Authentic Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Master authentic Korean ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang) with this complete recipe guide. Traditional summer stamina food with health benefits and cultural significance.
1h 40min
medium
Cooking Order
Ingredients
Basic ingredients
Whole Chicken
Glutinous Rice
Green Onion
Salt
Black Pepper
Stuffing Ingredients
Soaked Glutinous Rice
Dried Jujubes
Peeled Chestnuts
Fresh Ginkgo Nuts
Ginseng Root (optional)(optional)
Ginger(optional)
Broth Ingredients
Herbal Pack
Soup Stock Pack
Green Onion (with root)
Garlic Cloves
Dried Jujubes
Scorched Rice
Red Chili (for garnish)
Cooking Tools
Traditional Korean iron cauldron(optional)
Large cooking pot
Kitchen twine or cotton string
Step 1:
Soak glutinous rice in cold water for about 1 hour until fully hydrated.
Step 2:
If using ginseng, remove the head, gently scrape off the outer skin with a knife, then cut into quarters lengthwise and halve each piece again.※ Ginseng can be omitted if desired.
Step 3:
Use a cleaned, fresh whole chicken (already gutted and trimmed).
Step 4:
Stuff the chicken cavity in the following order ① Jujube (Korean red dates) → ② Soaked glutinous rice → ③ Peeled chestnuts → ④ Ginkgo nuts
Step 5:
Make small incisions near the lower leg skin or Achilles tendon area, then cross and tuck the legs into each other to secure the stuffing inside.
Step 6:
In a large pot, pour 3 liters of water and add jujubes, onion, Korean radish, green onion, whole garlic cloves, ginger slices, and optional herbal ingredients. Boil for 20 minutes to extract flavor.
Step 7:
Remove solid ingredients from the broth, then place the stuffed chicken in the pot. Add enough water to cover the chicken and boil over high heat for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Reduce to medium heat and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Skim off any fat or foam that rises to the top.
Step 8:
Transfer the chicken and broth to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions, chives, crispy scorched rice (nurungji), and sliced red chili. Serve with salt and pepper on the side for seasoning to taste.
Editor's Detail
How Koreans Boost Their Energy in Summer (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Master authentic Korean ginseng chicken soup (samgyetang). Traditional summer stamina food with health benefits. This nourishing dish features a whole young chicken, typically stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, and ginseng, simmered to perfection in a fragrant broth. The combination of these ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also promotes vitality, making it a popular choice for those looking to boost their energy levels during the hot summer months. Enjoying korean chicken allows you to experience a taste of tradition while reaping its numerous health benefits.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours soaking)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 2-4 servings
Korean ginseng chicken soup, samgyetang (삼계탕), represents Korea’s treasured culinary tradition. This nourishing soup combines tender whole chicken with premium ginseng root, creating a satisfying meal that restores energy and promotes wellness.
Samgyetang is Korea’s ultimate stamina-boosting soup that fights summer heat with therapeutic ingredients like ginseng.
Why Koreans Eat Samgyetang During Summer
Korean culture designates the three hottest summer days as “sambok” (삼복) when restaurants see long lines despite sweltering temperatures. This follows “iyeol chiyeol” (이열치열), meaning “fight fire with fire.”
Ancestors believed eating hot soup and ginseng during hottest periods supplements energy when nutrients are depleted through sweating. Hot soup stimulates circulation while making external heat feel less intense.
Essential Health Benefits
- Ginseng Power: Contains compounds that combat fatigue and strengthen immune system
- Protein-Rich: Complete amino acid profile supports muscle recovery
- Digestive Health: Warm broth aids digestion and nutrient absorption
Complete Ingredient Guide
Chicken (닭): 1 whole young chicken (1.2-1.5 kg) or 2 Cornish game hens (450g each)
Korean Ginseng (인삼): 1-2 fresh ginseng roots (15-20g) or 1 dried root (soaked overnight) – Korean markets ($15-25)
Sweet Glutinous Rice (찹쌀): 60ml (1/4 cup) per chicken, soaked 2 hours
Korean Jujubes (대추): 4-6 dried dates
Garlic (마늘): 8-10 whole cloves
Dipping Sauce: Sea salt, black pepper, sesame seeds, sesame oil
Traditional Sides: Kkakdugi (radish kimchi), steamed rice, scallions
Traditional Cooking Overview
Stuff chicken with soaked glutinous rice and aromatics, then simmer gently in clear water until tender. Maintain gentle simmer after initial boil for clear broth. Takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, served whole in bowls with unseasoned broth.
Common Cooking Mistakes
Ginseng: Add fresh ginseng during final 30 minutes to prevent bitterness. Use Korean or American ginseng, not substitutes.
Chicken: Avoid large chickens – causes overcooked exterior, undercooked interior. Skim foam consistently.
Rice: Rice expands significantly – maximum 3/4 capacity. Ensure adequate soaking.
Recipe Variations
- Restaurant Style: Start with chicken stock
- Medicinal: Add astragalus root (황기)
- Pressure Cooker: 35-40 minutes
FAQ
What makes this authentically Korean?
Authentic samgyetang requires: whole young chicken, Korean ginseng, and traditional stuffing with glutinous rice and aromatics. Fighting heat with heat represents uniquely Korean seasonal wellness.
Can’t find Korean ginseng?
American ginseng works as substitute. Look for “samgyetang kits” at Korean markets. Last resort: make without ginseng (“baeksuk”).
How to know when cooked?
Chicken meat pulls away from bones easily, broth reduced 25%, rice fully expanded. Clear, golden broth.
What to serve with it?
Kkakdugi (radish kimchi), steamed rice, salt-pepper-sesame dipping sauce. Multiple banchan like seasoned spinach.
Final Takeaway: Samgyetang represents Korea’s wisdom of using food as medicine. This authentic recipe connects you to centuries of Korean wellness tradition.
Ready to Experience Korean Comfort? Save this recipe and join the tradition of fighting heat with heat. Share results with #AuthenticKoreanCooking.
Authentic Samgyetang (Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup) Video
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