Korean Sweet and Spicy Chicken (often called Dak Galbi or Yangnyeom Chicken) is a popular Korean dish with a delicious balance of heat and sweetness. Here’s a recipe with ingredients and steps for making this flavorful dish:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Marinade/Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) optional for more heat
- 2 tablespoons water (to thin out the sauce if necessary)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
For Garnish (optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced red chili peppers (for extra heat)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken thighs (or breasts) into bite-sized pieces. This helps the marinade soak in and allows for faster cooking.
- Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochugaru (if using).
- Whisk everything together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce mixture.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat the chicken pieces evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for a few hours for deeper flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a slight caramelized appearance on the edges.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and slices of red chili pepper if you like extra heat.
- Serve the Korean Sweet and Spicy Chicken with steamed rice, kimchi, or as an appetizer with some vegetables.
Tips:
- Spice level: You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of gochugaru or gochujang.
- For extra flavor: Add some vegetables like onions, carrots, or bell peppers during the cooking process.
- Serving ideas: This dish is delicious with a side of rice or can be served in lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
Enjoy your sweet and spicy Korean chicken!