Chef Jenn Lee’s Dak Galbi Recipe

Who is Jenn Lee?

Jenn Lee, born in Taiwan and raised in Brisbane, Australia, has built her success on her passion for cooking and educating others about different Asian cuisines. Lee, who is a dentist by profession, displayed her culinary dexterity on the special edition of MasterChef Australia: Fans and Favorites (2022). Her performances on the show piqued the viewers’ interest in East Asian cuisines and cooking techniques. Judge Melissa Leong expressed that the dishes Lee cooked on the show are something that can't be found in restaurants. Lee's enthusiasm for cooking has seen her excel in many areas, from creating her own unique takes on recipes to inspiring others to explore the different flavors of Southeast and East Asia. By reshaping traditional dishes and flavors, she is able to bring a new perspective to the culinary stage and introduce diners to the diverse cuisine the region has to offer.

To know more about Chef Jenn Lee and her unique cooking ideology, read our interview with the MasterChef challenger herself!

"We want to send a message that one shouldn’t judge our food before you've tried it and in that process, try to bring that awareness to the surface. If more people are exposed to it, the more comfortable they'll feel about it. It will be easier for them to view it not just as take-out food or something that's cheap and off the streets, but something that has its own distinct histories.."

(excerpt from Nymble's interview with Jenn Lee⬆️)

Whether you’re looking for a one-pot meal or something more complex, Chef Jenn Lee’s recipes are sure to please. Her recipes have been praised for their flavor and simplicity, and her creative approach to cooking will bring new life to your kitchen as well. Jenn’s recipes feature a variety of cuisines from all over the world, but it is her spin on traditional East Asian dishes that are especially unique. 

Read on to learn how to make her signature Dak Galbi (Stir-fried spicy chicken) recipe at home!

‍Looking for more MasterChef Recipes? Say no more, refer to our step-by-step recipe guides for:

‍Chef Dorian Hunter's Cajun Chicken Pasta

Chef Kishwar Chowdhury’s Chicken Korma

Chef Keyma Vasquez’s Chupe De Pollo

Nymble X Jenn Lee Recipe Collaboration

After months of exchanging ideas, team Nymble finally had the chance to meet Chef Jenn Lee face-to-face. We had a wonderful time working together to create some of her most beloved recipes, and it was a privilege to be able to learn from her kitchen wisdom.

Go to Nymble X Jenn Lee to know more about this exciting recipe collaboration.

What is Dak Galbi?

‍Dak Galbi is a Korean dish originating from the city of Chuncheon in Gangwon Province. It is made from marinated chicken cut into bite-sized pieces and stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and sweet and spicy sauces. The sauce typically includes gochujang (red chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Other vegetables added to the dish may include cabbage, sweet potato, onion, and bell peppers. 

The dish is usually served with a side of steamed rice and kimchi. Dak Galbi is said to be a great dish for sharing with friends and family as it is full of flavor, easy to make, and requires minimal preparation.

How to make Jenn Lee’s Dak Galbi at home?

Making Dak Galbi is quite easy, even for those who are new to cooking. All you need are some key ingredients like gochujang (Korean chili pepper paste), garlic, onions, and chicken, along with whatever vegetables you prefer. With just a few simple steps, you can have your own delicious and flavorful Dak Galbi ready to enjoy!

‍Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of chicken thighs, cut into cubes

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)

• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons of rice wine or Mirin

• 1 cup of diced onion

• 1 cup of diced green cabbage

• 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions

• 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds

Cooking Directions:

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

2. Add the diced chicken to the pot, and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the garlic, green onions, and cabbage to the pot, and cook until the cabbage is wilted, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the sweet potatoes, gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, and rice wine to the pot, and stir to combine.

5. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Serve hot, either over a bed of rice or on its own. Enjoy!

‍Next Read: The step-by-step recipe guide for Chef Dorian Hunter's Cajun Chicken Pasta! Click on the image below.