s a complete one-pan meal.

• Fun cooking experience: Whether at home or with friends, it offers an interactive and enjoyable cooking process.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

• Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)

• Soy sauce

• Rice wine or mirin

• Sugar

• Garlic, minced

• Ginger, minced

• Ground black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• Green cabbage, chopped

• Sweet potato, peeled and sliced thin

• Korean rice cakes (tteok), soaked if firm

• Carrot, julienned

• Onion, sliced

• Green chili peppers (optional), sliced

• Perilla leaves (optional), shredded

• Vegetable oil

• Water

For Serving:

• Lettuce or perilla leaves

• Ssamjang (Korean dipping sauce)

• Steamed rice

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken: Combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, garlic, ginger, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the vegetables: Chop the cabbage, slice the sweet potato, julienne the carrot, and soak the rice cakes if needed. Slice the onion and any optional green chilies.

3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5 minutes.

4. Add vegetables and rice cakes: Add the sweet potato, cabbage, carrot, onion, and soaked rice cakes to the pan. Pour in a small amount of water to help steam the vegetables and prevent burning.

5. Stir-fry: Stir everything together and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked, the vegetables are tender, and the rice cakes are soft.

6. Add optional ingredients: If using perilla leaves and green chili peppers, stir them in during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.

7. Serve: Serve hot directly from the pan with lettuce or perilla leaves, ssamjang, and steamed rice on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Marinating Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Cheese dak galbi: Add shredded mozzarella near the end of cooking and allow it to melt for a creamy, spicy twist.

• Seafood version: Include shrimp or squid along with or instead of chicken.

• Vegetarian option: Use tofu or mushrooms in place of chicken.

• Noodle addition: Stir in cooked udon noodles at the end for a more filling variation.

• Extra heat: Add more gochugaru or sliced fresh chili for an even spicier version.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as rice cakes and vegetables may lose texture when thawed.

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for dak galbi?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they remain juicy during cooking.

Can I make dak galbi less spicy?

Yes, reduce the gochujang and omit the gochugaru for a milder version.

Do I have to use Korean rice cakes?

Rice cakes are traditional, but you can omit them or substitute with cooked noodles or potatoes.

What is the purpose of soaking the rice cakes?

Soaking softens them and prevents them from becoming too dry or chewy during cooking.

Can I prepare dak galbi ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead to save time during cooking.

How do I eat dak galbi with lettuce?

Scoop some chicken and vegetables into a lettuce leaf, add a dab of ssamjang, wrap, and eat.

What is ssamjang?

It’s a Korean dipping sauce made from fermented soybean paste, chili paste, garlic, and sesame oil.

Is dak galbi gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and verify your gochujang is gluten-free to adapt the dish.

Can I make this dish in a nonstick pan?

Yes, any large pan or wok works well for this recipe.

What can I serve with dak galbi?

Steamed rice, kimchi, pickled radish, and lettuce wraps are great accompaniments.

Conclusion

Dak Galbi is a bold, comforting, and highly enjoyable Korean stir-fry that brings together spicy marinated chicken, hearty vegetables, and chewy rice cakes. Whether shared with friends or served as a weeknight dinner, this dish offers an unforgettable blend of flavor and fun that’s easy to recreate at home.