Dakgalbi (닭갈비) from Gangwon Province (강원도)

Dakgalbi is a spicy stir-fried chicken dish that originated in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. It features marinated chicken cooked with gochujang, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables, creating a spicy and flavorful medley.

akgalbi (닭갈비) is a delicious and popular Korean dish that originated in Chuncheon, a city in Gangwon Province. It has gained widespread popularity throughout Korea and is now enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Dakgalbi is known for its spicy and savory flavors, and it’s a must-try for anyone exploring Korean cuisine. Here’s more information about this tasty dish:

Table of Contents

Cooking Method

Ingredients:

Chicken: The main ingredient is boneless chicken, usually cut into small pieces for quick and even cooking. It’s commonly made with chicken thighs or breast meat.
Gochujang (Korean red chili pepper paste): The spicy and flavorful gochujang is a key component of the marinade that gives Dakgalbi its characteristic spiciness.
Vegetables: It typically includes an assortment of vegetables like cabbage, sweet potatoes, scallions, onions, carrots, and perilla leaves (sesame leaves). These vegetables add color, texture, and a range of flavors to the dish.
Rice Cake: In some variations, sliced tteok (rice cake) is added to it, complementing the dish with its chewy texture.
Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes): In addition to gochujang, gochugaru is used to enhance the spiciness of the marinade.
Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami taste to the dish.
Sugar: Balances the spiciness and adds a touch of sweetness to the marinade.
Sesame Oil: For aroma and flavor.

Preparation and Cooking:

The boneless chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat.
The marinated chicken is then stir-fried in a large, shallow pan (sometimes on a grill) along with the vegetables and rice cakes. The pan is often placed on the table so diners can enjoy the interactive experience of cooking their own Style.
While stir-frying, additional seasonings and sauces may be added to enhance the flavor, such as garlic, ginger, and a sprinkling of black pepper.
The dish is cooked until the chicken is fully cooked through, the vegetables are tender, and the flavors have melded together, resulting in a rich and spicy sauce coating all the ingredients.

Serving: It is typically served with various accompaniments, including:

Lettuce Leaves: To wrap the cooked chicken and vegetables, adding a refreshing crunch to each bite.
Perilla Leaves (Sesame Leaves): A popular leafy vegetable in Korean cuisine, which can be wrapped around that for added flavor.
Kimchi: A staple in Korean cuisine that complements the spiciness of it.
Rice or Cheese: Some restaurants offer options to add cooked rice or melted cheese to the leftover sauce in the pan, creating an additional rice dish or cheese fondue.

Enjoyment and Variations: Dakgalbi is often enjoyed with friends or family due to its interactive and communal nature. The diners get to cook their own food and adjust the spiciness and seasonings according to their preferences.

While the traditional one is spicy, some restaurants offer non-spicy or mild versions for those who prefer a milder taste. Some variations of it also include other meats like pork or seafood, catering to different taste preferences.

Recommended Restaurant in Korea for Dakgalbi.

Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street (춘천 명동 닭갈비 거리): Located in Chuncheon, the birthplace of it, this area is famous for its many restaurants. You can find various eateries offering this dish with different flavors and styles. The vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy in its hometown make it a popular destination for food lovers.
Yoogane (유가네): Yoogane is a chain of restaurants specializing in this market, with branches across Korea and even some international locations. They offer a variety of options, including different levels of spiciness and additional ingredients. It’s a well-known and reliable choice for enjoying this classic Korean dish.
Chuncheon Chamsutbul Dakgalbi (춘천 참숯불 닭갈비): This restaurant in Chuncheon is famous for its charcoal-grilled one, which adds a smoky flavor to the dish. They use high-quality ingredients, and their Dakgalbi is loved by locals and visitors alike.
Makguksu & Dakgalbi Alley in Dongmakgol (동막골 막국수 & 닭갈비 골목): This alley in Dongmakgol, Chuncheon, is known for its selection of restaurants specializing in both makguksu (buckwheat noodles) and Dakgalbi. It’s a great place to sample these iconic dishes of Chuncheon.
Pimatgol Dakgalbi (피맛골 닭갈비): Located in Seoul, this restaurant is praised for its tender and well-seasoned Dakgalbi. They offer a cozy and authentic dining experience in the heart of the city.