Description
Dak Gomtang is a traditional Korean chicken soup known for its clear, light broth and nourishing qualities. Made by simmering a whole chicken with garlic, ginger, and green onions, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a wholesome meal. Served over steamed rice and garnished with sliced green onions and optional seasonings like sesame oil and chili flakes, it delivers a clean, flavorful experience that highlights simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds, cleaned and rinsed)
- 12 cups water
- 6 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (sliced)
- 4 green onions (2 whole, 2 thinly sliced for garnish)
- 1 medium onion (peeled and halved)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Cooked short-grain rice
- Optional: soy sauce
- Optional: sesame oil
- Optional: chili flakes or sliced green chili for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot and add 12 cups of water, smashed garlic, sliced ginger, halved onion, and 2 whole green onions. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer and skim: As the water boils, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface to keep the broth clear. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 1 hour, partially covered, to develop a rich, flavorful stock.
- Strain and season: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot, discarding the solids. Season the clear broth with salt and pepper to taste.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones for a lean soup.
- Reheat the soup: Return the shredded chicken to the seasoned broth and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes to warm through.
- Serve: Place a scoop of hot cooked short-grain rice into individual serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup over the rice, garnish with the remaining sliced green onions, and add a few drops of sesame oil, soy sauce, or chili flakes if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- Dak Gomtang is prized for its clear, light, and comforting broth that is nourishing and easy on the stomach.
- Traditionally served with kimchi and dipping sauces like soy sauce or chili oil on the side for extra flavor.
- You may substitute the whole chicken with chicken thighs or breasts if you want a smaller or quicker version.
- Skimming impurities during boiling is important to maintain the soup’s clarity.
- Adjust seasonings according to your taste; the soup is usually mild but very flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
