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The Recipe · No.728 · Jjimdak

Jjimdak, and where to source it

Jjimdak — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Jjimdak Korean 5best2buy.com

The glass noodles are the timing trap: they turn to mush if they braise the whole time, so you soak them separately and only fold them in at the very end to soak up the sauce for a couple of minutes. The braise itself just needs enough time for the sauce to reduce and glaze the chicken and potatoes.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook40 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineKorean
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Chicken pieces
Bone-in thighs and drumsticks stay juicy through the braise. Pasture-raised chicken has real flavor.
2.5 lb
Glass noodles
Sweet-potato dangmyeon, soaked and added last so they stay springy. They are the signature.
6 oz
Potatoes and carrots
Cut in big chunks to braise soft and soak up the sauce. Fresh, bought local.
3 cups
Soy sauce
The base of the braising sauce with sugar and garlic. Naturally brewed for depth.
1/2 cup
Garlic, ginger and chili
The aromatics and dried chili that season the sauce. Fresh.
to taste
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Blanch the chickenGive the chicken a quick blanch and rinse for a cleaner braise.
  2. Build the sauceSimmer soy, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili into a sweet-savory braising sauce.
  3. Braise the chickenAdd the chicken and root vegetables and braise until tender and the sauce reduces and glazes.
  4. Fold in noodlesAdd the soaked glass noodles for the last few minutes to soak up the sauce. Finish with scallion and sesame.
The Toolkit

Wide pot · Tongs · Colander

Straight Answers
Can you make Jjimdak in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Jjimdak? — 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 Jjimdak ahead of time? — Yes

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

Is Jjimdak gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Jjimdak vegan? — No

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

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