Spicy and Cheesy Dakgalbi: A Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite
The Ultimate Cheese Dakgalbi That Will Delight the Whole Family
Experience the irresistible combination of spicy Dakgalbi topped with creamy, savory cheese! This ‘Cheese Dakgalbi’ recipe is a guaranteed hit with everyone, from adults to children. Even picky eaters will love it thanks to the rich cheese that balances the mild spiciness. Bring the joy of this delicious and hearty dish to your family table!
Main Ingredients
- 800g chicken (thigh or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 onion (cut into large chunks)
- 1/4 head cabbage (cut into large chunks)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1.5cm thick rounds)
- 10 perilla leaves (cut lengthwise)
- 2 Korean green chilies (sliced diagonally, seeds removed optional)
- 2 red chilies (sliced diagonally)
- 10 small rice cakes for tteokbokki (soaked in water if dried)
Spicy & Sweet Marinade
- 5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp curry powder (for a unique aroma and to remove gamey smell)
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum extract, for sweetness and shine)
- 2 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup, for smooth sweetness and shine)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger (or a pinch of ginger powder)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/2 Tbsp curry powder (for a unique aroma and to remove gamey smell)
- 2 Tbsp maesilcheong (Korean plum extract, for sweetness and shine)
- 2 Tbsp oligodang (corn syrup, for smooth sweetness and shine)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger (or a pinch of ginger powder)
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the vegetables that will add flavor to your Dakgalbi. Chop the cabbage and onion into large pieces, and peel and slice the sweet potatoes into about 1.5cm thick rounds. Slice the green and red chilies diagonally, and wash and cut the perilla leaves lengthwise. Prepare the tteokbokki rice cakes as well. (If the rice cakes are dry, soaking them in water beforehand will make them softer.)
Step 2
Carefully separate the meat from the bones of the chicken. Using boneless chicken pieces makes the Dakgalbi more tender and easier to eat. (Using pre-cut chicken thigh or breast from the store is convenient.)
Step 3
Your fresh, boneless chicken is now ready. It’s time to marinate this delicious chicken with our special sauce.
Step 4
Let’s make the key to the spicy and sweet flavor: the marinade! In a bowl, combine 5 Tbsp gochugaru, 5 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp gochujang, 1/2 Tbsp curry powder, 2 Tbsp maesilcheong, 2 Tbsp oligodang, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create the marinade.
Step 5
Heat a little cooking oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until the surface is lightly browned. Stir-frying the chicken first helps to seal in its juices, making it more tender.
Step 6
When the chicken is about 50% cooked, add all the prepared spicy and sweet marinade to the pan. Stir and mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce as you continue to stir-fry. You’ll soon smell the delicious aroma!
Step 7
Now, add the sweet potatoes, which are delicious when cooked with the chicken. Stir-fry them together with the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld. Continue stir-frying for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 8
Once the sweet potatoes are adequately cooked, add the tteokbokki rice cakes and the prepared onion, cabbage, and chilies. Stir-fry everything together until the vegetables are slightly softened and all ingredients are well combined.
Step 9
Finally, add the thinly sliced perilla leaves and stir-fry just until they begin to wilt. The fresh aroma of the perilla leaves is essential for the best flavor. Cook for about 1 more minute, then turn off the heat.
Step 10
Your delicious stir-fried Dakgalbi is almost ready! The spicy aroma and abundant ingredients will surely make your mouth water.
Step 11
Transfer the finished Dakgalbi to a serving plate. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese, then microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and gooey, for a spectacular Cheese Dakgalbi! (Alternatively, you can melt the cheese over low heat in a pan with a lid.)
Step 12
Your Cheese Dakgalbi, with its perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors, is ready to be enjoyed by the whole family! Enjoy your meal!
