Dakdoritang, also known as Dakdori Tang or Korean Spicy Chicken Stew, is a flavorful and hearty Korean dish that features chicken simmered in a spicy, savory sauce with a variety of vegetables. It's a comforting meal, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The dish is characterized by its spicy kick and rich, umami flavor, which comes from a blend of Korean chili paste, soy sauce, and a variety of aromatic ingredients.
Ingredients Needed
To make Dakdoritang, you'll need the following ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 2 lbs (900 g) of bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, cut into chunks
- 1 large potato, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 green chilies, sliced (optional, for extra heat)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry white wine)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Peel and cut the vegetables as specified.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and sear them until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Cook the Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the Korean chili paste, soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
Combine and Simmer:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the seared chicken.
- Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Add Vegetables:
- Add the potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pot.
- Continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Final Touches:
- Adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce or chili paste to taste.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least an hour before cooking.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of Korean chili paste and fresh green chilies.
- To thicken the stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water and add it to the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or a variety of mushrooms for a vegetarian version of Dakdoritang.
- Seafood Version: You can use seafood such as shrimp or squid in place of chicken for a different twist on the stew.
- Spicy Level: If you prefer a milder stew, reduce the amount of Korean chili paste and skip the fresh chilies.
Calories
The calorie content of Dakdoritang will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. On average, a serving of Dakdoritang contains approximately 300-400 calories, primarily from the chicken and vegetables. Adjusting the amount of oil and sugar can help reduce the calorie count if desired.
Conclusion
Dakdoritang is a delicious and satisfying Korean stew that combines spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Its rich broth and tender chicken make it a favorite among many who enjoy Korean cuisine. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore different variations, this dish is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your table.
