Korean Spicy Chicken & Potato Stew (Tak Toritang)
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Tak Toritang, a satisfying Korean stew that brings together tender chicken, hearty potatoes, vibrant carrots, and aromatic onions bathed in a spicy, savory sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for those seeking a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with steaming white rice. Thanks to the unique depth of gochujang, a traditional Korean hot pepper paste, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you choose to simmer it on the stovetop or let it cook low and slow in a crockpot, your home will be filled with mouthwatering aromas. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this beloved dish, sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken drummettes
2 1/2 lbs (cleaned and trimmed)
potatoes
2 large (cut into medium chunks)
carrots
2 (cut into 2-inch pieces or use 10-12 baby carrots)
onion
1 large (cut into 8 pieces)
green or red bell pepper
1 (diced)
garlic cloves
4 (chopped)
water
1/2 cup (added directly)
soy sauce
1/3-1/2 cup (to taste)
white sugar
2 tablespoons (or to taste)
fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (optional, minced)
sweet chili sauce or hot sauce
3 tablespoons (according to preference)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the chicken drumettes, potato chunks, carrot pieces, onion wedges, sugar, ginger (if using), and garlic. Stir gently to mix.
2
Add the water and soy sauce to the pot. Then, incorporate the sweet chili sauce (or hot sauce) and the gochujang, stirring until everything is well combined.
3
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the juices run clear, and the vegetables are tender.
4
If using a crockpot, transfer the mixture to the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until everything is tender and infused with flavor.
5
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
6
Serve hot over a bed of fluffy white rice, and enjoy your delightful Korean meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tak Toritang?
Tak Toritang is a satisfying Korean spicy chicken and potato stew that features tender chicken, hearty potatoes, carrots, and onions in a savory sauce.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of chicken drumettes, which should be cleaned and trimmed before cooking.
Can I cook this recipe in a crockpot?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a crockpot and cook it on low for 4 to 6 hours until everything is tender.
How long does it take to simmer on the stovetop?
Once brought to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer covered for approximately 45 minutes.
What type of potatoes should I use and how should they be prepared?
You need 2 large potatoes cut into medium-sized chunks.
How do I prepare the carrots for this stew?
You can either use 2 carrots cut into 2-inch pieces or substitute them with 10 to 12 baby carrots.
Is fresh ginger a required ingredient?
Fresh ginger is optional; if you choose to use it, add 1 teaspoon of minced ginger.
What provides the spicy heat in this dish?
The heat comes from a combination of gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste) and either sweet chili sauce or hot sauce.
How should the onion be sliced?
Use one large onion and cut it into 8 distinct wedges or pieces.
What is the best way to serve Tak Toritang?
It is best served hot over a bed of fluffy white rice to complement the savory sauce.
How much soy sauce should I add?
The recipe recommends using between 1/3 and 1/2 cup of soy sauce, adjusted to your personal taste.
Does this recipe include bell peppers?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 diced green or red bell pepper for extra flavor and color.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The stew requires 4 chopped garlic cloves.
How much water is added to the base of the stew?
Only 1/2 cup of water is needed as the chicken and vegetables will release their own juices.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of white sugar or adjust the amount to suit your preference.
What is the role of gochujang in this recipe?
Gochujang adds a unique depth of flavor and a balance of heat and sweetness to the traditional Korean sauce.
What kind of pot is recommended for stovetop cooking?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for maintaining even heat while the stew simmers.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the meat is tender and the juices run clear after about 45 minutes of simmering.
Does the sauce thicken on its own?
Yes, the sauce will naturally thicken as it cools for a few minutes after being removed from the heat.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-pot meal that combines protein and vegetables in one cooking vessel.
How much sweet chili sauce or hot sauce should be used?
The recipe suggests 3 tablespoons of either sweet chili sauce or hot sauce, depending on your spice preference.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include Korean cuisine, chicken stew, spicy dish, comfort food, and one-pot meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the optional fresh ginger.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is a comforting and impressive meal perfect for sharing with family and friends.
What should I do first in the stovetop method?
Combine chicken, potatoes, carrots, onion, sugar, garlic, and optional ginger in the pot and stir gently over medium heat.
When should I add the liquid ingredients?
Add the water, soy sauce, chili sauce, and gochujang after the initial ingredients are mixed in the pot.
Is this a spicy dish?
Yes, it is designed to be a spicy and savory stew thanks to the gochujang and chili sauce.
What is the texture of the vegetables after cooking?
The potatoes, carrots, and onions should be tender and fully infused with the flavors of the spicy sauce.
Can I use different types of chicken?
While this recipe specifies chicken drumettes, the flavors would work with other bone-in chicken pieces if adjusted for cooking time.
Does the recipe require any specific Korean ingredients?
Gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste) is the essential ingredient that gives the dish its authentic flavor profile.