Korean Dakbokkeumtang (Spicy Braised Chicken) Recipe

Introduction

Craving a bold, spicy chicken dish that comes together in a flash? This Easy Korean Gochujang Chicken, also known as Dakbokkeumtang, delivers deep, savory heat in under 20 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both hearty and incredibly flavorful. For more quick Korean-inspired dishes, try this Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip or these Easy Air Fryer Asian Sticky Wings Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

This dish comes together with a vibrant mix of colorful vegetables and a savory-sweet sauce that coats every tender bite, creating a satisfying and aromatic meal.

• 식물성 오일 2 큰술 (예: 식용유 또는 카놀라유)
• 닭가슴살 또는 두부 400 g, 한입 크기로 썰기
• 양파 1개, 얇게 채썰기
• 당근 1개, 채썰기
• 청피망 1개, 채썰기
• 마늘 3쪽, 다진 것
• 간장 3 큰술
• 고추장 1 큰술
• 설탕 1 큰술
• 참기름 1 큰술
• 물 50 ml (또는 닭육수/야채육수)
• 후추 약간
• 다진 파 2 큰술
• 통깨 1 큰술

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲 헟헲헺헼헻 헖헵헲헲혀헲헰헮헸헲 헜헰헲 헖헿헲헮헺 comes together about 25% faster than many traditional versions, thanks to streamlined preparation steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Meat and Marinade

Start by thinly slicing your choice of beef (ribeye or sirloin works best) against the grain. For the marinade, combine soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, grated pear or apple, sesame oil, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix the sliced beef thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 2 — Prepare the Vegetables and Noodles

While the meat marinates, prepare your vegetables. Julienne carrots, slice onions, and cut scallions into long pieces. Soak dangmyeon (sweet potato starch noodles) in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they become pliable. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture in your japchae.

Step 3 — Cook the Noodles and Vegetables Separately

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the soaked noodles for 6-8 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. In a large pan or wok, stir-fry each vegetable separately with a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. This preserves their individual colors and textures. Season lightly with a pinch of salt.

Step 4 — Stir-fry the Marinated Beef

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, spreading it out to ensure even cooking. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is just cooked through and no longer pink. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside with the cooked vegetables.

Step 5 — Combine and Season

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the cooked noodles and the stir-fried vegetables and beef back in. Pour in the seasoning sauce—a mix of soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil—over everything. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss and combine all the ingredients, ensuring the sauce coats everything evenly.

Step 6 — Final Toss and Garnish

Continue tossing the japchae for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and glossy. The noodles should be slippery and the vegetables vibrant. Do a final taste test and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or sesame oil if needed. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and the remaining scallions.

Step 7 — Serve and Enjoy

Serve your beef japchae warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a main dish, a side dish (banchan), or even packed for lunch. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh, as the noodles can absorb moisture and soften if stored for too long.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 420 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	18g
Fiber	6g
Sodium	Approx. 850mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Values can vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

Making your 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲 헟헲헺헼헻 헖헵헲헲혀헲헰헮헸헲 헜헰헲 헖헿헲헮헺 lighter or adapting it to dietary needs is simple with these smart ingredient swaps. Each alternative maintains the dish’s comforting essence while offering a new nutritional profile.

• Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — Swapping out traditional pork for lean poultry significantly reduces saturated fat while keeping the protein high, offering a milder but still savory flavor base for your 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲.
• Cauliflower Rice — For a lower-carb, gluten-free version, replace white rice with riced cauliflower. It soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully and adds a pleasant, slightly nutty texture.
• Lentils or Crumbled Firm Tofu — A fantastic plant-based protein alternative that creates a hearty, satisfying texture. Lentils add an earthy depth, while tofu perfectly absorbs the surrounding seasonings.
• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos — Easily cuts down on sodium without sacrificing the essential umami and salty notes. Coconut aminos also provide a gluten-free, slightly sweeter option.
• Greek Yogurt or Dairy-Free Sour Cream — Use plain Greek yogurt instead of higher-fat creams for a protein boost and tangy finish. For a dairy-free 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲, opt for a cashew or almond-based sour cream alternative.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) — A fresh, low-carb, and gluten-free swap for traditional noodles. They add a light, vegetable-forward element and cook quickly to retain a slight crunch.
• Extra Vegetables (Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Spinach) — Bulk up the dish with more veggies to increase fiber and nutrients. They add color, varied textures, and natural sweetness without extra calories.
• Avocado Oil or Olive Oil — Substitute for oils high in saturated fats. These healthier fats have higher smoke points for cooking and contribute beneficial monounsaturated fats to your 헟헲헺헼헻 헖헵헲헲혀헲헰헮헸헲.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this hearty 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲 헟헲헺헼헻 헖헵헲헲혀헲헰헮헸헲 헜헰헲 헖헿헲헮헺 with a simple side of steamed rice and a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.
• For a comforting family meal, serve it in a large communal pot alongside an array of banchan like kimchi and seasoned spinach.
• Transform leftovers into a delicious next-day lunch by adding them to a bowl of noodles or using the flavorful stew as a topping for a bowl of bibimbap.
• Present this 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲 헟헲헺헼헻 헖헵헲헲혀헲헰헮헸헲 in individual stone bowls (dolsot) to keep it piping hot until the last spoonful, enhancing the dining experience.
• For a casual gathering or potluck, this stew is a perfect centerpiece dish that is both satisfying and easy to share with a crowd.
• Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil just before serving to add a fresh aroma and depth.

Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these serving ideas will help you enjoy the deep, savory taste of 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲 헟헲헺헼헻 헖헵헲헲혀헲헰헮헸헲 헜헰헲 헖헿헲헮헺 to its fullest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using warm or hot milk, which can kill the yeast and prevent proper rising. Fix: Always use lukewarm milk, ideally between 105°F and 115°F (40°C–46°C), to activate the yeast gently.
• Mistake: Adding too much flour, resulting in a dense, dry bread. Fix: Add flour gradually and stop kneading when the dough is just tacky but not overly sticky, as it will absorb more while resting.
• Mistake: Not kneading the dough long enough to develop proper gluten structure. Fix: Knead by hand for at least 10–15 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until the dough is smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test.
• Mistake: Rushing the proofing stages by placing dough in a spot that’s too warm. Fix: Let the dough rise at room temperature (around 75°F/24°C) until doubled in size; a slow, steady rise develops better flavor and texture.
• Mistake: Over-proofing the shaped rolls before baking, causing them to collapse in the oven. Fix: The final proof should take about 30–45 minutes; the rolls are ready when they look puffy and spring back slowly when gently pressed.
• Mistake: Baking at the wrong oven temperature, leading to pale tops or burnt bottoms. Fix: Always preheat your oven fully and use an oven thermometer to ensure an accurate 350°F (175°C) for even baking.
• Mistake: Skipping the egg wash, resulting in a dull, pale finish instead of a golden-brown crust. Fix: Gently brush the tops with a beaten egg (or milk) just before baking for that signature glossy, appetizing color.
• Mistake: Cutting into the rolls immediately after baking, which makes them gummy. Fix: Let the 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲 헟헲헺헼헻 헖헵헲헲혀헲헰헮헸헲 헜헰헲 헖헿헲헮헺 cool on a wire rack for at least 15–20 minutes to allow the crumb to set properly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the Korean spicy braised pork (Jeyuk Bokkeum) completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) when reheating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pork in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot throughout.

Properly storing your Jeyuk Bokkeum ensures the spicy and savory flavors remain vibrant for your next meal.

Conclusion

This Korean Dakbokkeumtang is the ultimate spicy braised chicken recipe for a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. We hope you love making this comforting dish as much as we do. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! For more Korean-inspired flavors, check out our Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip or our classic KOREAN BEEF BOWL.

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FAQs

Can I make this 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲 헟헲헺헼헻 헖헵헲헲혀헲헰헮헸헲 헜헰헲 헖헿헲헮헺 ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Assemble the dish just before serving to maintain the best texture and freshness for your 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲 헟헲헺헼헻 헖헵헲헲혀헲헰헮헸헲 헜헰헲 헖헿헲헮헺.

What is a good substitute for a key ingredient if I don’t have it?

For an authentic flavor, try to use the specified ingredients. However, a common similar item can work in a pinch without drastically altering the core profile of this recipe.

How can I adjust the spice level to my preference?

Control the heat by modifying the amount of spicy elements listed. Add them gradually and taste as you cook to perfect your 헛헼헺헲헺헮헱헲 헟헲헺헼헻 헖헵헲헲혀헲헰헮헸헲 헜헰헲 헖헿헲헮헺.