Samgyetang: The Ultimate Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup
Samgyetang: The Ultimate Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup
Replenish Your Energy with a Heartwarming Bowl of Samgyetang
Looking for a truly nourishing dish to boost your vitality? This recipe for Samgyetang, a classic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, is perfect for rejuvenating your body and soul. We’ll be using a whole chicken simmered to perfection with healthful ingredients, creating a deeply flavorful broth that’s both comforting and fortifying. This story even includes a little anecdote about snagging chicken on sale and deciding to make both Dak-bokkeum-tang (spicy braised chicken) and Samgyetang to share with loved ones.
Samgyetang Ingredients- 2 young chickens (or 2 size 9 chickens)
- Water (enough to cover the chicken)
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 piece ginger, sliced
- 1 ginseng root
- A small amount of balloon flower root (dried or fresh)
- 5-7 jujubes (red dates)
- 1/2 large green onion, cut into large pieces
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup soju or cooking wine (to remove chicken odor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully trim away any excess fatty deposits from the cavity and skin of the chicken. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold running water until it’s clean. Place the chicken in a large pot, and pour in enough water to completely submerge it. To help remove any gamey odors, add about half a cup of soju or cooking wine. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil.
Step 2
Once the water begins to boil and the chicken starts cooking, add the minced garlic, sliced ginger, ginseng root, balloon flower root, and jujubes to the pot. If you plan to add glutinous rice (which makes the soup richer and heartier), this is the time to add it after rinsing and soaking it beforehand. (Note: Glutinous rice was omitted in the original recipe notes but is highly recommended for a more complete Samgyetang experience!)
Step 3
With all the ingredients in the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 50 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender and the broth has become rich and opaque. Samgyetang is traditionally served without pre-seasoning, allowing each person to adjust the flavor to their liking. Ladle the soup and chicken into bowls and serve with salt and black pepper on the side for seasoning.
