Cheese Dakgalbi

Today, we are making Cheese dakgalbi, which is a popular spicy stir-fried chicken dish in South Korea. “Dak” means chicken, while “galbi” refers to a cooking style that combines sweet, smoky, and salty flavors.

Dakgalbi is a traditional dish from Chuncheon in Gangwon Province, South Korea. This delicious dish originated in the 1960s when a chef decided to stir-fry chicken in a spicy gochujang-based sauce with cabbage, onion, and rice cakes.

Ingredients

Chicken breast, Red bell pepper, onion, garlic and ginger paste, Gochujang, Dark soy sauce, sesame seed oil, gochugaru, brown sugar, salt and oyster sauce, Mozzarella cheese, Olive oil and rice cake

Chicken breast is the main protein in this dish, but chicken thighs can be used as a substitute. Red bell peppers add a pop of color and a crunch. A ginger and garlic paste enhances the flavor profile, while chopped fresh garlic cloves and onions are sautéed until caramelized, bringing a gentle sweetness to the dish.

The marinade features gochujang, a spicy red pepper paste, and gochugaru, hot red pepper flakes. This spice produces a mild heat. Dark soy sauce and oyster sauce contribute to the dish’s flavour, and sesame oil lends a slight nuttiness. Rice cakes, which can be found in most supermarkets, are included; we’ve chosen those filled with mozzarella cheese. Gochujang is well-known for its spiciness, and when added to vegetables such as onions and cabbage, it enhances their crunch, while the rice cakes provide a delightful chewiness. Dakgalbi has been a sensational dish among Korean locals, and its popularity quickly spread nationwide.

The addition of cheese to dakgalbi transforms it into a fusion dish with a modern twist on the traditional recipe. This ingredient adds flavor, as the creamy cheese helps to soften the spiciness of the gochujang. Although cheese was introduced in South Korea in the 1970s, its integration into Korean cuisine gained momentum in the 1990s. The growing popularity of cheese in Korean dishes was largely driven by interest from younger generations. Kids, in particular, were fascinated by the way cheese melts. Today, cheese dakgalbi is a beloved dish in South Korea, enjoyed by both locals and foreigners alike.

Instructions

Wash and cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks, about one-inch cubes. Add butter to the pan and cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, until lightly golden.

To prepare the marinade, combine the following ingredients: gochujang, ginger and garlic paste, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice wine, sesame seed oil, salt, and pepper. Next, preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.

Drizzle some olive oil into the pan, then add the onions. Stir-fry the onions and garlic for about four minutes, and then add the red bell peppers.

Add the green onions, stir to distribute the vegetables, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring evenly. Add the chicken back into the pan.

Add the chicken breasts to the pan with the marinade. Stir thoroughly from the bottom up to coat the chicken and vegetables with the marinade. After five minutes of cooking, add the rice cakes and 7 tablespoons of water.

Add the tomato paste. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for five minutes. As soon as the mixture thickens up, add the grated cheese. Cover with a lid for 2 minutes to melt the cheese. Garnish with spring onion or parsley, and serve.

For more heat, adjust the amount of gochujang. Two tablespoons provide a mild spiciness, while three tablespoons deliver a stronger kick. The Cheese Dakgabi is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Expert Tips

Feeling extra brave? Consider adding two tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). The flavor of gochujang paste can be highly addictive, so if you’re using a lot of it, make sure to have a glass of milk nearby! Mozzarella cheese is ideal for this recipe because it becomes stringy when melted. For a richer flavor, you can also add cheddar cheese or Gouda cheese. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand in this recipe.

What can You Serve with Cheese Dakgalbi?

Serve with white rice. Other options include garlic bread or tortillas. Cheese dakgalbi pairs perfectly with rice. Side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, or a simple green salad nicely complement the cheese dakgalbi.

How to Store Cheese Dakgalbi?

Store the cheese dakgalbi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. To restore the dish’s creaminess, consider adding extra cheese while reheating. It will last for 2 to 3 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer. If you plan to freeze the cheese dakgalbi, skip adding the cheese until you are ready to cook the chicken, as cheese can become dry and crumbly in the freezer, altering the dish’s taste.