Firecracker Chicken: Spicy Korean Braised Chicken (Dakdoritang)
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some comfort food with a kick? have you ever wondered how to make authentic korean food recipes at home? this firecracker chicken, also known as dakdoritang, is your answer! it's a spicy, savoury, and utterly addictive dish.
Brief Overview
Dakdoritang, or dakbokkeumtang recipe , is a classic asian dish , a beloved korean spicy braised chicken stew. it's traditionally made with chicken, potatoes, and a vibrant gochujang based sauce.
This recipe is medium difficulty, takes around 1 hour 35 minutes (including marinating), and serves 4-6 people.
Main Benefits
Honestly, this isn't just some main dish recipe ; it's a hug in a bowl! beyond the amazing taste, it's packed with protein.
It's perfect for a cozy night in, a gathering with mates, or when you're just craving something satisfying. what makes this recipe special is the balance of heat, savory flavour, and the tender chicken.
Get Your Ingredients Ready
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. for this dakdoritang recipe , you'll need your chicken, your spuds, your carrots and a bunch of other bits.
The full list is below. don’t skimp on the gochujang - it is the heart of this dish!
What Makes This Recipe Special
It's the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and just a hint of sweetness that makes this gochujang chicken recipe so addictive.
Plus, it's a great way to introduce yourself to asian cooking if you’re new to it!
Health and Occasion Notes
This korean chicken and potato recipe isn't just about indulgence. it's a hearty dish that's great for any occasion, especially if you're looking for easy korean dinner recipes .
It is a great option for gatherings with friends and family.
Let's get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: Firecracker Chicken Edition
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing Dakdoritang. Or, as some call it, Dakbokkeumtang.
It's like a hug in a bowl, seriously. These are the essentials for creating memorable korean food recipes .
Main Ingredients: Gather 'Round, Grub's Up!
Here's what you need, with all those pesky measurements. Asian dishes are within your reach!
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken. I prefer thighs and drumsticks. They stay juicy!
- 1 tbsp (15ml) soy sauce.
- 1 tsp (5ml) minced garlic.
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) ground ginger.
- 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) black pepper.
Quality chicken makes all the difference. Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale or slimy. Freshness counts with Main dish recipes .
For that Killer Sauce:
- 4 tbsp (60ml) gochujang. This is the heart of the Gochujang chicken recipe .
- 2 tbsp (30ml) gochugaru.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) rice wine.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) honey or sugar.
- 1 tbsp (15ml) minced garlic.
- 1 tsp (5ml) grated ginger.
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) sesame oil.
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth or water.
Gochujang? The darker, the better! I reckon the fermented, pungent flavour is key, you know?
Veggies Galore:
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed.
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cubed.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped.
- 1 red chili pepper, sliced (optional).
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish.
Honestly, fresh veggies really make this dish pop.
Seasoning Secrets: Spice Up Your Life!
Gochujang and gochugaru are the essential spice combinations here. Adjust them to your liking! Love heat? Add more gochugaru. Chicken broth will help build flavors to this Spicy Korean chicken stew .
Don't have rice wine? Dry sherry works in a pinch.
Equipment: Keep it Simple!
All you really need is:
- A big pot or Dutch oven.
- Mixing bowls.
- Measuring thingy-ma-bobs.
- Cutting board and knife.
A decent pot helps with even cooking. Got a dodgy knife? Sharpen that bad boy!
Easy Korean dinner recipes like this are so accessible. With these ingredients and gear, you're ready to make Firecracker Chicken. Let's go! This Dakdoritang recipe will become a family favorite, I promise.
Firecracker Chicken: Spicy Korean Braised Chicken (Dakdoritang)
Fancy some proper comfort food? this dakdoritang aka dakbokkeumtang , is ace. it's a spicy korean chicken stew that warms you right up.
Think tender chicken, soft veg, all simmered in a gochujang sauce. it's like a hug in a bowl and a great example of how incredible asian dishes can be.
Ready to spice up your week with one of these easy korean dinner recipes ?
Prep Steps
Right, let's get this sorted. first, the mise en place . chop all your veg: onion, spuds, carrots, peppers. mix up that sauce.
Honestly, having everything ready makes cooking way easier. to save time, marinate the chicken the night before. then just chuck it all in the pot.
Always wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah?
step-by-step Firecracker Chicken
Here's how to make this main dish recipe :
- Marinate the chicken with soy, garlic, ginger, and pepper for at least 30 minutes .
- Whisk together gochujang, gochugaru, soy, rice wine, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. This gochujang chicken recipe is gonna be lush.
- Sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes .
- Brown the chicken, then add the sauce.
- Chuck in the potatoes, carrots, and broth. Simmer for 30 minutes . You'll know the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Add the bell pepper the last 5 minutes .
- Garnish with green onions.
Pro Tips
Use good quality gochujang for the best flavour. if you aren't keen on it too spicy, just reduce the amount of gochugaru, yeah? avoid overcooking the chicken; it'll get dry.
If you're feeling fancy, add some dried shiitake mushrooms for extra flavour. now that is a trick. these asian cooking tips can really elevate your meals.
Bonus
The recipe is adapted from a classic, turning it into an easy korean dinner recipe . my gran always said, a little spice makes everything nice.
Dakdoritang is one of the best korean food recipes to enjoy, proper tasty. and hey, if you're feeling adventurous, why not give it a go with tofu for a veggie option?
Recipe Notes for Firecracker Chicken
Alright, so you're about to tackle dakdoritang recipe ? awesome! let’s chat about a few things. honestly, little tweaks and tips can make all the difference.
This ain't just about following instructions; it's about making this spicy korean chicken stew your own!
Ace Asian Cooking : Serving Suggestions
Plating is key, yeah? i reckon piling this korean chicken and potato recipe high in a rustic bowl looks amazing.
Sprinkle with extra green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. serve it alongside fluffy steamed rice, asian dishes like that just scream comfort.
As a plus, kimchi is always a winner, but also try some seasoned spinach. for drinks? ice-cold beer is classic.
Soju works a treat too! or, for something non-alcoholic, a glass of barley tea.
Storage Made Simple
Leftovers are a blessing! once your korean braised chicken thighs has cooled down completely, bung it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing? absolutely! just be aware the potatoes might get a bit mushy after thawing. reheating? microwave or gently simmer on the hob until piping hot.
Just make sure it reaches 75° c ( 165° f) to be safe!
Playing with Your Main Dish Recipes : Variations
Fancy a tweak? for a less spicy version, ease up on the gochugaru chicken recipe ! or ditch the red chili altogether.
If you're veggie, swap the chicken for tofu. honestly, it’s surprisingly delicious. sweet potatoes instead of regular spuds? totally works.
Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they might cook a bit faster.
Easy Korean dinner recipes : Nutrition Bits and Bobs
Okay, so roughly speaking, each serving clocks in around 450-550 calories. you're looking at about 40-50g of protein, which is great! there is also around 20-30g of fat, and about 30-40g of carbs.
Fiber’s around 5-7g. sodium sits between 800-1000mg. bear in mind these are estimates. dakbokkeumtang recipe is hearty and satisfying, packed with protein and warming spices.
Don't be shy about trying something new. Give some korean food recipes a go and get into it. Have fun, enjoy the process, and don't stress too much! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Dakdoritang, and is it hard to make? I'm not exactly Jamie Oliver in the kitchen!
Dakdoritang, also known as Dakbokkeumtang, is essentially Korean spicy braised chicken. It’s like a hearty chicken stew, but kicked up a notch with Korean chili paste (gochujang) and chili flakes (gochugaru).
This particular recipe is designed to be fairly straightforward, even for beginner cooks think less "Gordon Ramsay" and more "weeknight dinner"!
I'm trying to find new and exciting korean food recipes! Can I adjust the spice level of this Dakdoritang recipe? My family are not fans of spicy foods.
Absolutely! The spice level is easily adjustable. To make it milder, reduce or eliminate the gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). You can even use a mild variety of gochugaru or omit the fresh chili pepper. Remember, you can always add more spice later, but you can’t take it away!
I can't find gochujang at my local supermarket! Are there any substitutes I can use?
Gochujang is key to that authentic Korean flavour, so it's worth seeking out at an Asian grocery store or online. However, in a pinch, you could try a mix of miso paste and a small amount of chili powder. It won't be exactly the same, but it'll give you a similar fermented, umami kick with a touch of heat.
Add a little at a time and taste as you go!
How long does leftover Dakdoritang keep, and what's the best way to store it? Can I freeze it?
Leftover Dakdoritang will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. And good news, it freezes well too! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Can I make this Dakdoritang vegetarian or vegan?
You certainly can! Simply substitute the chicken with firm or extra firm tofu (pressed to remove excess water) or even hearty vegetables like mushrooms and cauliflower. When substituting, add a handful of dried shiitake mushrooms for that savoury depth.
Make sure to use a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you've got yourself a delicious meat free version.
What's the best way to serve Dakdoritang? What kind of side dishes go well with it?
Dakdoritang is fantastic served with steamed rice, which is perfect for soaking up all that delicious, spicy sauce! Classic Korean side dishes like kimchi (of any kind!), seasoned spinach (Sigeumchi Namul), or pickled radish are great complements.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the Dakdoritang adds a final touch of flavour and visual appeal.
Firecracker Chicken Spicy Korean Braised Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
