Nourishing Samgyetang: A Homemade Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup Recipe
Easy Pot Samgyetang Recipe: How to Make Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, a Classic Healthy Dish
Samgyetang, a quintessential Korean dish, is the perfect tonic for the sweltering summer heat when appetites wane and energy levels dip. By simmering a whole chicken with nourishing ingredients and glutinous rice, you can achieve a meal that’s both delicious and fortifying. This recipe uses pre-prepared whole chickens for convenience, making it surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Enjoy a restaurant-quality, wholesome Samgyetang with this step-by-step guide.
Main Ingredients- 1 whole chicken (approx. 1kg), suitable for Samgyetang
- 2L water (about 8 cups)
- 1/2 cup glutinous rice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse 1/2 cup of glutinous rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. This soaked rice will be used to stuff the chicken. If you prefer a rice porridge consistency within the soup, you can increase the amount and place it in a cheesecloth bag before adding it to the pot.
Step 2
Prepare the jujubes, garlic cloves, and the white part of the leek for the soup. Peel the garlic cloves.
Step 3
Begin preparing the chicken. Trim any excess fatty deposits from the tail area and other fatty parts with kitchen scissors. Removing this fat will result in a cleaner, less greasy broth.
Step 4
Reach inside the chicken cavity and remove any remaining internal organs or blood clots. Thoroughly cleaning the inside will help eliminate any potential gamey odors.
Step 5
Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water. Gently rub the interior with your hands to remove any lingering blood or impurities. This thorough washing contributes to a clear and pure broth.
Step 6
Stuff about two-thirds of the chicken cavity with the soaked glutinous rice. Add 4 garlic cloves and 2 jujubes. Finally, place 1-2 whole garlic cloves into the opening to help seal the stuffing. It’s crucial not to overstuff the chicken; leave some space for the rice to expand as it cooks. This prevents the chicken from bursting and helps maintain a clear broth.
Step 7
Next, secure the chicken legs by crossing them. You can create a small slit in the tougher skin on the inside of the legs with a knife or scissors and tuck the opposite leg through it. This technique helps the legs stay in place during the long simmering process, keeping the chicken’s shape neat. If the legs are difficult to secure, consider using kitchen twine to tie them together.
Step 8
Place the prepared chicken into a deep pot. Add 2L of water, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add the remaining 4-5 jujubes, the white part of the leek, and the optional Samgyetang herbal soup packet. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
Step 9
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add 1 teaspoon of salt. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Simmering on medium heat allows the chicken to cook through and become tender.
Step 10
During the simmering process, skim off any foam or scum that rises to the surface using a spoon. This step ensures a cleaner, clearer broth. After about 30 minutes of simmering, remove the lid. If you used an herbal soup packet, take it out now, as prolonged simmering can make the herbal flavor too intense.
Step 11
Add 2 tablespoons of soju or rice wine to the pot to further enhance the flavor and remove any remaining gamey odors. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes. This final slow simmer makes the chicken incredibly tender and infuses the broth with a deep flavor.
Step 12
Your delicious Samgyetang is ready! Carefully transfer the chicken to a serving bowl. When you cut into the chicken, you’ll see the beautifully cooked glutinous rice, garlic, and jujubes filling the cavity. If the glutinous rice isn’t quite tender enough, simply simmer it a bit longer. Serve with your preferred amount of salt and pepper for dipping, and adjust the broth’s seasoning with salt as needed. The tender rice and succulent chicken make for a wonderfully filling meal. Don’t forget, any leftover broth can be used to make delicious knife-cut noodles, creating a hearty noodle soup! Enjoy this homemade, clear, and flavorful Samgyetang for a nourishing and revitalizing summer experience!
