Authentic Korean Spicy Braised Chicken (Dakbokkeumtang) – Secret Restaurant-Style Recipe

Looking to master Korean cuisine? Today, I’m sharing my foolproof recipe for Dakbokkeumtang (닭볶음탕), a beloved Korean spicy braised chicken dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. While it might look intimidating, this hearty dish is surprisingly easy to make at home. Let me show you how to create this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

Main Components

• 1 whole chicken (about 2.2 lbs), cut into pieces
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 large carrot
• 1 large onion
• 2 green onions
• 2 Korean green chilies (substitute with jalapeños if unavailable)
• 10 perilla leaves (optional, but adds authentic flavor)
• 4-5 dumplings (optional)

Signature Sauce

• 3 tablespoons Korean red pepper powder (gochugaru)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Korean red pepper paste (gochujang)
• 2 tablespoons cooking wine (mirin or rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon oligosaccharide syrup (or honey)
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• A pinch of ground ginger

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

1. Clean the chicken thoroughly under running water and cut into medium-sized pieces
2. Cut potatoes and carrots into large, bite-sized chunks
3. Quarter the onion into large pieces
4. Cut green onions into 2-inch lengths
5. Tear perilla leaves by hand (if using)

Step 2: Creating the Perfect Sauce

1. In a bowl, dissolve the Korean red pepper powder in a small amount of warm water
2. Add soy sauce, red pepper paste, minced garlic, cooking wine, and oligosaccharide syrup
3. Season with black pepper and ground ginger
4. Mix thoroughly until well combined

Step 3: Cooking Process

1. Heat oil in a large pot and brown the chicken pieces until golden
2. Add the sauce mixture and stir well to coat the chicken
3. Pour in water and simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes
4. Add potatoes, carrots, and onions, then cook for another 10 minutes
5. Finally, add green onions, chilies, and perilla leaves, cooking for 5 more minutes
6. Optional: Add dumplings for extra heartiness

Pro Tips for Perfect Dakbokkeumtang

Secret Techniques

1. Brown the chicken thoroughly – this creates a rich, deep flavor base
2. Adding oligosaccharide syrup or honey balances the heat and enhances umami
3. Add the chilies last to control the spice level
4. Don’t skip the perilla leaves – they add an essential aromatic element

Storage Tips

• Keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days
• When reheating, bring to a boil briefly and remove from heat immediately

Perfect Pairings

Traditional Korean side dishes that complement this dish:

• Cubed radish kimchi (Kkakdugi)
• Fresh cucumber salad
• Korean rolled omelette
• Fresh lettuce and perilla leaves for wrapping

Nutritional Information

Per serving:

• Calories: 450kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 22g

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this dish special is its perfect balance of flavors. The spicy and savory sauce, tender chicken, and vegetables create a harmonious combination that’s impossible to resist. The best part? You can adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your taste while maintaining the authentic Korean flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Dakbokkeumtang offers something special that restaurant versions can’t match – the ability to customize ingredients and spice levels to your preference. The generous portions and heartwarming flavors make it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you master this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation.

Recipe Notes

• Spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of red pepper powder and chilies
• For a richer broth, use chicken with bones
• Adding different vegetables is perfectly fine – Korean cuisine is adaptable!
• Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal

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