Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

Samgyetang is more than just a chicken soup—it’s a dish deeply rooted in Korean tradition, often enjoyed as a nourishing meal during hot summer months.

This rich, herbal-infused soup is made with a whole young chicken, stuffed with glutinous rice, jujubes, ginseng, and garlic, then simmered until tender and deeply flavorful.

The long cooking process extracts all the nutrients, making the broth incredibly restorative.

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Koreans have long believed that eating hot soup in the summer replenishes energy lost due to the heat. Samgyetang is a prime example of this philosophy, providing warmth, strength, and a balance of flavors that feel both medicinal and comforting. The broth is light yet deeply infused with the earthy essence of ginseng, while the tender chicken absorbs all the delicate flavors from the ingredients inside.

This soup is often served simply, with just a side of salt and black pepper for dipping the chicken. Some enjoy it with a shot of ginseng-infused soju for an extra boost of warmth. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious meal or a comforting dish to fight off fatigue, this Korean ginseng chicken soup is the ultimate remedy.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

Samgyetang may look simple, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a deeply flavored, nourishing dish.

• Deeply Flavorful Broth – Slow simmering extracts the nutrients and flavors from the chicken, ginseng, and herbs, resulting in a delicate yet rich broth.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken – A whole Cornish hen cooks slowly, ensuring incredibly soft meat that practically falls off the bone.
• Nutrient-Packed Ingredients – Ginseng is known for its health benefits, while garlic, jujubes, and rice provide natural energy and a soothing effect.
• Minimal Seasoning for Pure Flavor – The broth is naturally infused with all the ingredients, needing only a pinch of salt and pepper for finishing.

Essential Ingredients for Samgyetang

Traditional Samgyetang relies on a small selection of key ingredients that create its signature taste.

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• Cornish Hen – A small, tender chicken that cooks evenly and soaks up all the herbal flavors.
• Ginseng Root – The star ingredient, providing a distinct, earthy depth to the broth. Fresh or dried ginseng works well.
• Glutinous Rice – Absorbs the broth’s flavors and creates a hearty texture inside the chicken.
• Jujubes (Korean Red Dates) – Add natural sweetness and balance out the herbal notes.
• Garlic Cloves – Enhances the soup’s aroma and provides a subtle, savory depth.
• Korean Ginseng Powder (Optional) – For a stronger ginseng flavor, a small amount of powder can be added to the broth.

How to Make Traditional Samgyetang

This dish requires a slow simmer, allowing all the ingredients to infuse into a rich, comforting broth.

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• Prepare the Chicken – Rinse the Cornish hen thoroughly, removing any excess fat. Pat dry.
• Stuff the Chicken – Fill the cavity with glutinous rice, whole garlic cloves, jujubes, and a piece of ginseng. Tie the legs together to keep everything inside.
• Simmer the Broth – Place the stuffed chicken in a pot with water, ginseng, additional garlic, and more jujubes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours.
• Skim and Adjust – Occasionally skim off any impurities or foam from the broth. Once the chicken is fully tender, season the broth lightly with salt.
• Serve with Dipping Salt – Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a small dish of salt and pepper for dipping the chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Tips for the Best Samgyetang

A few small adjustments can make a big difference in the final dish.

• Use the Right Chicken – A small Cornish hen works best, but if using a regular chicken, increase the cooking time.
• Simmer Gently – A low simmer ensures that the broth stays clear and absorbs all the flavors properly.
• Don’t Overseason the Broth – Samgyetang is meant to be mild and herbal. Keep seasoning to a minimum, allowing the natural ingredients to shine.
• Soak the Rice Before Stuffing – This helps it cook evenly and absorb more flavor from the broth.

Ways to Customize Samgyetang

While the traditional recipe is simple and pure, a few variations can enhance the dish to suit different tastes.

• Add Chestnuts or Ginkgo Nuts – These bring extra texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
• Include Medicinal Herbs – Ingredients like astragalus root or angelica root boost the soup’s herbal properties.
• Increase the Garlic – Some variations use extra garlic for a stronger, more pungent broth.
• Make It Spicy – A touch of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) adds heat without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Samgyetang

This soup is often served simply, but a few classic Korean sides can complement it perfectly.

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• Kimchi – The acidity and spice of kimchi balance the mild broth.
• Korean Pickled Radish – Adds a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Rice – Though the soup contains rice, an extra bowl on the side makes it more filling.
• Ginseng Soju – A traditional pairing, believed to enhance the soup’s health benefits.