Shiitake Mushroom Chicken Samgyetang
How to Make Shiitake Mushroom Samgyetang in a Pot: Altoran Recipe and Cooking Time
As the hottest days of summer approach, combat the heat with this nourishing chicken samgyetang, generously infused with shiitake mushrooms, following the Altoran Kim Ha Jin recipe. This recipe focuses on cooking it in a pot for a rich and satisfying flavor.
Main Ingredients- 1 Whole Chicken for Samgyetang (approx. 800g)
- 5-7 Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
- 190g Glutinous Rice
- 1 Leek
- 10 Cloves Garlic
- 5 Jujubes (Red Dates)
- 1 Herbal Medicine Pack
- 3 Scallion Roots
- 1.5L Water
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the broth that will add deep flavor to the samgyetang. Place 5 dried shiitake mushrooms in a large bowl, add 1.5L of water, and soak them for 24 hours at room temperature until fully rehydrated. The rehydrated shiitake mushrooms will be set aside to use in the samgyetang itself.
Step 2
Shiitake mushrooms provide a profound umami flavor, allowing the taste to penetrate deeply into the chicken. Unlike the distinct aroma of mushrooms like Neungi, this offers a universally appealing, delicious taste that everyone can enjoy.
Step 3
After soaking for 24 hours, firmly squeeze the water out of the shiitake mushrooms. Remove the tough stems. Cut smaller mushrooms into 4 pieces and larger ones into 6 pieces. You can also julienne them if you prefer. Don’t discard the stems; they will be used later when boiling the samgyetang.
Step 4
Use one herbal medicine pack. You can use any combination of herbal ingredients you have at home. If you don’t have any, a single bottle of ‘Ssanghwa-tang’ (a traditional Korean herbal tonic) can also be used.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the broth pack. In a fine-mesh bag or cheesecloth, combine one herbal medicine pack, one thoroughly washed leek, half an onion, the reserved shiitake mushroom stems, and about 3 scallion roots. (Note: The Altoran recipe did not use scallion roots or shiitake stems, but adding them can help remove gamey odors and add a refreshing sweetness.) The leek helps eliminate any fishy smell and adds a subtle sweetness and clear flavor.
Step 6
One of the secrets to a savory and deeply flavored shiitake mushroom chicken samgyetang! It’s adding glutinous rice. Glutinous rice not only adds a nutty flavor but also plays a crucial role in absorbing any gamey odor from the chicken. Place 190g of rinsed glutinous rice into another fine-mesh bag or cheesecloth and tie it securely. Do not soak the glutinous rice; add it directly.
Step 7
We have prepared a chicken that has been cleanly processed. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under running water to remove any internal organs and blood. Place the cleaned chicken in the pot with its back facing down and its belly facing up. This arrangement helps the chicken become more tender.
Step 8
After placing the chicken in the pot, artfully arrange the sliced shiitake mushrooms on top of the chicken. As the shiitake mushrooms cook alongside the chicken, their flavors will meld beautifully.
Step 9
Add 10 cloves of garlic and 5 jujubes generously on top. Place the two prepared broth packs (herbal ingredients and glutinous rice) over the chicken and mushrooms. Cooking the shiitake mushrooms on top like this prevents them from becoming mushy even after extended boiling.
Step 10
Instead of plain water, pour in the 1.5L of shiitake mushroom soaking water. Using this infused water instead of plain water heightens the expectation of a more delicious outcome. Finally, add about half a tablespoon of salt. While samgyetang is often seasoned at the end, adding salt during the cooking process effectively eliminates any gamey or unpleasant odors and enhances the savory flavor. Salt is key to making the chicken meat chewy and delicious, capturing both taste and texture – the hero of samgyetang!
Step 11
Now, let’s discuss the cooking time, which significantly impacts the texture of the samgyetang. While an electric pressure cooker can finish it in 10-25 minutes, when cooking in a pot, follow these timings: Cover with a lid, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat for 15 minutes, and low heat for 10 minutes. Finally, turn off the heat and let it steam for 10 minutes. This ensures a perfectly cooked, tender chicken.
Step 12
And there you have it! The Altoran Shiitake Mushroom Chicken Samgyetang recipe is complete. This visually appealing and incredibly delicious samgyetang is perfect for nourishing your family.
Step 13
With the summer heat arriving soon, prepare this special shiitake mushroom samgyetang in advance to help your family stay healthy and enjoy a refreshing summer. Make this hearty dish with love for your dear ones!
