Deep and Rich Cha Seung-won’s Pyeongyang-style Dakgomtang (Chicken Soup)
Perfect Every Time! Follow This Recipe for Cha Seung-won’s Special Pyeongyang-style Dakgomtang from ‘Three Meals a Day’
I was inspired to make this Dakgomtang after seeing Cha Seung-won prepare it on the show ‘Three Meals a Day.’ The soup looked so deep and refreshing, I just had to try it myself. If you want to enjoy a clear and hearty chicken soup at home that rivals restaurant quality, follow this recipe!
Ingredients- 2 whole chickens (roasting or boiling chicken recommended)
- 1 stalk of green onion (for broth)
- 1/2 onion (for broth)
- 7-8 cloves whole garlic (for broth)
- 2 stalks green onion (for topping, finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (for topping)
- 4 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder, for topping)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare two whole chickens. When washing the chickens, to prevent bacteria from splashing and contaminating other areas, it’s recommended to rinse them in a basin filled with water rather than under running water. This thorough washing ensures a more hygienic cooking process.
Step 2
To achieve a clean and light flavor, carefully remove the chicken skin and any visible fatty deposits. This step is crucial for reducing any gamey smell and making the broth exceptionally clear and pure.
Step 3
Now, place the prepared whole chickens in a large pot or Dutch oven and add enough water to cover them generously. For an aromatic broth, add the green onion stalk, half onion, and 7-8 cloves of whole garlic. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low, and simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the broth is rich and flavorful, ideally for at least 1 hour.
Step 4
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot. Set aside the broth in a separate pot to continue simmering and extracting flavor.
Step 5
The cooked chicken will still be hot, so handle it with care. Wearing gloves or after letting it cool slightly, shred the chicken meat. This shredded chicken will be used as a topping later. Return the chicken bones to the simmering broth to further enrich the soup with even more delicious flavor.
Step 6
Now it’s time to season the shredded chicken. Place the shredded chicken in a bowl. Add the 2 finely chopped green onions first. Even without other vegetables, green onions alone can add wonderful depth to the Dakgomtang.
Step 7
Next, add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Minced garlic will enhance the savory notes of the chicken and help eliminate any remaining odors.
Step 8
Finally, add 4 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili powder). Gently mix the shredded chicken with the minced garlic and green onions, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed. It’s important to thoroughly combine everything so the flavors meld well.
Step 9
Get ready to serve your delicious Dakgomtang. Artfully arrange the seasoned shredded chicken as a topping in a serving bowl. Then, ladle the deeply simmered, rich chicken broth over the topping. Your delectable Dakgomtang is now complete!
Step 10
Enjoy this warm bowl of Dakgomtang with a side of the kimchi you prepared earlier for an even more satisfying meal. Season with salt and pepper to your taste before eating. Enjoy this heartwarming homemade meal!