Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Marinate the chicken in the gochujang paste for at least a few hours — overnight is better. This is a marinated stir-fry, not a sauce tossed in at the end, and the depth comes entirely from that rest.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 4 servings

Chicken thighs

Boneless, cut into chunks; thighs take the spicy marinade and stay tender.

1.5 lb

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Gochujang

Korean fermented chili paste — the heart of the marinade.

3 tbsp

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Gochugaru

Korean chili flakes add color and a rounder heat than gochujang alone.

1 tbsp

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Rice cakes

Tteok cylinders, soaked if dried; they turn chewy and soak up the sauce.

1 cup

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Green cabbage

Cut in wide chunks; it wilts and sweetens into the dish.

1/4 head

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Sweet potato

Sliced thin so it cooks through in the stir-fry; the classic Chuncheon touch.

1 small

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Perilla leaves

Torn in at the end for their minty-anise aroma; substitute shiso.

6 leaves

Local / market

Garlic

Lots, minced into the marinade.

5 cloves

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The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat

A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Air fryer

The Method

Make the marinadeMix gochujang, gochugaru, soy, garlic, ginger, sugar and sesame oil into a paste.
MarinateCoat chicken thoroughly and rest at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
Sear the chickenOn a hot griddle or wide pan, spread the chicken and let it caramelize.
Add the vegetablesFold in cabbage, sweet potato and rice cakes; stir-fry until tender and glazed.
FinishTear in perilla, toss, and serve sizzling. Fried rice in the pan after is tradition.

The Toolkit

Cast iron griddle · Wooden spatula · Chef's knife

Straight Answers

Can you make Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1005

Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken), and where to source it