Dakgalbi

Name: Dakgalbi
Ingredients: ¼ medium white onion; 1 1 piece ginger; 3 garlic cloves; 5 Tbsp. gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste); 3 Tbsp. unseasoned rice wine or dry sherry; 2 Tbsp. raw or light brown sugar; 2 Tbsp. soy sauce; 1 Tbsp. gochugaru (Korean red pepper powder); 1 tsp. mild Korean curry powder (preferably Ottogi; optional); 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs and/or chicken breasts; ¼ small green cabbage; 1 small sweet potato (about 4 oz.); 20 perilla, shiso, or Thai purple basil leaves, divided; 18 fresh or frozen rice cakes, preferably cylindrical shaped; ½ tsp. plus 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil; Ssamjang and kimchi (for serving); 12 lettuce leaves (for serving)