Samgyetang (Korea Insam Chicken Soup)

 

🍲 How to Make Samgyetang (Insam Chicken Soup)

Samgyetang is a nourishing Korean soup made with a whole young chicken stuffed with insam (Korean ginseng), garlic, jujubes, and glutinous rice. It’s a traditional dish often eaten during the hot summer to boost energy and health. Let’s learn how to make this heartwarming dish step by step!

🥢 Ingredients

  • 1 small whole chicken (Cornish hen, about 1.5 lbs or 700g)
  • 1/4 cup glutinous rice (soaked for 2 hours)
  • 2–3 pieces of dried insam (Korean ginseng)
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2–3 dried jujubes (Korean red dates)
  • 1 small piece of ginger (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped green onion (for garnish)
  • Water (about 5–6 cups)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Beginner Friendly)

  1. Soak the Rice:
    Before starting, rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for about 2 hours. This helps the rice cook thoroughly inside the chicken.
  2. Clean the Chicken:
    Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold water. Remove any leftover organs or fat. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
  3. Stuff the Chicken:
    Carefully put the soaked rice, 2 garlic cloves, 1–2 jujubes, and 1 ginseng root into the cavity of the chicken. Do not overfill.
  4. Close the Chicken (Optional):
    You can tie the legs together with kitchen string or use a toothpick to keep the filling inside, but it's okay to leave it open.
  5. Prepare the Soup Base:
    Place the stuffed chicken into a large pot. Add the rest of the garlic, ginseng, jujubes, and ginger (if using). Pour in 5–6 cups of water to cover the chicken.
  6. Boil and Simmer:
    Bring everything to a boil over high heat. Then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours with the lid partially covered.
  7. Check for Doneness:
    The chicken should be very tender and easily pull apart with chopsticks or a spoon. The broth should be milky and rich.
  8. Season and Serve:
    Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the whole chicken in a bowl with broth. Garnish with chopped green onions.

💡 Cooking Tips

  • Use Cornish hens: They’re the perfect size for single servings.
  • Soak rice long enough: It ensures the rice inside cooks properly.
  • Add herbs like astragalus root: Optional but adds health benefits.

🔄 Variations

  • Herbal version: Add dried medicinal herbs for deeper flavor and benefits.
  • Modern version: Add chopped mushrooms or ginkgo nuts to the broth.

🧊 Storage & Leftovers

If you have leftovers, remove the meat from the bones and store it with broth in the fridge. It will last 2–3 days. You can also make rice porridge with the leftovers!

❓ FAQ

Q1. Can I make it without ginseng?
Yes! It won't be traditional samgyetang, but it still makes a tasty and nutritious chicken soup.

Q2. Where can I buy insam (Korean ginseng)?
You can find dried insam at Korean markets or order online from Amazon or specialty health stores.

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Whether you're cooking this dish for health, tradition, or just curiosity, samgyetang is a comforting and deeply satisfying meal. Let your friends and family try it too!

 

 

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