Nutrient-Rich! Simple and Deep Flavored Baeksook Recipe
How to Easily Make Healthy Baeksook (Perfect for Kids Too!) Including Chicken Preparation and Tips for a Nourishing Meal
As the weather gets warmer, a nourishing meal to revitalize your body becomes essential. Today, I’ll show you how to easily make delicious Baeksook at home, a 대표 (daepyo – representative) of restorative dishes! From preparing the chicken to gathering ingredients and the cooking process, I’ll provide detailed instructions so anyone can follow. Take care of your health this summer with Baeksook!
Basic Ingredients- 1 young chicken (prepared)
- 1 medium onion
- 3 white parts of green onions
- 1/2 small carrot
- 5-7 dates (jujubes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To achieve a clean and pure flavor, removing the chicken’s skin and excess fat is crucial. Start by using scissors or a knife to trim away the fatty deposit near the tail of the young chicken. Also, thoroughly clean out any fat from inside the cavity. This step will result in a clearer and less greasy broth. While completely removing the skin is optional, trimming off large fatty sections can prevent the broth from becoming too rich.
Step 2
Continue to carefully trim away any visible fatty bits attached to the skin and meat. Although removing the skin is a personal preference, meticulously removing the fat from the tail area is highly recommended to eliminate any gamey odors and ensure a clean-tasting broth. This preparation is key to elevating the foundational flavor of your Baeksook.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables that will enhance the Baeksook’s flavor. Take one medium onion, peel it, and cut it into 8 wedges, leaving them large. For the green onions, wash the white root parts thoroughly and prepare about 3 stalks; the roots release a wonderful aroma into the broth. Use about half a small carrot, also cut into large pieces. These vegetables will help remove any unwanted chicken odors and impart a subtle sweetness and fragrance to the broth.
Step 4
Place the prepared young chicken and the chopped vegetables (onion, green onion roots, and carrot) into a large pot. Pour in enough cold water to completely submerge the chicken. No additional seasoning is needed at this stage; we’re letting the natural flavors of the ingredients shine. As the chicken begins to cook and fat rises to the surface, skim it off periodically with a ladle for a clearer broth.
Step 5
It’s time to add the dates (jujubes). Rinse them under running water and add them to the pot. As the dates cook, they release a natural sweetness that will enrich the broth’s flavor profile. If the chicken isn’t fully submerged, gently turn it over during cooking to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides.
Step 6
Turn the chicken over in the pot. Again, if any fat rises to the surface, diligently skim it off with your ladle. Repeating this skimming process will yield a beautifully clear and clean broth, making your Baeksook even more delightful to enjoy. A pristine broth is one of the hallmarks of excellent Baeksook.
Step 7
Once the chicken is mostly cooked and tender, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for another 20-30 minutes. This slow simmering allows the chicken to become incredibly tender all the way through and allows the flavors of the broth to deepen beautifully. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your chicken.
Step 8
Your delicious Baeksook, with its beautifully milky broth, is now complete! Even without added seasoning, the natural umami from the chicken, vegetables, and dates creates a wonderfully satisfying taste. The cooking process itself is quite straightforward, with no truly difficult steps. Enjoy this warm, freshly made Baeksook to replenish your energy!
