**Introduction**
Korean cuisine offers a vibrant array of flavors, and stir-fry dishes are a beloved category known for their quick cooking and bold tastes. One of the most iconic Korean stir-fries is Dak Galbi (닭갈비), a spicy and savory stir-fried chicken dish that has captured hearts both in Korea and around the world. Traditionally made with marinated chicken, vegetables, and rice cakes, Dak Galbi combines the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. Today, I’ll introduce you to a simple yet authentic Dak Galbi recipe perfect for one serving—ideal for anyone curious about Korean food or wanting a delicious homemade meal.
**Main Content**
**Ingredients (1 serving):**
– Chicken thigh (boneless, skinless): 150g
– Korean rice cakes (tteokbokki tteok): 50g
– Cabbage, chopped: 60g
– Sweet potato, thinly sliced: 40g
– Carrot, julienned: 30g
– Green onion, cut into 3cm pieces: 15g
– Cooking oil (vegetable or sesame): 1 tbsp (15ml)
– Sesame seeds (optional): 1 tsp (2g)
**Marinade & Sauce:**
– Gochujang (Korean red chili paste): 1 tbsp (20g)
– Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1 tsp (3g)
– Soy sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml)
– Minced garlic: 1 tsp (5g)
– Honey or sugar: 1 tsp (5g)
– Sesame oil: 1 tsp (5ml)
– Ground black pepper: a pinch
**Recipe Steps:**
1. **Prepare the marinade:** In a bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
2. **Marinate the chicken:** Cut chicken thigh into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
3. **Prepare vegetables and rice cakes:** While the chicken marinates, slice the cabbage, sweet potato, carrot, and green onion. Soak the rice cakes in warm water for 5 minutes if they are hardened.
4. **Cook:** Heat cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to cook.
5. **Add vegetables and rice cakes:** Toss in sweet potato slices and stir-fry together for 2 minutes, then add cabbage, carrot, green onions, and rice cakes. Stir continuously for another 5-6 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
6. **Final touches:** Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, stir once more, and turn off heat.
7. **Serve immediately** with steamed rice and enjoy the vibrant flavors of spicy, slightly sweet, and savory Dak Galbi.
**Conclusion**
Dak Galbi is more than just a spicy chicken stir-fry; it’s a wonderful introduction to the depth and excitement of Korean cooking. This dish combines simple ingredients with flavor-packed sauces to deliver an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, Dak Galbi brings warmth and zest to your dining table. Try this recipe at home and experience the magic of Korean stir-fry firsthand!
