GOT7 Jackson Wang's Samgyetang (삼계탕)
Why this food?
Samgyetang is Korea's answer to chicken soup—a whole young chicken stuffed with ginseng, jujubes, and glutinous rice, simmered in aromatic broth. K-pop and K-drama fans know this dish as the ultimate comfort meal idols eat when recovering from illness or fatigue. It's not just food; it's a healing ritual that brings warmth and care to anyone who needs it.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Samgyetang is eaten on 'Bok Nal'—the three hottest days of summer (초복, 중복, 말복)—based on traditional Korean medicine belief that eating warming foods during extreme heat prevents illness. In Korea, samgyetang restaurants are packed during these specific days. The dish symbolizes familial care: Korean families feed it to sick members and tired students during exam season as an act of love and wellness.
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Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Korean Ginseng (fresh or dried) 인삼 | Ginseng Root Slices - Dried Nature's Way or Gaia Herbs Dried ginseng is easier to find at Walmart than fresh. Soak briefly in warm water before use if very brittle. One package lasts multiple recipes. Shop at Walmart |
Jujubes (Korean Red Dates) 대추 | Dried Red Jujubes Dynasty or Golden Dragon Look in the Asian grocery section. If unavailable, substitute with dried apricots or red dates from the bulk section. Jujubes add natural sweetness and red color to broth. Shop at Walmart |
Whole Young Chicken (Broiler) 닭 | Whole Chicken (3-4 lb Broiler) Walmart Great Value or Tyson Ask butcher for a younger chicken if possible—more tender. Fresh is better than frozen for best texture, but frozen works. Pat dry before stuffing. Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 1 ounce (about 15-20 slices) Ginseng Root Slices - Dried
- 8 ounces (about 20-25 pieces) Dried Red Jujubes
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds) Whole Chicken (3-4 lb Broiler)
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Fill a whole chicken (3-4 lbs) cavity with 1 tablespoon ginseng slices, 3-4 jujubes (halved), and 3 tablespoons sweet rice. Secure the opening with toothpicks.
- 2
Step 2: Bring 8 cups chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon ginseng slices.
- 3
Step 3: Gently place the stuffed chicken into boiling broth breast-side up. Return to boil, then reduce heat to low.
- 4
Step 4: Simmer covered for 60-75 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender, skimming foam as needed. The broth should be rich and golden.
- 5
Step 5: Serve hot in a bowl with the whole chicken, ladle broth over it, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Eat the soft rice and ginseng from inside the chicken.
