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Authentic Samgyetang Recipe (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup)

 

Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup)

Learn how to make traditional Samgyetang! Our easy Korean ginseng chicken soup recipe features a whole chicken stuffed with medicinal herbs and rice - the ultimate health-boosting meal.

Recipe Content

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 2
Calories: 580 per serving

Ingredients:

For the Chicken & Stuffing:

  • 1 whole young chicken (about 1.5 lbs/700g)

  • ½ cup sweet rice (chapssal)

  • 4-5 garlic cloves, peeled

  • 2 jujubes (daechu)

  • 1 chestnut, peeled

  • 2 ginseng roots (fresh or dried)

  • 2-3 dried dates

For the Broth:

  • 8-10 cups water

  • 2-3 green onions, cut in half

  • 1-inch ginger piece, sliced

  • 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Rice: Soak sweet rice in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain well.

  2. Stuff the Chicken: In a bowl, mix drained sweet rice, garlic cloves, jujubes, chestnuts, and ginseng. Carefully stuff this mixture into the chicken cavity.

  3. Secure the Chicken: Use kitchen twine to tie the chicken legs together, closing the cavity to prevent the stuffing from leaking out.

  4. Cook the Soup: Place the chicken in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the chicken completely. Add green onions, ginger, and peppercorns.

  5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer covered for 1-1.5 hours, until chicken is very tender.

  6. Serve: Carefully transfer the whole chicken to serving bowls. Ladle the broth over it. Season with salt and pepper at the table.

Chef's Notes & Tips

  • Chicken Selection: Use a young chicken (poussin) for tender meat

  • Ginseng Quality: Fresh ginseng is ideal, but dried works well too

  • Traditional Touch: Serve in individual earthenware pots (ttukbaegi)

  • Health Benefits: Traditionally eaten on hot summer days to replenish energy

  • Alternative Cooking: Can be made in a pressure cooker (reduce time to 45 minutes)

FAQ Section

Q: Why is Samgyetang eaten in summer?
A: In Korean tradition, eating this hot, nutrient-rich soup during summer helps replenish energy lost to the heat.

Q: Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
A: While traditional with whole chicken, you can use chicken thighs, though the presentation will differ.

Q: Where can I find ginseng?
A: Available at Korean/Asian markets, both fresh and dried. Some health food stores also carry it.

Q: Is this soup spicy?
A: No, Samgyetang has a mild, savory flavor with herbal notes. It's not spicy.



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