The Ultimate Surf and Turf Comfort: Authentic Korean Seafood and Chicken Stew (Haemul-dakjjim)

Authentic Korean Osam Bulgogi Spicy Pork and Squid Stir-fry with sesame seeds on top


Experience the best of both worlds with this premium Haemul-dakjjim recipe. Combining tender chicken with fresh baby octopus, mussels, and shrimp, this high-protein stamina booster is the perfect centerpiece for any special dinner.


In the world of Korean stamina foods, Haemul-dakjjim reigns supreme as a luxurious "Surf and Turf" masterpiece. While standard braised chicken (Jjimdak) is a beloved staple, adding a bounty of fresh seafood elevates the dish into a nutritious powerhouse filled with the briny essence of the ocean.

This dish is traditionally served as a restorative meal (Boyang-sik) to replenish energy. The savory soy-based glaze seeps into the chicken and seafood, creating a complex flavor profile that is both hearty and refreshing. Whether you are hosting a formal dinner or looking for a weekend health boost, this recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance to your dining table.


Recipe Overview

  • Cooking Time: 60 Minutes

  • Difficulty: Medium

  • Servings: 1 Person (Generous portion)

  • Total Calories: Approximately 653.47 kcal


Ingredients You Will Need

The Proteins

  • Chicken: 300g (Cut into bite-sized pieces)

  • Baby Octopus: 300g (Can be substituted with squid or regular octopus)

  • Mussels: 100g

  • Medium Shrimp: 50g

Vegetables & Noodles

  • Potatoes: 67g

  • Onions: 65g

  • Green Onions: 40g

  • Carrots: 25g

  • Cheongyang Chili (Green): 14g

  • Red Chili: 14g

  • Cellophane Noodles (Dangmyeon): 70g (Pre-soaked)

The Marinade & Sauce

  • Chicken Marinade: 30ml Rice wine, 2g Salt, a pinch of Black pepper

  • Braising Sauce: 350ml Water, 15ml Soy sauce, 14g Minced garlic, 3g Sugar, 2g Minced ginger

  • Thickener: 30ml Starch water (1:1 ratio of water and starch)

  • The Finish: 15ml Sesame oil, 5ml Cooking oil, Toasted sesame seeds


Step-by-Step Culinary Guide


Fresh sliced pork belly and cleaned squid strips prepared for Korean Osam Bulgogi


1. The Flavor Foundation (Marinade)

Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken pieces. Toss them in rice wine, salt, and black pepper. Let them rest for 30 minutes. This essential step tenderizes the meat and ensures no gamy odors remain.



2. Shaping the Ingredients

While the chicken marinates, prep your vegetables. Chef's Pro-Tip: Trim the sharp edges of your potato and carrot cubes into rounded "balls." This prevents them from breaking apart during the long simmer, keeping your sauce clear and beautiful. Clean the baby octopus (remove innards), scrub the mussels, and peel the shrimp.

Cleaned and sliced fresh squid strips for Spicy Korean Stir-fry


3. The Initial Sear

Heat 5ml of cooking oil in a pan and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Even though chicken has natural fat, adding a touch of oil helps the fat render out more effectively, resulting in a cleaner, more savory flavor profile.



4. The Slow Braise

Transfer the seared chicken, carrots, and potatoes to a deep pot. Pour in the braising sauce (water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar). Simmer on medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.

Spicy Korean Gochujang marinade sauce with red chili flakes and soy sauce


5. The Seafood Symphony

Once the chicken is ready, add the cleaned seafood, soaked cellophane noodles, and the remaining vegetables. Simmer for a few more minutes until the seafood is just cooked—be careful not to overcook the octopus, as it can become rubbery.

Stir-frying spicy pork and squid with onions and scallions in a hot skillet


6. The Glossy Finish

Pour in the starch water and stir gently to thicken the sauce into a rich glaze. Finally, drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately while piping hot.


Detailed Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Total Calories653.47 kcal
Protein138.857 g
Total Fat52.713 g
Carbohydrates (Non-Fibrous)58.293 g
Dietary Fiber6.448 g
Sodium3,262.75 mg
Potassium2,556.23 mg
Iron11.12 mg
Vitamin C73.89 mg
Cholesterol1,038.15 mg

Chef’s Tips and FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen seafood?

A: Yes, but ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry. Fresh seafood is preferred for the "briny" aroma that defines this dish, but a high-quality frozen mix works well in a pinch.

Q: Why add starch water at the very end?

A: Starch water provides that professional "glossy" look and helps the savory sauce cling to the chicken and noodles rather than just pooling at the bottom of the plate.

Q: Is there a way to make it less salty?

A: Since the recipe contains seafood like mussels which naturally hold salt, always taste the sauce before adding the final thickener. You can adjust the soy sauce levels based on the specific saltiness of your mussels.

Storage Tip: Seafood loses its delicate texture when reheated multiple times. It is highly recommended to consume the entire dish immediately after cooking. If you must store it, use an airtight container and refrigerate for no more than 24 hours.


Close-up shot of Korean Spicy Pork and Squid Stir-fry served on a plate

 

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