Descendants of the Sun Dakbokkeum-tang (닭볶음탕)
Why this food?
Dakbokkeum-tang is a Korean comfort classic: tender chicken braised in a bold, spicy gochujang sauce with potatoes and vegetables. Beloved by military personnel and families alike, this one-pot dish delivers serious flavor and warmth—exactly what Descendants of the Sun characters need when morale is tested. Cook this and taste the resilience.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Dakbokkeum-tang became popular in Korean military culture during the 1960s-70s as an affordable, morale-boosting meal for soldiers. The dish represents resourcefulness: tough cuts of chicken transformed into tenderness through slow braising. In Korean homes, it's comfort food for rainy days and tough times—spice and heat as metaphors for overcoming adversity.
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Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Chicken thighs 닭다리살 | Bone-in Chicken Thighs Great Value or Tyson Thighs stay juicy when braised; drumsticks work too. Buy bone-in for deeper flavor. Shop at Walmart |
Gochujang (Korean red chili paste) 고추장 | CJ Gochujang or Wang Korean Red Chili Paste CJ or Wang Non-negotiable for authentic flavor. Found in most Walmarts; if unavailable, order online for delivery. Shop at Walmart |
Potatoes 감자 | Russet or Gold Potatoes Great Value Cut into 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly in the 20-minute simmer. Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 2 lbs Bone-in Chicken Thighs
- 4 tbsp CJ Gochujang or Wang Korean Red Chili Paste
- 1 cup diced (about 2 medium potatoes) Russet or Gold Potatoes
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Cut 2 lbs chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown chicken on all sides (5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- 2
Step 2: In the same pot, sauté 1 cup diced potatoes and 1 medium onion for 3 minutes until softened.
- 3
Step 3: Stir in 4 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4: Return chicken to pot, add 1.5 cups water or chicken broth, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is tender and potatoes are cooked through.
- 5
Step 5: Stir in 1 cup sliced green onions and 1 cup mushrooms (optional). Simmer uncovered for 3 minutes. Taste and adjust spice/salt as needed. Serve hot over rice.
