Hearty Garlic Samgyetang with Sticky Rice
#HomestyleSamgyetang #GarlickyGoodness #NourishingMeal #SummerHealthFood #EasySamgyetangRecipe
Who says you have to wait for the hottest days of summer to enjoy a comforting bowl of Samgyetang? This recipe uses simple ingredients readily available at home to create a delicious ginseng chicken soup infused with a rich garlic flavor. By soaking glutinous rice and stuffing it into the chicken’s cavity, along with minced garlic tucked under the skin, the deep aroma and taste of garlic will permeate the broth, making it extra special. The chicken used in this recipe was quite large, so it took a considerable amount of time to cook through, but the resulting deep and savory broth was absolutely worth it! (Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken, so please keep this in mind.)
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (approx. 1950g)
- 2 packs of Samgyetang herb mix
- 5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 cups glutinous rice, soaked
- 3 large green onions (scallions)
- 2 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 3 Tbsp chopped green onion (for garnish)
- 5 Tbsp salt (for seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare one fresh, whole chicken weighing approximately 1950g. This large chicken will make for a very satisfying meal.
Step 2
Clean and prepare the chicken. It’s important to trim the tail area (where the vent is located) as it can harbor an unpleasant odor. Also, remove any excess fat deposits around this area and anywhere else on the chicken for a cleaner taste.
Step 3
The secret to flavor! It’s time to stuff minced garlic under the chicken’s skin. Put on a pair of disposable gloves and gently separate the skin from the flesh by sliding your hand between them. Generously fill this pocket with minced garlic. This will allow the garlic’s deep flavor to infuse into the meat as it cooks.
Step 4
Now, let’s fill the chicken’s cavity. Add the pre-soaked glutinous rice generously inside the chicken. The rice will absorb the delicious chicken broth, becoming wonderfully soft and filling. For the legs, make a small cut in one leg and tuck the other leg through it to create a neat, cross-legged appearance that keeps the cavity closed.
Step 5
To prevent the glutinous rice from escaping during cooking, secure the cavity opening or the crossed legs using toothpicks or skewers. They will easily penetrate the chicken, holding everything in place.
Step 6
Add the two packs of Samgyetang herb mix, which will add depth and traditional Korean flavors to the soup.
Step 7
Place the prepared chicken in a large pot. Pour in enough water or broth to completely submerge the chicken. (Note: If your chicken is extremely large, you might need to transfer one to a separate pot. In that case, divide the Samgyetang herb packs between the pots.)
Step 8
Add the whole black peppercorns and the prepared green onions to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. This chicken took over 3 hours to cook due to its size. A good indicator of doneness is when the glutinous rice is tender and fully cooked. Younger chickens may cook in about 2 hours.
Step 9
If you’re cooking a separate chicken, repeat the process in another pot: add the Samgyetang herb mix, green onions, and sufficient water or broth. Simmer for over 3 hours. Look for a milky broth and check if the glutinous rice is cooked. You can also test for doneness by piercing the chicken meat with a fork; it should be very tender and easy to penetrate.
Step 10
To ensure even cooking, periodically turn the chicken over while it simmers. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking for a clearer broth. A wide and deep pot, like a cauldron, is ideal for cooking such large chickens. Finally, season the soup with salt to taste. Garnish with the chopped green onions and a sprinkle of whole black peppercorns before serving.
Step 11
Your hearty Garlic Samgyetang, brimming with glutinous rice and infused with a robust garlic flavor, is now ready! This is a perfectly nutritious and satisfying dish for the whole family to enjoy.
