Samgyetang: Benefits, Taste, and Must-Visit Spots
Health Benefits
Samgyetang is considered a nourishing and restorative dish in Korean cuisine, especially enjoyed during the summer to boost stamina and fight off heat-related fatigue. This ginseng chicken soup is packed with energy-giving ingredients like ginseng, which is known for reducing fatigue and enhancing immunity. Other components like garlic and jujubes (Korean dates) are rich in antioxidants and help improve blood circulation. With its protein-packed whole chicken and easily digestible rice, Samgyetang is perfect for a filling and healthy meal.
Taste Profile:
Samgyetang offers a mild but deeply savory flavor. The broth has a delicate richness from the ginseng, with subtle sweetness from the jujubes and nuttiness from the glutinous rice. The tender chicken practically falls off the bone and has absorbed the herbal flavors of the soup, making every bite both comforting and refreshing. Although the base taste is mild, you can add salt and pepper to enhance the flavor to your liking. It’s often enjoyed with kimchi, which adds a spicy and tangy contrast to the dish’s soothing warmth.
Must-Visit Samgyetang Restaurants in Korea
- Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕) – Located in Seoul near Gyeongbokgung Palace, Tosokchon is one of the most famous spots for Samgyetang. Known for its rich and flavorful broth, the restaurant uses fresh ingredients, including high-quality ginseng and organic chicken. It’s a popular place among both locals and tourists.
- Baekje Samgyetang (백제 삼계탕) – Situated in Myeong-dong, Seoul, Baekje Samgyetang is well-loved for its herbal variety of Samgyetang, which includes ingredients like milk vetch root for added health benefits. This spot is famous for its flavorful and energizing broth.
- Korea Samgyetang (고려 삼계탕) – In Insadong, Korea Samgyetang is known for its traditional-style Samgyetang with a slightly thicker broth. The restaurant uses fresh Korean ingredients, creating a unique taste that keeps customers coming back.
Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 small whole chicken (about 1-1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup glutinous rice (sticky rice), soaked in water for 1 hour
- 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1-2 fresh ginseng roots (or dried if fresh isn’t available)
- 3-4 jujubes (dried red dates)
- 5-6 chestnuts (optional)
- 1 small piece of ginger
- 5-6 cups of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry. Remove any giblets from the cavity.
- Stuff the Chicken: Drain the soaked rice and stuff it inside the chicken cavity along with 1-2 garlic cloves, a piece of ginger, and one ginseng root (if the root is large, you can slice it). Secure the cavity closed with a toothpick if needed.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the stuffed chicken in a large pot. Add water, the remaining garlic cloves, jujubes, any additional ginseng, chestnuts, and ginger. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1-1.5 hours. The chicken should be very tender, and the flavors should be well blended.
- Season: Once done, remove from heat. Add salt and pepper to taste, or allow each person to season individually in their bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve: Serve the entire chicken in a bowl along with some broth. Samgyetang is traditionally eaten hot and is often served with a small side of salt and pepper for dipping the chicken.