Dak Galbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) Recipe

Dak Galbi (닭갈비) is a famous Korean dish made with marinated chicken stir-fried in a spicy gochujang sauce along with vegetables, rice cakes, and sometimes cheese. Originally from the city of Chuncheon, Dak Galbi is now loved all across Korea as a popular comfort food and Korean BBQ-style dish.

If you’re looking for a spicy Korean chicken recipe, a one-pan meal for family and friends, or an authentic Korean stir-fry, Dak Galbi is the perfect choice.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 600g (1.3 lbs) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 200g (7 oz) Korean rice cakes (tteok, optional)
• ½ small cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium sweet potato, sliced into thin half-moons
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp cooking oil

For the marinade sauce:

• 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 2 tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1½ tbsp sugar (or honey)
• 1 tbsp rice wine (mirin or sake)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

• In a bowl, combine gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pepper.
• Add chicken pieces and mix well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).

2. Prepare the vegetables

• Chop cabbage, sweet potato, carrot, onion, and green onions.
• Soak rice cakes in warm water if they’re refrigerated or frozen.

3. Cook everything together

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until half cooked.
• Add vegetables and rice cakes, stir-fry until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.

4. Finish and serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning with more gochujang or soy sauce if needed.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, or melted cheese on top.

Serving Tips

• Dak Galbi is delicious when wrapped in lettuce leaves (ssam) with rice and kimchi.
• Add mozzarella cheese at the end for Cheese Dak Galbi, a popular variation.
• Leftovers can be stir-fried with cooked rice to make Dak Galbi Fried Rice.

Variations

• Seafood Dak Galbi: Add squid or shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist.
• Mild Version: Reduce chili paste and flakes for a lighter flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu.

✨ Pro Tip: Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast—thigh meat stays juicy and tender even after high-heat stir-frying.

Why You’ll Love This Dak Galbi Recipe

• ✅ Authentic Korean flavor—spicy, savory, and slightly sweet
• ✅ Perfect for sharing—great for group meals or family dinners
• ✅ Versatile—enjoy with cheese, lettuce wraps, or fried rice
• ✅ One-pan meal—easy cleanup and full of nutrition

If you’ve been searching for the best Korean spicy chicken stir-fry recipe, Dak Galbi will bring the taste of Chuncheon straight to your kitchen.