If there’s any dish that embodies gentle warmth and comfort in a single bowl, it’s Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup). This beloved Korean classic is all about simple ingredients coaxed into something deeply flavorful—a true celebration of chicken, aromatic vegetables, and silky, nourishing broth. Whether you’re under the weather, missing home, or just in need of a soothing meal, Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) is always the right answer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) is in its simplicity: each ingredient serves a purpose, lending richness, subtlety, or that fresh pop of color to your bowl. Gather these essentials to build a soup that’s gently restorative and undeniably satisfying.
- Whole Chicken (3–4 pounds): The star of the show; simmering a whole chicken creates a rich stock and plenty of meat to shred back into the soup.
- Water (12 cups): The canvas for your broth, it transforms into a savory, slightly milky soup after simmering with the chicken and aromatics.
- Garlic (6 cloves, smashed): Adds warmth and depth, infusing the broth with earthy sweetness.
- Ginger (1-inch, sliced): Brings a gentle zing and cuts through any richness, giving the soup a clean finish.
- Green Onions (2 stalks, plus more for garnish): Impart freshness during simmering and a crisp, bright note when sprinkled on top.
- Small Onion (halved): Melts into the broth, lending sweetness and body without overpowering the star flavors.
- Korean Soup Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon or substitute with regular soy sauce): Seasoning is key; this sauce boosts umami while still letting the chicken shine through.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): The final balancing act to make your soup perfectly savory.
- Cooked White Rice (for serving): A must-have for the classic Korean presentation—each spoonful of rice soaks up the broth beautifully.
- Optional Glass Noodles (soaked and cooked): If you want extra substance in your bowl; they absorb the flavors wonderfully.
How to Make Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup)
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Aromatics
Start by giving your whole chicken a thorough rinse, making sure to remove any remaining giblets from the cavity. This little bit of prep ensures your Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) ends up with a clean, clear broth free of any surprises. Grab your largest stockpot and place the chicken inside. Toss in the garlic cloves (smashed for maximum flavor release), sliced ginger, green onions, and your halved onion. Each of these simple additions works together to elevate the pure chicken flavor, making the broth taste like home.
Step 2: Create the Broth
Pour in the water, filling the pot until your chicken and veggies are well submerged. Crank up the heat to bring everything to a lively boil, then lower to a gentle simmer. This is where patience pays off: let the chicken bubble away for a full hour (and even longer if you want extra richness). Skim away any foam that rises to the surface—this step keeps your Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) looking pristine and clear, just like you’d get at grandma’s house.
Step 3: Shred and Strain
Once your chicken is meltingly tender, lift it carefully out of the pot and let it cool slightly so you don’t burn your fingers. While that’s happening, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding all the spent vegetables. This strained, golden broth is the soul of your soup. Remove the chicken’s skin and bones, then shred the meat into generous bite-sized pieces—don’t skimp, every chunk promises flavor!
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot of strained broth. Stir in the Korean soup soy sauce for a signature hit of umami, and then season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another gentle simmer for about 10 minutes; this allows all the flavors to meld together so each bite of Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) feels like a cozy hug.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
When you’re ready to eat, ladle the hot soup over a bowl of fluffy white rice or, for a restaurant-style touch, add in some bouncy, prepared glass noodles. Scatter a handful of sliced green onions on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately, and watch the magic happen as everyone around the table sinks into contentment with their first spoonful.
How to Serve Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup)
Garnishes
For that irresistibly homey look and an extra pop of flavor, top your steaming bowl with finely sliced green onion. You can also sprinkle on a bit of toasted sesame seeds, freshly ground black pepper, or even a dash of Korean chili flakes if you like a gentle kick. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, would be an unconventional but tasty addition—after all, it’s your bowl!
Side Dishes
No Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) experience is complete without its classic companions. Serve with a small array of banchan: think kimchi for a touch of heat, pickled radishes for crunch, or seasoned spinach for balance. A lightly dressed salad or spicy cucumber side can round out the meal while adding freshness and variety to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) bowls on trays with compartments for toppings—think a little mound of rice, a pile of glass noodles, and tiny dishes for soy sauce, salt, or chili paste. Let everyone build their own perfect bowl. For a cozy dinner party, garnish soup with edible flowers or microgreens for an unexpected, elegant touch that will definitely spark conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) might taste even better the next day! Once the soup has cooled, place it (with the chicken and broth combined or separated) in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to four days. Skim off any solidified fat from the surface if you prefer a lighter broth before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Allow your Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) to cool completely, then pour it (broth and chicken, but no rice or noodles) into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It’ll stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place your soup in a pot over medium heat until simmering hot. If the broth has thickened, simply add a splash of water to adjust the consistency. Wait to add freshly cooked rice or noodles right before serving; this preserves their texture and makes the soup feel freshly made every time.
FAQs
Can I use just chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will still yield a rich, flavorful broth for your Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup). Just be sure to use enough pieces (about 2.5 to 3 pounds) to properly flavor the soup, and adjust simmering time as needed.
What’s the difference between soup soy sauce and regular soy sauce?
Korean soup soy sauce (guk ganjang) has a lighter color but more pronounced saltiness and umami compared to regular soy sauce. It seasons broths without darkening them or overwhelming the clean chicken flavor. If you substitute with regular soy sauce, start with less and adjust to your taste.
Is this soup naturally gluten-free?
Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check your glass noodles as well — most are gluten-free by default (being made from sweet potato starch), but it’s worth confirming on the package.
Can I add vegetables to the finished soup?
Definitely! Although traditional Dak Gomtang is all about the pure chicken and broth, adding ingredients like Napa cabbage, mushrooms, or zucchini while the soup simmers the second time can make it heartier or help you use up what’s in your fridge.
What can I do with leftover chicken?
Leftover shredded chicken from Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) is perfect in sandwiches, tossed into salads, or even folded into a quick fried rice. The broth-soaked meat is incredibly versatile—don’t let a morsel go to waste!
Final Thoughts
I can barely think of a more comforting meal than Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup). Simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. I hope this recipe brings the same cozy happiness to your table that it does to mine—give it a try, and let every spoonful warm you from the inside out!
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Dak Gomtang (Korean Chicken Soup) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a comforting Korean chicken soup known as Dak Gomtang. This hearty soup features a rich and flavorful broth simmered with whole chicken, aromatics, and seasonings, served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds)
- 12 cups water
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 stalks green onion (plus more for garnish)
- 1 small onion, halved
- 1 tablespoon Korean soup soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Optional glass noodles (soaked and cooked)
Instructions
- Rinse the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken and remove any remaining giblets.
- Simmer: Place the chicken in a large stockpot with water, garlic, ginger, green onions, and halved onion. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour, skimming foam.
- Shred and Season: Remove chicken, strain broth, shred meat, discard skin and bones. Return meat to pot, season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Final Simmer: Simmer for another 10 minutes. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions.
Notes
- For a richer broth, simmer the chicken longer.
- Refrigerate the broth overnight to remove excess fat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with rice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
