Authentic Korean Braised Chicken (Dakdoritang) Recipe

Introduction

Authentic Dakdoritang is a flavorful Korean braised chicken dish that combines tender drumsticks with a spicy, savory sauce. This hearty meal features glass noodles and chewy rice cakes, making it a comforting choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 750g chicken drumsticks
• 1 stalk Korean leek (or green onions)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 0.5 carrot, sliced
• 150g dangmyeon (glass noodles), soaked for 30 minutes
• 150g tteokbokki rice cakes, rinsed
• 3 Cheongyang chilies, sliced (optional)
• 2.5 tbsp sugar
• 700ml water
• 120ml soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (non-alcoholic substitute for mirin)
• 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
• 0.5 tsp minced ginger
• 3 tbsp coarsely ground gochugaru
• 1 tbsp finely ground gochugaru
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine the chicken with water and soy sauce over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add the sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and both types of gochugaru.
3. Step 3: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the onion, carrot, and Cheongyang chilies to the pot.
5. Step 5: Add the tteokbokki rice cakes and continue simmering for another 5 to 7 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in the soaked dangmyeon noodles and sliced Korean leek.
7. Step 7: Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the noodles are soft and the sauce has thickened.
8. Step 8: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Soaking the dangmyeon noodles beforehand helps them cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
• Adjust the number of Cheongyang chilies to control the spice level or omit them for a milder dish.
• Substitute chicken thighs if preferred for a slightly richer flavor.
• If tteokbokki rice cakes are unavailable, mochi or another chewy rice cake can be used.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish without tteokbokki rice cakes?

Yes, you can omit the rice cakes or substitute with other chewy rice cakes or mochi for texture.

Is it possible to use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?

Chicken breasts can be used, but drumsticks or thighs stay moister and more flavorful when braised.

Authentic Korean Braised Chicken (Dakdoritang) Recipe

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4.7 from 129 reviews

Authentic Dakdoritang is a classic Korean braised chicken dish featuring tender chicken drumsticks simmered in a flavorful, spicy sauce made with soy sauce, gochugaru, garlic, and ginger. It’s complemented by vegetables, chewy rice cakes, and glass noodles, making it a hearty and comforting meal perfect for sharing.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Broth

• 750g chicken drumsticks
• 700ml water
• 120ml soy sauce
• 2.5 tbsp sugar
• 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
• 0.5 tsp minced ginger
• 3 tbsp coarsely ground gochugaru
• 1 tbsp finely ground gochugaru

Vegetables & Other Ingredients

• 1 stalk Korean leek (or green onions), sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 0.5 carrot, sliced
• 3 Cheongyang chilies, sliced (optional)

Noodles and Rice Cakes

• 150g dangmyeon (glass noodles), soaked for 30 mins
• 150g tteokbokki rice cakes, rinsed

Garnish

• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine Chicken and Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken drumsticks with water and soy sauce. Place over medium-high heat to start infusing the broth and cooking the chicken.
2. Add Seasonings: Add sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and both coarsely ground and finely ground gochugaru to the pot. These ingredients create the rich, spicy base for the braising liquid.
3. Simmer the Chicken: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, letting the chicken cook through and absorb the flavors.
4. Add Vegetables: Add chopped onion, sliced carrot, and optional Cheongyang chilies to the pot. These add sweetness, texture, and an extra layer of heat.
5. Add Rice Cakes and Continue Simmering: Incorporate the rinsed tteokbokki rice cakes into the pot. Continue simmering for 5 to 7 minutes until the rice cakes soften.
6. Add Noodles and Leek: Stir in the soaked dangmyeon (glass noodles) and sliced Korean leek. These ingredients absorb the sauce and add chewy texture and freshness.
7. Final Cook and Thicken: Cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to soften fully and the sauce to thicken slightly, coating all ingredients.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish for a nutty finish. Serve the Dakdoritang hot for a delicious, hearty meal.

Notes

• Soak the dangmyeon noodles in warm water for at least 30 minutes before adding to the pot for best texture.
• Cheongyang chilies add heat and are optional depending on your spice tolerance.
• Use Korean rice cakes (tteokbokki) for authentic texture; rinse them well before use to remove excess starch.
• Adjust gochugaru amounts to control the spiciness of the dish.
• Serving with steamed rice is recommended to balance the bold flavors and make it a complete meal.

Keywords: Dakdoritang, Korean braised chicken, spicy chicken stew, Korean comfort food, tteokbokki, dangmyeon, gochugaru chicken