Authentic Korean Baeksuk (Chicken Soup) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (1.5 - 2 kg)
  • 15 cups of water
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 leek
  • 1/2 cup of sweet rice (soaked for 1 hour)
  • 2 green onions
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water.
  2. Stuff the chicken cavity with sweet rice, garlic, 1/2 of the onion, and 1/2 of the leek.
  3. In a large pot, bring 15 cups of water to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, carefully add the stuffed chicken to the pot. Cover and simmer over medium heat for about 1 hour.
  5. Turn the chicken over, cover, and continue to simmer for another 1 hour.
  6. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Once cool, shred the chicken into pieces and discard the bones.
  7. Strain the broth to remove any remaining solids, then return it to the pot along with the shredded chicken.
  8. Add the remaining onion and leek, green onions, salt, pepper, and soy sauce to the pot. Simmer over medium heat for another 15-20 minutes.
  9. Once done, ladle the soup and chicken into bowls and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for preparing and cutting ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - Essential for cutting and chopping ingredients, including the chicken.
  • Large pot - Needed to boil and simmer the chicken and make the soup.
  • Strainer - Used to strain the broth and remove any solids.
  • Soup ladle - Used to portion out the soup and chicken into bowls.
  • Tongs - Helpful for handling the hot chicken during cooking and shredding.
  • Measuring cup - Used to measure the water and soy sauce accurately.
  • Sieve - Optional tool for rinsing the chicken before cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken.
  • Add additional vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or potatoes.
  • Replace the sweet rice with regular white rice or barley.
  • Experiment with different seasonings such as ginger, cinnamon, or star anise.
  • Add dried jujubes or chestnuts for a subtle sweetness.
  • Include other herbs like ginseng or dried dates for added flavor.
  • Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or gochujang (Korean red pepper paste).
  • Try a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and tofu instead of chicken.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
  • For a heartier version, include noodles such as glass noodles or udon.

Recipe overview

Baeksuk, also known as Korean boiled chicken soup, is a traditional comfort food that is both delicious and nutritious. This recipe involves boiling a whole chicken stuffed with sweet rice, garlic, onion, and leek, resulting in a hearty and flavorsome broth. The chicken is then shredded and returned to the soup, creating a dish that is filling and satisfying. Expect a cooking process that takes time and patience, but rest assured, the final result is worth every minute. Perfect for colder weather or when you're feeling under the weather, this Baeksuk recipe will surely warm your heart and stomach.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken? Yes, you can use chicken parts like drumsticks or thighs instead of a whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I use regular rice instead of sweet rice? Sweet rice is traditionally used in Baeksuk for its sticky texture. However, you can use regular rice if sweet rice is not available. Just make sure to adjust the soaking time accordingly.
  3. Can I add other vegetables to the soup? Absolutely! Baeksuk is a versatile recipe, and you can add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or potatoes to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup.
  4. Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can make the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.
  5. Can I freeze Baeksuk? Yes, you can freeze Baeksuk. Store the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  6. Can I adjust the seasoning according to my taste? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and soy sauce according to your personal preference. Taste the soup as you go and add more seasoning if needed.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - A large pot is needed to boil the chicken and make the broth.
  • Strainer - A strainer will be used to strain the broth and remove any solids.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for handling the chicken while boiling and shredding it afterwards.
  • Bowls - Bowls are necessary for serving the Baeksuk soup.
  • Serving Ladle - A serving ladle will be used to transfer the soup and chicken from the pot to the bowls.

Origin stories

Baeksuk, or Korean boiled chicken soup, carries a rich tradition of being a favorite comfort food in Korea. This dish holds an important place in Korean hearts, especially during the hot summer months. Known to be a part of Samgyetang, a ginseng chicken soup, Baeksuk is often consumed on the hottest days of summer, known as Sambok, to combat the intense heat. The tradition dates back to the old Korean belief in fighting the heat with heat. The people believe that the hot soup replenishes the fluids and nutrients lost through excessive sweating and helps maintain a balance in the body. This interplay of opposites extends into many aspects of Korean life, reflecting the principle of Yin and Yang, further reinforcing Baeksuk's significance in Korean culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.