Milky Chicken Soup (Dak Gomtang)
Milky Chicken Soup (Dak Gomtang)
How to Make Delicious Dak Gomtang with a Milky Broth!
As the summer heat truly sets in, you might crave refreshing dishes, but there are also times when a warm and nourishing soup like Dak Gomtang is just what you need. For those who are particularly sensitive to heat but enjoy sweating it out with a hearty meal, this dish is perfect. If you’re tired of the usual daily soups, try making this milky chicken soup to revitalize your appetite and energy. It’s an ideal nourishing meal to boost your body when you might be feeling a bit depleted from the summer weather.
Ingredients- 1 whole chicken (cleaned)
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup soju or cheongju (rice wine)
- A pinch of whole peppercorns
- 1/2 onion
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- Salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, we’ll blanch the chicken to remove any impurities and prepare it for a cleaner broth. Fill a pot with enough water to cover the chicken. Add 3-4 bay leaves and a splash of soju or cheongju. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then add the chicken and blanch for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for effectively removing any gamey odors from the chicken.
Step 2
Rinse the blanched chicken thoroughly under cold running water, removing any bone fragments or excess fat. Discard the water used for blanching. In a clean pot, place the chicken, add fresh water to cover it, along with half an onion, the white part of the green onion, and whole peppercorns. Bring this to a boil. This liquid will become your flavorful chicken broth. (You can skip the bay leaves and soju in this second boiling.)
Step 3
Simmer the chicken over medium heat for about 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the broth and let it cool slightly. (Keep the broth simmering gently over low heat.) While the chicken is cooling, it’s time to shred the meat. Carefully remove all the bones from the chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. This shredding process is arguably 80% of making delicious Dak Gomtang, so take your time and be thorough. Once you’ve finished shredding the meat, you’re almost done!
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken meat with 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Gently mix and massage the ingredients into the chicken using your hands (wear gloves if you prefer). Marinating the chicken directly with minced garlic enhances its flavor and infuses it beautifully into the meat, making the soup even more delicious.
Step 5
Now, add the seasoned shredded chicken back into the simmering chicken broth. If the broth has reduced significantly during the cooking process, you can add a little more water now, before seasoning. Be mindful that adding water after seasoning can dilute the flavor, so it’s best to adjust the liquid level beforehand.
Step 6
Finally, season the broth with salt to your preference. You can also add a touch of soy sauce if you like. Garnish generously with freshly chopped green onions. Your delicious Dak Gomtang is now ready! This hearty soup with its generous ingredients and clear, rich broth is best enjoyed homemade. You can savor a bowl that’s far more satisfying than anything you might buy elsewhere.
