Korean Chicken Soup

Korean Chicken Soup Recipe - Ingredients & Instructions | Country of Origin: Korea

Region / culture: Korea | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Korean Chicken Soup, also known as Dak Gomtang, is a comforting and nourishing soup that is perfect for cold winter days or when you're feeling under the weather. This soup is made with simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, ginger, and rice, but the flavors are complex and satisfying.

History

Korean Chicken Soup has been a staple in Korean cuisine for centuries. It is often served as a healing and restorative dish, especially for those who are feeling sick or weak. The soup is believed to have warming properties that can help boost the immune system and aid in digestion.

Ingredients

1 tsp sesame seeds
8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade)
2 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp ginger, finely grated
0.5 cup rice
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1-2 tsp hot chile paste
1 cup shredded cooked chicken
2 scallions, finely chopped

How to prepare

In a small dry skillet, toast sesame seeds over medium-high heat, shaking often, until lightly browned and aromatic, about 1 minute.
Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a small bowl and set aside.
In a large pot, combine chicken broth, garlic, and ginger; bring to a boil over high heat.
Add rice, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the rice is tender, 12–15 minutes.
Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil; add chile paste to taste.
Add chicken and heat until just warmed through.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with scallions and the reserved sesame seeds.

Variations

Add vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist on the traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.

- Be sure to finely chop the garlic and grate the ginger to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the soup.

- Adjust the amount of hot chile paste to suit your spice preference.

- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Korean Chicken Soup with a side of steamed rice and kimchi for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flavorful Korean Chicken Soup is to simmer the broth with garlic and ginger for a long period of time to extract all the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sesame seeds, you can use sesame oil instead for a similar flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Korean Chicken Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Korean Chicken Soup with fresh scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Korean Chicken Soup with a side of steamed rice and a refreshing cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Korean Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Korean Chicken Soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Korean Chicken Soup contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Korean Chicken Soup contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Korean Chicken Soup contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Korean Chicken Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Korean Chicken Soup contains soy and sesame seeds.

Summary

Korean Chicken Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health.

Summary

Korean Chicken Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that is perfect for cold winter days or when you're feeling under the weather. With simple ingredients and complex flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Korean Chicken Soup. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mrs. Park, who had recently moved to the United States from Korea. Mrs. Park invited me into her home and welcomed me with open arms, eager to share her culture and cuisine with me.

As I sat at her kitchen table, sipping on a cup of hot tea, Mrs. Park began to prepare the ingredients for her famous Korean Chicken Soup. The aroma of garlic and ginger filled the air, and I watched in awe as she skillfully chopped vegetables and seasoned the chicken with a blend of traditional spices.

Mrs. Park explained to me that this soup was a staple in Korean households, often served during the cold winter months to warm the body and nourish the soul. She shared with me the history of the dish, passed down through generations of her family, and I listened intently as she spoke of the love and care that went into each bowl.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Mrs. Park handed me a notebook and pen, encouraging me to write down the recipe so that I could recreate it in my own kitchen. I eagerly jotted down each ingredient and step, taking in every detail and nuance of her cooking process.

After several hours of cooking and conversation, Mrs. Park ladled the steaming soup into bowls and we sat down to enjoy our meal together. The flavors were bold and comforting, with a hint of spice that warmed me from the inside out. I savored each spoonful, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented and generous cook.

From that day forward, Korean Chicken Soup became a regular dish in my own home. I would often think back to that summer day with Mrs. Park, remembering the laughter and friendship we shared over a pot of soup. I would add my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different vegetables and spices to make it my own.

As the years passed, I continued to perfect my version of Korean Chicken Soup, sharing it with friends and family who would come to visit. Each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to Mrs. Park and the traditions she had passed on to me. I would always think of her kindness and hospitality, and how she had opened up her home and heart to me that day.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Korean Chicken Soup for my grandchildren, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that have shaped me as a cook. I am proud to carry on the tradition of this beloved dish, honoring the legacy of Mrs. Park and the culture she so generously shared with me.

As I stir the pot and inhale the fragrant steam rising from the soup, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to bridge gaps and foster understanding. I smile to myself, knowing that with each spoonful of soup shared with loved ones, I am passing on a piece of my own story, my own history, my own heart. And I know that Mrs. Park would be proud.