Jjimdak (Korean Braised Chicken)

Name: Jjimdak (Korean Braised Chicken)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Korean

Posted on May 15, 2024

Chicken, Meat, Recipes

Jjimdak (Korean Braised Chicken), a Delicious Korean Comfort Food

Jjimdak, also known as Korean-braised chicken, is a flavorful and comforting dish that originates from Korea. Koreans make Jjimdak by braising chicken pieces with various vegetables and a sweet and savory sauce. What makes Jjimdak unique is its rich and complex flavor profile, which comes from the combination of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and other aromatic spices. I was cooking the chicken and infusing it with the delicious sauce.

Jjimdak (Korean Braised Chicken) Recipe

Jjimdak, a beloved Korean dish, offers tender chicken braised in a savory-sweet soy sauce base with vegetables, creating a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and addictive. This hearty dish is a delightful marriage of succulent chicken, aromatic spices, and rich, hearty vegetables, making it a cherished favorite in Korean cuisine.

Ingredients

2 lbs. chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, cut into pieces

Two medium potatoes peeled and cut into chunks

Two carrots peeled and cut into chunks

One slice of onion

Four cloves garlic, minced

One thumb-sized piece of ginger sliced

Four green onions cut into 2-inch pieces

Two tablespoons of soy sauce

Two tablespoons of oyster sauce

Two tablespoons of brown sugar

One tablespoon of sesame oil

One tablespoon of vegetable oil

One teaspoon of black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

2 cups of water

Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Execution

Sweat Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced ginger, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Brown Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.

Add Vegetables: Add sliced onion, potatoes, carrots, and green onions to the pot and stir to combine with the chicken.

Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the pot.

Prepare Sauce: Mix 2 cups of water into the pot, ensuring the chicken and vegetables remain primarily submerged in the liquid.

Steam: After bringing the mixture to a boil, lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and steam the mixture for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are soft.

Thicken Sauce: After cooking the chicken and vegetables, remove the lid and simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes or until it slightly thickens.

Garnish and Serve: Serve the Jjimdak hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy it with steamed rice on the side.

Note

You can adjust the seasoning and spiciness level according to your preference by adding more or less soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.

Tips

Take your time when sautéing the garlic and ginger. This allows them to release their flavors slowly, thereby adding depth to the dish.
Additionally, don’t rush the chicken’s browning. Achieving a golden crust ensures a richer taste and texture.
Moreover, ensure the vegetables are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking and a visually appealing presentation.
Lastly, taste the sauce before simmering to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Achieving a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes is critical to crafting a delicious jjimdak.