Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe
There’s something soul-nourishing about a steaming bowl of Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup): clear, comforting, and brimming with goodness in every spoonful. This beloved dish is the very definition of comfort food, with juicy chicken simmered until meltingly tender and a clean, delicate broth that’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re feeling under the weather. What I adore most about this soup are its simplicity and versatility—the kind of meal that feels like a gentle hug and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) couldn’t be easier, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the soup’s signature balance of flavor, body, and comfort. The beauty here is that just a handful of pantry staples become something extraordinary—don’t skip any of them!
- Whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds): Using a whole bird gives the broth unbelievable flavor and produces tender, juicy meat for the soup.
- Water (12 cups): This forms the base of your broth, allowing the essence of chicken and aromatics to shine.
- Garlic (6 cloves, peeled): Garlic infuses the broth with warmth and subtle sweetness.
- Onion (1 medium, halved): Onion adds depth and rounds out the broth’s mild sweetness.
- Green onions (2, cut into large pieces + more for garnish): Green onions help flavor the broth and make a beautifully fresh garnish.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon, plus more to taste): Salt is key for seasoning your soup perfectly—taste as you go!
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A little black pepper brings a gentle heat that ties everything together.
- Cooked white rice (for serving): Rice makes this dish a complete and satisfying meal.
- Optional: Soy sauce or sesame oil (for seasoning): A splash at the end lends extra depth and a lovely umami touch.
How to Make Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup)
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Start by placing the cleaned, trimmed whole chicken into a large stockpot. Add the water, peeled garlic cloves, halved onion, and chunked green onions. This simple mixture is the backbone of Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup), and the longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. Bring everything to a rolling boil over high heat, letting anticipation build as the kitchen fills with delicious scents.
Step 2: Simmer and Skim
Once your pot is at a lively boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer—uncovered—for about one hour. Keep an eye on the surface and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top. This step guarantees your soup stays clear and golden, which is the hallmark of a beautifully made Korean chicken soup.
Step 3: Remove and Shred the Chicken
Carefully lift the chicken out of the pot and set it aside on a large plate or tray to cool slightly. While the chicken cools, take a moment to admire that shimmering broth! Once you can handle the chicken safely, shred the meat into bite-size pieces, discarding the skin and bones (or save them for homemade stock later).
Step 4: Strain and Season the Broth
Pour the hot broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot to catch any solids or stray bits, ensuring your Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) broth stays crystal clear. Return the strained broth to the stove over low heat, seasoning with salt and black pepper to your liking.
Step 5: Warm and Assemble
Nestle the shredded chicken back into the seasoned broth and warm everything through. When you’re ready to serve, scoop some fluffy white rice into each bowl, ladle that gorgeous soup over top, and finish with a scattering of thinly sliced green onions for a final burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup)
Garnishes
The classic garnish for Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) is a generous sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions. Their brightness cuts through the richness of the broth, while a dash of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds an aromatic lift. For an extra pop of flavor, you can invite your guests to stir in a splash of soy sauce right at the table.
Side Dishes
No Korean meal is complete without a few shared side dishes. Kimchi is a must—a little spicy, a little funky, totally refreshing alongside the gentle broth of Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup). You might also offer pickled radish, blanched spinach salad, or even steamed eggs for a true home-style spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual clay pots or stone bowls to keep everything piping hot at the table. You could also let everyone build their own bowls, buffet-style, with rice, broth, chicken, and toppings of their choice. Want to impress? Add a handful of chewy glass noodles or thinly sliced daikon to the pot for extra body and a little wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) is how beautifully it keeps! Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Store the broth and chicken separately from the rice to prevent the rice from soaking up too much liquid and getting mushy. The soup will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you’d like to stock your freezer with pure comfort, Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) freezes brilliantly. Portion out cooled broth and shredded chicken into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of head space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Hold off on adding rice or garnishes until you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the broth and chicken together on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. If you’re pulling your soup straight from the freezer, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best texture. Add fresh rice and garnishes just before serving for a bowl that tastes as wonderful as day one.
FAQs
Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! While a whole chicken creates the richest, most flavorful broth, you can substitute with bone-in drumsticks or thighs if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to use bone-in pieces to get that signature depth of flavor.
Is Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) spicy?
Not at all—this soup is famous for its gentle, soothing flavors. If you love heat, you can always serve kimchi or stir in a spoonful of spicy gochujang on the side to suit your tastes.
Can I make Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) in advance?
Yes, this soup actually gets even better with time! Prepare a day ahead and store in the fridge. As the flavors meld overnight, the broth becomes richer and even more satisfying. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
How do I make the broth extra clear?
Simmer the pot gently uncovered, and don’t forget to regularly skim off any foam or impurities. You can also strain the broth through cheesecloth for the clearest result—classic techniques for a beautiful presentation.
What are some ways to personalize the soup?
Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) is wonderfully adaptable! Add glass noodles, sliced daikon radish, or even a handful of baby spinach for a new twist. Try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or serving alongside spicy chili paste for a kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that bowl of warmth and comfort that never fails to cheer you up, give Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) a try. With its gentle, homey flavor and endlessly customizable toppings, it’s sure to find a permanent spot in your kitchen. Grab your biggest soup pot, gather your loved ones, and savor every nourishing sip together.
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Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm your soul with this comforting Korean Chicken Soup, Dak Gomtang. A hearty broth simmered with whole chicken, garlic, and onions, served with tender shredded chicken over rice. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds), cleaned and trimmed
- 12 cups water
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 medium onion, halved
- 2 green onions, cut into large pieces (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
For Serving:
- cooked white rice
- optional: soy sauce or sesame oil for seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: In a large stockpot, combine chicken, water, garlic, onion, and green onions. Boil, then simmer for 1 hour, skimming foam.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove chicken, strain broth, season with salt and pepper. Shred the chicken, discarding skin and bones. Return to broth and warm through.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls with rice. Garnish with green onions. Enjoy with kimchi or soy sauce/sesame oil.
Notes
- For a richer broth, simmer the chicken longer and refrigerate to remove fat easily.
- You can add glass noodles or daikon radish for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with rice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
