**Introduction**
Korean cuisine is well-known for its bold flavors and vibrant dishes, and stir-fries are a cornerstone of this culinary tradition. Among these, **Dak Galbi** (닭갈비) stands out as a beloved and hearty dish. It features tender chicken pieces stir-fried with vegetables and a spicy, savory sauce made from gochujang (Korean red chili paste). Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat combined with sweet and tangy notes, Dak Galbi is a fantastic introduction to Korean stir-fry dishes. Today, I’ll guide you through a simple yet authentic recipe for one serving, so you can enjoy this delicious meal at home.
**Main Content**
***Ingredients (for 1 serving):***
– Chicken thigh, boneless and skinless: 150 grams, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Sweet potato: 50 grams, peeled and sliced thinly
– Cabbage: 50 grams, chopped
– Green onion: 20 grams, cut into 4 cm pieces
– Onion: 30 grams, sliced
– Perilla leaves (optional): 10 grams, roughly chopped
– Cooked rice: 150 grams (to serve)
***For the marinade/sauce:***
– Gochujang (Korean red chili paste): 1 tbsp (about 15 grams)
– Soy sauce: 1 tsp (5 ml)
– Sugar: 1 tsp (4 grams)
– Minced garlic: 1 tsp (5 grams)
– Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes): 1/2 tsp (1 gram)
– Sesame oil: 1 tsp (5 ml)
– Ground black pepper: a pinch
***Instructions:***
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, gochugaru, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir well to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (you can refrigerate it for longer if time allows).
3. Heat a non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade juices. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
4. Add the sweet potato slices and onion to the pan and continue stir-frying for another 3 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften slightly.
5. Add the cabbage and green onions, and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
6. If using perilla leaves, toss them in during the last minute of cooking for added aroma and flavor.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice. For an authentic Korean experience, wrap the stir-fry in fresh lettuce leaves and enjoy!
**Conclusion**
Dak Galbi is a fantastic way to experience the exciting flavors of Korean stir-fry dishes with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory tastes. This recipe is simple to follow and adaptable for home cooking, making it an excellent choice for anyone new to Korean cuisine. Give this dish a try, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in Korea, especially during cooler weather. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!
