Samgyetang Meal prep

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Samgyetang, boiled with traditional Korean herbs, is one of the top 5 dishes loved by foreigners. This comforting soup is especially popular in the summer as a restorative dish, believed to provide energy and nourish the body during the hot months.

The traditional recipe includes ginseng, known for its health benefits, but unfortunately, ginseng is very pricy abroad, so it has been omitted from this recipe. Instead, the use of leeks adds a unique flavor profile while still providing nourishment. In the U.S., it's hard to find the large version of green onions that often appear in Korean food ingredients, so I use leeks instead. The firm outer part of the leek is used for extracting flavor in the broth, while the soft inner part is suitable for garnishing when served.

To make this nutritious dish even more accessible, I've developed a frozen meal prep method for samgyetang. By preparing and freezing portions ahead of time, you can easily enjoy this wholesome meal whenever you want. Just add water cook, and serve, allowing you to supplement your nutrition with minimal effort. This approach ensures that you can savor the rich flavors and health benefits of samgyetang any day of the week, making it a convenient and delightful addition to your diet.

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🐓 Ingredients

• Hen (female chicken): 4 small ones

• Herbal broth mix: 1 packet (available at Korean grocery stores)

or here https://a.co/d/19jahw1  

• Whole garlic cloves: 3–4 per chicken

• Leeks: 1 bunch

• Glutinous rice

• Salt and pepper

A hen is a smaller, tender female chicken, perfect for Samgyetang. It’s not as big as a typical fryer chicken but still meaty enough for a rich, flavorful soup. You can find them frozen at Costco or in the poultry section of most American grocery stores.

• Herbal broth mix https://a.co/d/19jahw1

• Glutinous rice https://www.sayweee.com/en/product/Korean-Samgaetang-3-53oz-100g-/2046662?trace_id=070cca26-163e-4482-88df-5142ecd429a5

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👩🏻‍🍳 Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Wash the glutinous rice thoroughly and soak it in water for one hour.

2. Clean the chicken: Remove excess fat around the neck and tail areas, as well as the tail itself to prevent a gamey taste. Trim about 1 cm off the tips of the wings and clean the cavity thoroughly.

3. Divide the herbal mix: Open the broth mix packet and separate it into four portions. Place each portion into individual tea bags for easy removal later.

4. Prep the leeks: Use the tougher outer layers for broth and finely chop the tender inner parts for garnish.

5. Assemble the meal prep: In a container, layer the chicken, herbal mix, soaked rice, dates, garlic cloves, and leeks. Prepare all portions this way for freezing.

6. Cooking from frozen: When ready to cook, place the frozen ingredients into a pot, add water, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and top with chopped leeks before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Samgyetang with minimal effort whenever you require a comforting meal!