Cheese Dakgalbi - Perfect Recipe!

5 from 9 votes

Let's prep the chicken thighs - trim-off any excess skin that's hanging on or globs of excess fat.
Place the thighs into a tray (or bowl) and pour-in some milk. Pour enough to cover the pieces. Let the milk tenderize the pieces for 30 minutes (not much longer).
While you wait, let's prep the veggies: Cut ½ a whole onion into thin strips. Cut ⅙ piece of cabbage into thin pieces. Cut 6 perilla leaves into thin strips. Peel and cut 1 small-sized sweet potato into bite-sized pieces. Cut spring onion stalk into finger-length pieces. Cut 1 Spicy Cheongyang Chili Pepper and 1 Mild Red Chili Pepper into thin pieces.
Also, place ½ Cup of Tteok (Korean rice cakes) into a bowl of cold water - so they can hydrate.
Next, make the Dakgalbi marinade by mixing together: Gochujang Paste (3T), Gochugaru Flakes (2T), Mirin (2T), Soy Sauce (1.5T), Sugar (1T), Minced Garlic (1T), Minced Ginger (1T), Honey (2T), Curry Powder (1T), Sesame Oil (1T) and Black Pepper (5-6 good cracks).
After 30 minutes of soaking in the milk, drain the chicken. Then rinse each chicken thigh under running water. Shake off excess water and place them onto a few paper towels.
Now, you'll notice that the chicken thighs are extra tender. Cut them into bite-size pieces (it's ok if some of the skin falls off while you cut).
Now cover the chicken thigh pieces with the spicy dakgalbi sauce. Use your hands to get each piece thoroughly coated in the sauce.

Now place these marinated chicken pieces in the refrigerator - give it at least 30 minutes to marinate in the refrigerator.

After 30 minutes of marinating, we're ready to cook. Place some vegetable oil into a large frying pan - on medium high heat. Once its hot, place the marinated chicken pieces in. Add-in the sweet potato as well. Stir-fry both for a few minutes until you see the chicken start to slightly cook and firm-up.
Now, add in the onion slices, cabbage pieces and tteok (rice cakes). Stir-fry everything for about 5 minutes or until the onion start to turn slightly soft.
Now, add in the spring onion pieces, perilla leaves and sliced chili peppers. Stir-fry for another 1 minute.
Now, it's time for the cheese! Create a small path in the middle of the pan. (Note: You can scoop-out some of the stir-fry if there's not enough space).
Add in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese along the path.
Reduce the heat to a low, place a lid-on, and give it about about 3-5 minutes to melt.
Once the cheese looks gooey and melted, turn off the heat!
Bon Appetit - your mouth will be in heaven!