Authentic Korean Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup) Recipe

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 500g - 600g)
60g glutinous (sticky) rice
2 ginseng roots (or 2 tsp ginseng powder)
2 jujubes (dried red dates)
2 garlic cloves
2 green onions
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
10 cups water

Steps and instructions

Rinse the whole chicken inside and out under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels.
Soak the glutinous rice in cold water for about 1 hour, then drain it.
Stuff the chicken with the soaked and drained rice, ginseng roots, jujubes, and garlic cloves.
Place the stuffed chicken in a large pot and add water until it covers the chicken completely.
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the broth is flavorful.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Chop the green onions and sprinkle them over the soup before serving.
Enjoy your Samgyetang hot.

Tools for making

Large Pot - A large pot is needed to cook the samgyetang.
Knife - A knife is needed to prepare the chicken and chop the green onions.
Cutting Board - A cutting board is essential for safely cutting and preparing ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the salt, pepper, and ginseng powder.
Strainer - A strainer is useful for rinsing the chicken and draining the soaked rice.
Paper Towels - Paper towels are needed to pat dry the chicken.
Soup Ladle - A soup ladle will make it easier to serve the samgyetang.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Spicy Version: Add sliced red chili peppers or gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) to the broth for a spicy kick.
Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the broth for added aroma and flavor.
Customized Garnish: Experiment with different garnishes such as sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or sliced scallions.
Mushroom Samgyetang: Replace the chicken with various types of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
Broth Variations: Use chicken stock or bone broth instead of water to enhance the flavor of the soup.
Gluten-free: Replace the glutinous rice with gluten-free grains like millet or quinoa.
Additional Vegetables: Add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or corn to the soup for added texture and nutritional value.

Recipe overview

Get ready to indulge in a delicious and nourishing bowl of Samgyetang - a classic Korean soup made with a whole chicken, stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujubes, and garlic cloves. Samgyetang is a popular dish especially during the summer to replenish lost nutrients and boost energy. With its rich, flavorful broth and tender chicken, Samgyetang not only satisfies your taste buds but is also a wonderful comfort food. Making Samgyetang at home may seem complex, but follow this step-by-step guide and you'll find it's simpler than you think. Enjoy a warm bowl of Samgyetang and experience the harmonious blend of unique flavors and textures that this traditional Korean dish has to offer.

Common questions

Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken? Yes, you can use chicken parts such as chicken breasts or chicken thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Can I substitute glutinous rice with regular rice? While traditionally glutinous rice is used in Samgyetang, you can substitute it with regular rice if you don't have glutinous rice available. Just keep in mind that the texture of the rice will be different.
What can I use as a substitute for ginseng? If you can't find ginseng roots or ginseng powder, you can use a small amount of ginger as a substitute. It will add a similar aromatic flavor to the soup.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? The traditional Samgyetang recipe includes chicken as the main ingredient. If you want to make a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup? While Samgyetang is traditionally made with minimal vegetables, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or radish if you prefer. Add them to the pot along with the chicken and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I store leftover Samgyetang? Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large Pot - A large pot is needed to cook the Samgyetang and simmer the chicken with the ingredients.
Paper Towels - Paper towels are useful for patting the chicken dry before cooking.
Chopping Board - A chopping board is needed for cutting the green onions and preparing other ingredients.
Kitchen Knife - A kitchen knife is essential for chopping the green onions and preparing the chicken.
Soup Ladle - A soup ladle is useful for serving the Samgyetang into bowls.
Soup Bowls - Soup bowls are needed for serving the hot Samgyetang.

Origin stories

Samgyetang is a soul-warming dish from Korea that not only offers a comforting meal, but also a historical connection to the country's cultural practices. For Koreans, food is more than sustenance; it’s a link to their ancestry, history, and traditions. Traditionally eaten on the hottest days of summer, samgyetang is part of a culinary tradition known as "yi yeol chi yeol" in Korea, which literally means "fight fire with fire". The belief is that by eating hot foods on hot days, one can restore the balance in the body and enhance overall health. Hence, samgyetang, a hot chicken soup, is enjoyed in summer to replenish nutrients and to fight the summer heat. The chicken is stuffed with ginseng, jujubes, and glutinous rice—ingredients known for their health benefits, adding another layer to the restorative properties of this dish. So, every spoonful of samgyetang is not just a delightful gastronomic experience, but also a taste of Korean wisdom and traditions.

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.