Samgyetang(삼계탕) for summer #1 health in korea

Table of Contents

What is Samgyetang?

“Samgyetang” (삼계탕) is a Korean word that breaks down into three components:

“Sam” (삼): This refers to “ginseng,” which is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Korean medicine. Ginseng is known for its potential health benefits, including boosting energy and promoting overall well-being.
“Gye” (계): This part of the word means “chicken” in Korean.
“Tang” (탕): This translates to “soup” or “stew” in Korean.

So, when you put it all together, “Samgyetang” literally means “ginseng chicken soup” or “ginseng chicken stew.” The name reflects the dish’s main ingredients and its traditional association with providing nourishment and energy, especially during the hot summer months.

Cooking Method

Samgyetang (삼계탕) is a traditional Korean dish that consists of a whole young chicken stuffed with various ingredients and simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s often considered a nourishing and revitalizing dish, especially popular during the hot summer months. The dish is believed to have restorative properties and is commonly enjoyed to boost energy and stamina.

Here’s a breakdown of the components and preparation of Samgyetang:

Ingredients:

Young chicken (usually around 600-800 grams)
Glutinous rice
Korean ginseng (fresh or dried)
Jujubes (Korean red dates)
Garlic cloves
Ginger slices
Chestnuts
Optional: pine nuts, ginkgo nuts, other medicinal herbs

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:
- Clean and wash the chicken thoroughly.
- Remove excess fat and the giblets from the chicken’s cavity.
Stuffing the Chicken:
- Rinse glutinous rice and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.
- Drain the rice and stuff the chicken’s cavity with the soaked rice, some ginseng, jujubes, garlic cloves, ginger slices, and other optional ingredients like chestnuts or nuts.
Cooking the Dish:
- In a pot, add water and bring it to a boil.
- Place the stuffed chicken in the boiling water.
- Add more ginger slices, garlic cloves, and ginseng to the pot for extra flavor.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the chicken for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked.
Serving:
- Samgyetang is often served hot in the pot it was cooked in.
- Season the broth with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- The dish is usually accompanied by side dishes like kimchi, sliced scallions, and a dipping sauce made with salt and ground black pepper.

Samgyetang is considered a comfort food and is often consumed during the hottest days of summer in Korea as it’s believed to help cool down the body and provide essential nutrients. It’s also enjoyed year-round for its rich flavors and nutritional benefits.