A pan of spicy Korean Dakgalbi, made with marinated chicken and mixed vegetables stir-fried in a spicy chili paste sauce.
Recipes Chicken Dinner

Dakgalbi Recipe 닭갈비

What is Dakgalbi (Spicy Grilled Chicken and Vegetables)?

Dakgalbi is a Korean dish made with spicy marinated chicken and vegetables, such as cabbage, sweet potatoes, and onions. The ingredients are stir-fried together in a large pan or wok, creating a delicious and flavorful meal. Dakgalbi is often served with a side of rice and pickled radishes and is paired with dipping sauces and condiments, such as gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) and sesame oil.

Dakgalbi originated in the city of Chuncheon, located in the Gangwon province of South Korea. It is a popular dish in the region, and can often be found at local restaurants and street food stalls. In recent years, dakgalbi has gained popularity throughout South Korea and beyond, and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.

How To Make Dakgalbi

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 medium zucchini, julienned
  • 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang (red pepper paste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, onion, carrot, zucchini, cabbage, garlic, gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice wine, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are well coated with the marinade.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  3. Heat a large nonstick pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and vegetables to the pan.
  4. Cook the dakgalbi for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  5. Serve the dakgalbi hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. It’s typically served with a side of rice and other side dishes, such as kimchi or pickled vegetables.
  6. Enjoy your homemade dakgalbi!

Dakgalbi Origins

The origins of dakgalbi can be traced back to the city of Chuncheon, located in the Gangwon province of South Korea. It is said that the dish was first created in the 1950s by a local restaurant owner who was looking for a way to use excess chicken. The result was a spicy stir-fry that would become what the Gangwon province would be best known for.

Since its creation, dakgalbi has become a beloved and enduring part of Korean culinary culture. It’s the famous dish of the Gangwon region, and can often be found at local restaurants and street food stalls. In recent years, dakgalbi has gained popularity throughout Korea and beyond.

So the next time you sit down to enjoy a meal of dakgalbi, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of this beloved Korean dish. Whether you’re a fan of spicy flavors or simply love the combination of chicken and vegetables, dakgalbi is sure to be a memorable experience.