Elegant ‘Dak Han Mari’ (Whole Chicken Soup) – A Nourishing Homemade Feast
The Ultimate ‘Dak Han Mari’ Dipping Sauce Recipe for a Revitalizing Summer Meal
Dak Han Mari, a comforting whole chicken soup, is a beloved Korean dish that ranks among the top 10 most favored by foreigners! While I often make chicken soup at home, I decided to try this unique variation. It’s a perfect dish to make when you want a wholesome and flavorful meal.
Main Ingredients- 1.2kg chicken, cut for stir-fry
- 1 large green onion
- 1/4 head of cabbage
- 1/2 onion
Optional Additions- Potatoes
- Cheongyang chili peppers (Korean spicy peppers)
- Kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles)
- Sujebi (hand-pulled dough flakes)
For Removing Gamey Odor- 1 onion
- 1 large green onion
- 1 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 cup cooking wine (mirin or soju)
For Broth Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for soup)
- Pinch of black pepper
Dipping Sauce (Dadaegi)- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesil)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp prepared mustard (yeongeon)
Measurements- Standard Korean soup spoon measurement
- Potatoes
- Cheongyang chili peppers (Korean spicy peppers)
- Kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles)
- Sujebi (hand-pulled dough flakes)
For Removing Gamey Odor- 1 onion
- 1 large green onion
- 1 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 1/2 cup cooking wine (mirin or soju)
For Broth Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for soup)
- Pinch of black pepper
Dipping Sauce (Dadaegi)- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesil)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp prepared mustard (yeongeon)
Measurements- Standard Korean soup spoon measurement
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for soup)
- Pinch of black pepper
Dipping Sauce (Dadaegi)- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesil)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp prepared mustard (yeongeon)
Measurements- Standard Korean soup spoon measurement
- Standard Korean soup spoon measurement
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
While a whole chicken can be used, we’re using chicken pieces cut for stir-fry for easier eating. This recipe starts with neatly prepared chicken.
Step 2
To initially remove any gamey odor, bring water to a boil with 1/2 cup of cooking wine (or soju). Add the chicken and simmer for about 5 minutes. Drain the chicken and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to wash away impurities and further eliminate odors.
Step 3
Now, let’s properly simmer the chicken. In a pot, combine the ingredients for removing gamey odor: 1 onion, 1 large green onion, 1 Tbsp whole black peppercorns, and 1/2 cup cooking wine. Add enough water to fully submerge the chicken. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook slowly to extract the rich chicken broth.
Step 4
For easier removal later, it’s convenient to place smaller ingredients like whole peppercorns and garlic cloves into a tea bag or a fine mesh bag before adding them to the broth. This ensures a clean, clear soup.
Step 5
While the chicken is simmering, prepare the vegetables to serve alongside. Thinly slice 1/4 head of cabbage and 1/2 onion. Using a mandoline slicer will give you uniformly thin shreds, enhancing the texture.
Step 6
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the dipping sauce, or ‘Dadaegi’! In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce: 1 cup water, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 Tbsp plum extract, 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp prepared mustard. Mix well. The measurements are based on a standard Korean soup spoon. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your personal taste!
Step 7
Once the broth starts boiling, continue to simmer for about 10 more minutes until the chicken is tender. When the green onion becomes soft and wilted, the chicken is perfectly cooked and the broth is deeply flavorful.
Step 8
Remove and discard the aromatics used for de-odorizing the chicken: the onion, green onion, whole peppercorns, and garlic. This leaves you with a clean, flavorful broth.
Step 9
If the broth level has decreased significantly, add about 300ml of water. This replenishes the liquid lost through evaporation and ensures you have ample broth for the soup.
Step 10
Finally, add a roughly chopped large green onion to the pot. Season the broth with 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for soup), and a pinch of black pepper for a savory and aromatic clear soup.
Step 11
The finished ‘Dak Han Mari’ is best enjoyed served directly from a portable burner or induction cooker at the table. This allows you to keep it piping hot, ensuring the broth remains rich and deeply satisfying throughout your meal. It’s a wonderful way to share a warm and comforting meal with family and friends.
Step 12
Pour the prepared dipping sauce into individual bowls, one for each person. This makes it easy for everyone to customize their dipping experience.
Step 13
Generously top the dipping sauce with the shredded cabbage and onion, allowing them to soak up the flavorful sauce. The fresh crunch of the vegetables combined with the savory sauce is delightful.
Step 14
Dip the tender chicken pieces into the sauce or enjoy them with the sauce-coated vegetables for an incredibly delicious combination. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy when you crave something comforting and flavorful!
Step 15
After enjoying the chicken, it’s time to make the most of the delicious broth by adding Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles)! The chewy noodles absorbing the rich soup create another layer of enjoyment.
Step 16
And no Korean meal is complete without finishing with rice! After the Kalguksu, use the remaining broth to make a hearty porridge. Add leftover cooked rice to the broth, bring to a boil, then stir in a beaten egg, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and some seaweed flakes. Enjoy this final, comforting dish for a complete and satisfying meal!
