Image by Mathew Schwartz

Andong jjimdak

When the craving for home cooked comfort food hits, there’s no dish quite as soul-satisfying as Andong jjimdak. This hearty Korean stew, originating from Andong in North Gyeongsang Province, is a robust blend of flavors and textures that speaks to the heart and soul.

Andong jjimdak


The complex base of Andong jjimdak is comprised of a braised stock made from soya sauce, garlic, ginger, and some sort of sweetener. To this, generous amounts of spices are added, including Korean chili pepper flakes and sesame oil, giving it a unique flavor. The main ingredient, however, is usually chicken, although seafood, beef, and even tofu can be used. A variety of vegetables and other ingredients such as cellophane noodles, mushrooms, potatoes, and carrots are also often added.

Upon serving, one of the first things you’ll notice is the succulent aromatics emanating from Andong jjimdak. Its rich, aromatic broth is deliciously savory, with a hint of sweet and spicy notes. The stewed chicken is tender and juicy, adding a wonderful depth of flavor. The vegetables bring a pleasant crunch to the dish, lightening the heaviness of the stew and providing a welcome burst of freshness.

Andong jjimdak is not only delicious, but also incredibly nutritious. The generous amount of vegetables helps to ensure a balanced meal, and provides essential vitamins and minerals. The protein in the dish helps to build and repair muscles, and the carbohydrates provide a sustained source of energy.

Beyond its nutritional value, Andong jjimdak is an incredibly satisfying and comforting experience. With its mix of complex yet balanced flavors, it will no doubt become a regular staple in the culinary repertoire of any home cook.

The origin of Andong jjimdak

Ah, Andong jjimdak – the soul-warming dish that has its origins in the city of Andong, South Korea, and is a go-to dish for any diner looking to enjoy dollops of Korean flavor in their meal. While this delectable offering has now made its way around the world, most food connoisseurs believe that it’s nowhere as tasty as when it’s prepared right in its place of origin.

The genesis of Andong jjimdak can be traced all the way back to the 1800s. It’s said that the longstanding collaboration between Gyeongsangbuk-do's Andong City and Joseon Dynasty had established this dish as a part of their local cuisine. At the time, the city was renowned for its high-quality soy sauce which was used in the preparation of the dish, as well as numerous other traditional Korean dishes. Additionally, the presence of the local market in Andong was one of the reasons why the people of the city started to come up with recipes incorporating locally sourced ingredients.

In modern times, the sauces used in Andong jjimdak have remained largely the same, and some restaurants in the city even use the same recipe handed down by their ancestors. The signature taste of Andong jjimdak is brought about by a mix of seasonings such as soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice syrup, hot pepper paste, and sesame oil. The addition of shiitake mushrooms, chicken, glass noodles, carrots, and potatoes into the mixture creates a melange of tastes and textures that will delight any palate.

So, next time you’re deciding on what to have for dinner, why don’t you give this traditional dish from the city of Andong a try? There’s no doubt that you’ll be savoring its innovatively tantalizing flavors for many years to come!

Types of Andong jjimdak

Jjimdak is a delectable staple in the Andong region of South Korea, made with chicken and an array of vegetables cooked in a savory, flavorful sauce. With its distinctive flavor, this dish has become popular throughout the world and can be found in a variety of iterations. From the traditional recipe to some creative culinary takes, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the classic jjimdak.

One of the most iconic versions is the classic Andong-style jjimdak. In this dish, chicken pieces are simmered in a rich broth and delicate harmony of seasonings – typically gochujang (Korean red chili paste), garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and soju (Korean booze). The succulent chicken is served with verdant vegetables such as carrots, potato, cabbage and onions.

Another popular iteration is ganjang jjimdak, a variation with a rich, soy sauce-based marinade. This version is particularly beloved, because it provides the slightly smoky and salty flavor that is characteristic of the dish.

Andong jjimdak can also come with noodles, like the naengmyeon jjimdak. Thin buckwheat noodles are added to create a distinctive, toothsome texture and flavor.

For the health conscious, there’s the steamed jjimdak. This version eliminates the fatty aspects of other recipes, while still retaining the flavor. The chicken and vegetables are lightly steamed and then seasoned with a savory broth and spices.

Finally, for a crisp finish, there’s the fry-style jjimdak. After simmering, this version is pan-fried to create a delicious caramelized crust and enhanced texture.

Whether you’re looking for something light or indulgent, or something spicy or savory, Andong jjimdak is sure to satisfy your palate. With its myriad flavors and textures, this simple yet hearty Korean dish is the perfect way to experience the vibrancy of Andong cuisine.