cheese dakgalbi recipe korean spicy stir-fried chicken with vegetables Cheese Dakgalbi Recipe Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken

If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting dish that perfectly balances spicy heat with rich, melty cheese, Cheese Dakgalbi is the ultimate Korean comfort food you need to try. Originating from the city of Chuncheon in South Korea, dakgalbi is a popular street food featuring juicy chicken stir-fried with an array of fresh vegetables and a flavorful gochujang-based sauce.

What makes this version so irresistible is the addition of gooey cheese, which tempers the spice and adds a luscious texture that will have you coming back for more.

This dish is not only delicious but also a fun, interactive meal to prepare and enjoy with family or friends. The combination of bold spices, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese creates a harmonious explosion of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re a fan of Korean cuisine or looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is a must-try. Prepare to indulge in a sizzling skillet of spicy, cheesy goodness that’s as visually appealing as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheese Dakgalbi offers a perfect blend of bold Korean flavors and comforting creamy cheese. It’s easy to make, packed with protein and veggies, and customizable to your heat preference.

This dish is a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

The spicy gochujang sauce infuses every bite with a vibrant, smoky heat, balanced by the sweetness of sugar and the earthiness of garlic and soy sauce. Adding cheese creates a delightful contrast, making the heat more approachable and adding an indulgent texture that melts perfectly over the stir-fried chicken and vegetables.

Plus, this recipe is versatile—swap in your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level, or add rice cakes for an authentic twist. It’s a fantastic meal for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you want a hearty, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) – optional for extra heat
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• Optional: Korean rice cakes (tteokbokki), sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Non-stick skillet or large frying pan
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Grater (for shredding cheese, if not pre-shredded)
• Serving plates or bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Chop the cabbage, peel and thinly slice the sweet potato, julienne the carrot, slice the onion, and chop the green onions. If using rice cakes, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften.
2. Make the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, black pepper, and gochugaru if you want extra spice. Stir well until smooth.
3. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the sauce and toss until every piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Heat the pan: Place the skillet on medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to cook through.
5. Add vegetables: Add the cabbage, sweet potato, carrot, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together, mixing well to coat the vegetables in the sauce. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Add rice cakes (optional): If using, add the soaked rice cakes about halfway through cooking and stir them in to warm and soften.
7. Add cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables. Cover the pan with a lid to let the cheese melt, about 3-5 minutes.
8. Garnish and serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve hot directly from the pan with steamed rice or your favorite Korean side dishes.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce the amount of gochujang and omit gochugaru.

Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more variety.

Substitute mozzarella with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a sharper cheese flavor.

For an authentic street food experience, serve with Korean rice cakes (tteokbokki) and kimchi.

Leftovers can be reheated and served with fresh rice or as a filling for wraps.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cheese Dakgalbi is best enjoyed fresh and hot, ideally served with steamed white rice or sticky rice to balance the spicy sauce. A side of crisp, cool kimchi adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken.

You can also enjoy it wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light, flavorful bite.

For a complete Korean meal experience, pair this dish with Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or a simple cucumber salad. And if you want to try something sweet after, check out the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Conclusion

Cheese Dakgalbi is a vibrant, comforting dish that brings the best of Korean street food right to your kitchen. With its perfect marriage of spicy, savory chicken and creamy, melty cheese, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings and brings people together.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, packed with fresh vegetables and bold flavors.

Its versatility in ingredients and heat level makes it accessible for all tastes, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Plus, the one-pan cooking method makes it an easy cleanup meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or fun.

Don’t forget to explore more exciting recipes like Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for your next culinary adventure. Enjoy this spicy, cheesy delight and bring a taste of Korea to your table tonight!

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