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Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)

A bold Korean street-food classic of bite-sized chicken thighs marinated in a gochujang-soy sauce, stir-fried at high heat with sweet potato, cabbage, and scallions. Plan ahead: marinate at least 30 minutes.

40 minMediumServes 4520 cal/serving

KoreanDinnerStovetopHigh ProteinPork-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-in pieces
  • 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 lb sweet potato, peeled, 1/4-in slices
  • 4 cups green cabbage, cut into 2-in pieces
  • 4 scallions, cut into 2-in pieces
  • 8 oz tteok (Korean rice cakes, optional), soaked 10 min
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tsp granulated sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to make the marinade.

  2. 2

    Add 2 lbs cut into 1-in pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Add 1 lb peeled, 1/4-in slices sweet potato in a single layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and nearly tender, about 6 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add the marinated boneless skinless chicken thighs and 8 oz soaked 10 min tteok (Korean rice cakes, optional) (if using). Stir-fry until the chicken begins to caramelize, about 4 minutes.

  6. 6

    Add 4 cups cut into 2-in pieces green cabbage and 4 cut into 2-in pieces scallions. Continue stir-frying until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cabbage is wilted, about 4 to 5 more minutes.

  7. 7

    Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately over steamed rice.

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Questions

How long does Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) take?

As written, 40 minutes: 20 of prep and 20 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 2, 4 hours. That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

How long should Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) marinate?

Step 2 reads: "Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours." Follow the time in step 2. Shorter still seasons the surface. Much longer is not better with acidic marinades, which turn the outside of meat or fish mushy.

Is there a substitute for gochujang in Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)?

The entry for Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) calls for 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste). In its place: Mix two parts sriracha or another chili paste with one part white miso and a pinch of sugar. It lands close on heat and body and a little short on fermented depth.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)?

Yes, with care. Breasts dry out sooner: pull them at 165 F, which usually means a few minutes less than the thighs would take. As written, the entry for Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) uses 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-in pieces.

Is Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) comes from 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste). For a milder plate, start with half the gochujang and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Does Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) contain sesame?

Yes: 2 tsp toasted sesame oil and 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, soy and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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