Easy Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) made in one pan! Juicy chicken, chewy rice cakes, and veggies stir-fried in a bold gochujang sauce for an authentic Chuncheon Dakgalbi flavor. Finish with crispy fried rice for the perfect meal!

Dakgalbi (spicy Korean chicken stir-fry) in a pan.

“I’ve made it couple of times to the exact specifications and it taste great. This is one of those dishes that I can’t get as good as I’ve had it in Korea.”

Susie

The first time I had dakgalbi (Korean spicy stir-fried chicken) was in Chuncheon, South Korea, where this dish was originated. The bold gochujang sauce had the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, with a hint of curry-like warmth. One bite, and I was hooked!

Now you can make Chuncheon-style dakgalbi at home—no tabletop grill or marinating needed! This easy recipe brings bold, smoky, and caramelized flavors, just like in a Korean restaurant, all in one pan.

Dakgalbi stir-fried in gochujang sauce.

What is Dakgalbi?

Dakgalbi (닭갈비) is a spicy, stir-fried Korean chicken dish cooked with gochujang (Korean chili paste), rice cakes, cabbage, and sweet potatoes. The dish was born in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, and is now one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods.

The name “Dakgalbi” translates to “chicken ribs”, but there are no ribs in the dish. Back in the day, grilling beef or pork ribs was expensive, so people in Chuncheon created a more affordable alternative using chicken while keeping the same bold, smoky flavors.

Over the years, dakgalbi has taken on many variations. Some people love cheese dakgalbi, where melted cheese turns the dish into a creamy, spicy delight. But for me, the classic version will always be my favorite.

Ingredients for Korean chicken stir-fry (Dakgalbi)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

For the best flavor, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the way to go. They stay juicy and absorb the dakgalbi sauce beautifully, giving you the rich, authentic taste. Chicken breast can be used, but it tends to be drier.

Rice cakes and perilla leaves are available at Korean or Asian grocery stores. For rice cakes, use tteokbokki tteok (or other available type) and soak them in water for 10 minutes before stir-frying to keep them soft and chewy.

Can’t find perilla leaves? You can substitute basil, but it will have a different flavor.

For dakgalbi sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), and curry powder are essential, and there’s no substitute for them. If you love making Korean food, it’s worth keeping the condiments stocked for other traditional Korean dishes.

How to Make Dakgalbi (Spicy Korean Chicken Stir-Fry)

Mix the dakgalbi sauce in a bowl, then pour it over the chicken, rice cakes, and vegetables in a large shallow pan.

📌 Best pan for dakgalbi? Traditionally, this spicy chicken stir-fry is cooked in a large carbon steel pan, but a cast iron skillet works just as well for even heat and caramelization. Any large, heavy-bottomed skillet will do.

Stir-fry the chicken and vegetables in the spicy gochujang sauce over medium-high heat. Add a little water to keep everything moist. Once the chicken is fully cooked and the rice cakes and sweet potatoes are tender, toss in more perilla leaves and mix to finish. That’s all the cooking!

It doesn’t get easier than this! Serve hot and enjoy. When you’re nearly finished, don’t forget to make dakgalbi fried rice for the perfect ending.

Dakgalbi fried rice with spatulas in a pan.

Dakgalbi Fried Rice

In Korea, it’s customary to finish dakgalbi with fried rice, using the remaining chicken, vegetables, and sauce left in the pan. This popular practice turns every last bit of flavor into a delicious, crispy stir-fried rice. It’s fun to share and the perfect way to wrap up the meal!

Here’s how to make dakgalbi fried rice.

In the same pan with leftover dakgalbi, add cooked rice and any remaining sauce. Stir-fry until the rice soaks up the spicy, smoky flavors. Spread it out evenly and let it crisp over medium heat for a golden, crunchy bottom. Finish with crumbled seaweed and sesame seeds. It’s ready to serve!

Best Pairings & Drinks

Dakgalbi is a hearty, stand-alone meal, so side dishes aren’t necessary. However, it’s common to enjoy it wrapped in lettuce (ssam) and paired with Korean drinks like soju (distilled wine).

For a non-alcoholic option, cold barley tea (boricha) or iced green tea make a refreshing choice.

More Korean Chicken Recipes

A plate of spicy Korean chicken stir-fry (dakgalbi).

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Dakgalbi (spicy Korean chicken stir-fry) in a pan.

Authentic Dakgalbi (Spicy Korean Chicken Stir-Fry)

Make authentic Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken) at home! Stir-fry chicken, rice cakes, and veggies in a rich gochujang sauce for bold Korean flavors. Don’t forget the crispy dakgalbi fried rice to finish!
5 from 15 ratings

Recipe Video

Ingredients

For dakgalbi

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thigh, diced
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) Korean rice cake sticks
  • 1/4-1/2 green cabbage, diced
  • 8-10 perilla leaves , sliced
  • 1/2 large onion, sliced
  • 1 medium sweet potato, sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2-4 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds , to garnish

For dakgalbi sauce

For optional fried rice

Equipment

  • cast iron skillet large size

Instructions 

For the dakgalbi sauce

  • To make the dakgalbi sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside 1 tablespoon of sauce if you are making fried rice at the end.

For stir-frying dakgalbi

  • Soak rice cakes in water for 10 minutes and drain.
  • Drizzle oil in a cast iron skillet, arrange the chicken, vegetables, sweet potato wedges, rice cakes, and 1/2 the amount of perilla leaves. Drizzle the sauce over and bring the skillet over med-high heat.
  • When you hear a loud sizzle, start tossing everything to combine. Stir-fry for about 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice cakes and sweet potatoes are tender. If the food sticks too much, add 2 tablespoons of water (or more) to loosen the sauce and help everything cook evenly.
  • Add the remaining perilla leaves toward the end of stir-frying. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately when it is hot.

To make fried rice

  • After finishing dakgalbi, turn the heat back to medium and drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil into the skillet. Add the cooked rice and reserved dakgalbi sauce, then start stir-frying to coat the rice with the sauce residue remaining in the skillet.
  • Press the rice gently to the bottom of the skillet and let it crisp up for 2 minutes over medium heat.
  • When the rice sticks to the skillet and becomes golden and crispy, drizzle sesame oil over the top and sprinkle crumbled seaweed and toasted sesame seeds. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve the dakgalbi fried rice immediately while it's still hot and crispy.
Calories: 837kcal, Carbohydrates: 102g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 34g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g, Monounsaturated Fat: 17g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 108mg, Sodium: 988mg, Potassium: 997mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 9330IU, Vitamin C: 26mg, Calcium: 137mg, Iron: 5mg
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