Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe
If you have ever craved a soothing, soul-warming bowl of traditional Korean comfort, you are going to love this Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe. This humble yet deeply nourishing soup offers tender chicken simmered to perfection in a clear broth that turns luxuriously milky with just the right balance of garlic, ginger, and delicate seasonings. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on chilly days or when you need a gentle boost. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with its depth of flavor makes it a cherished Korean classic that belongs in every home kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe lies in the simplicity and purity of its ingredients. Each component is essential, contributing to the clarity of the broth, the aromatic depth, and the soothing texture that makes this soup such a standout.
- Whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds): The star of the show, providing rich flavor and tender meat for shredding.
- Water (12 cups): The base for the broth, slowly extracting the chicken’s essence.
- Garlic cloves (6, crushed): Adds aromatic pungency and natural sweetness as it simmers.
- Small onion (peeled and halved): Contributes subtle sweetness and body to the broth.
- Green onions (2 plus more for garnish): Brings fresh herbaceous notes, both in the broth and as a finishing touch.
- Ginger (1-inch piece, sliced): Balances warmth and slight peppery flavor, cutting through the richness.
- Korean sea salt (1 tablespoon or to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate broth.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and complexity in the final seasoning.
- Cooked white rice (optional): A traditional way to enjoy the soup served over rice for an even heartier meal.
- Cooked somyeon noodles (optional): Thin wheat noodles that provide a silky texture contrast.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty finish and lovely garnish contrast.
How to Make Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Simmer the Chicken
Begin by rinsing your whole chicken thoroughly, removing any remaining innards to keep the broth clean and pure. Place the chicken in a large soup pot or stockpot and pour in 12 cups of water. Add the crushed garlic cloves, halved onion, green onions, and sliced ginger. Bring the pot to a proud boil over high heat—this first vigorous boil helps extract maximum flavor. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer to draw out those deep savory notes.
Step 2: Skim and Simmer Until Tender
As the broth simmers, you’ll notice foam rising to the surface—don’t forget to skim it off with a spoon to keep the broth crystal clear. This process might take a few rounds in the beginning. Continue to simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is incredibly tender and the broth beautifully milky from the collagen released during cooking.
Step 3: Strain Broth and Shred Chicken
Once your chicken has reached that perfect tenderness, carefully remove it from the pot and allow it to cool just enough to handle safely. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the cooked vegetables and aromatics; what remains is liquid gold. Then, take the cooled chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones to keep the soup light and clean.
Step 4: Season and Recombine
Return the shredded chicken to the clear broth. Season with the Korean sea salt and a pinch of black pepper according to your taste. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the flavors evenly. At this stage, your Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe is ready to shine as a simple, nourishing main dish or comforting side.
How to Serve Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch makes all the difference. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a burst of fresh color and mild oniony crunch. If you want to add an extra layer of texture and flavor, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds brings just the right nuttiness. These small garnishes elevate the rustic soup and make every bite feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, Dak Gomtang is served with sides like kimchi, which adds a spicy and tangy counterbalance to the mild broth. Pickled radish, steamed vegetables, or a simple bowl of steamed rice can round out your meal beautifully. These sides provide contrasting textures and flavors, enhancing the eating experience without overpowering the soup’s delicate nature.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress or mix things up? Serve the soup over a small scoop of steamed white rice or somyeon noodles right in the bowl for a heartier presentation. You might also offer a small dish of soy sauce and chili flakes on the side for guests to personalize their soup. Experiment with thinly sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for a fragrant twist that complements the comforting broth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making the next day’s bowl even more comforting. Make sure to cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and safety.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Dak Gomtang for longer, freezing is a wonderful option. Separate the broth and shredded chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat to preserve the delicate flavors and avoid breaking down the chicken further. If the broth has thickened, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it to your preferred consistency. Serve with freshly chopped green onions for brightness and freshness.
FAQs
What makes Dak Gomtang different from other chicken soups?
Dak Gomtang is uniquely Korean in its clear yet milky broth and minimal seasoning, focusing on the natural flavors extracted from slow-simmered whole chicken, garlic, and ginger, making it both restorative and subtle.
Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, using chicken parts such as thighs or drumsticks can work, but using a whole chicken provides the richest flavor and the collagen needed to achieve that signature milky broth.
Is Dak Gomtang spicy?
Traditional Dak Gomtang is mild and comforting without any inherent spiciness, making it perfect for all ages and those seeking gentle flavors.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
This recipe relies on chicken for its signature taste and richness, so it isn’t suitable for vegetarians, but vegetable broth-based Korean soups offer nice alternatives.
How can I deepen the flavor of the broth?
For a more intense broth, refrigerate it overnight after simmering and remove excess fat from the surface before reheating. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or a small piece of dried kelp during simmering for extra umami.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a homemade bowl of Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe that warms more than just the body—it nourishes the soul with its tender chicken and soothing broth. This recipe’s simple elegance and time-honored tradition make it a keeper in your cooking repertoire. I invite you to try making this comforting Korean classic at home and enjoy the gentle flavors that have been cherished for generations.
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Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Dak Gomtang is a traditional Korean chicken soup made by simmering a whole chicken with garlic, onion, ginger, and green onions until the broth turns milky and flavorful. Served hot, this comforting soup is perfect for cold weather or recovery, often enjoyed with rice or thin wheat noodles and garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 1 whole chicken (about 3 to 4 pounds)
- 12 cups water
- 6 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 small onion, peeled and halved
- 2 green onions (plus more for garnish)
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Korean sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Serving Accompaniments
- Cooked white rice
- Cooked somyeon (thin wheat noodles)
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly and remove any remaining innards to ensure a clean broth.
- Combine Ingredients in Pot: Place the cleaned chicken into a large pot and add the water, crushed garlic, halved onion, green onions, and sliced ginger.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Skim Foam: As the soup simmers, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface to keep the broth clear.
- Simmer Until Tender: Continue simmering for 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is very tender and the broth has turned milky white.
- Remove Chicken and Strain Broth: Carefully take out the chicken and set it aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine sieve, discarding the solids.
- Shred Chicken Meat: Discard the chicken skin and bones, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and Season: Return the shredded chicken meat to the strained broth. Season with Korean sea salt and black pepper according to your taste preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into individual bowls, garnishing with chopped green onions and optional toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot, optionally over cooked white rice or somyeon noodles.
Notes
- Dak Gomtang is mild and nourishing; it pairs well with kimchi or a splash of soy sauce for added flavor.
- This soup is excellent for recovery during cold weather or after illness.
- For a richer flavor, refrigerate the broth overnight and skim off excess fat before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Korean
