Chicken Noodle Soup (Dak Kalguksu)

Posted on May 8, 2024

Dak Kalguksu, Where Tradition Meets Modern Comfort

Dak Kalguksu, also known as Chicken Noodle Soup, is a traditional Korean comfort food. It boasts a robust broth made from garlic, ginger, and Korean chilli flakes combined with chewy noodles and tender chicken. This homemade delight is delicious and offers immune-boosting properties from its ingredients. It symbolises love in Korean culture and is a go-to remedy for colds and flu. Variations include adding mushrooms, potatoes, or dumplings, experimenting with different noodles, or spicing the broth with extra gochugaru. Whether you’re seeking comfort or a boost, Dak Kalguksu is the perfect choice.

How to make Chicken Noodle Soup (Dak Kalguksu)?

Preparing Dak Kalguksu involves steaming tender chicken with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices and adding handmade noodles. The result is a wholesome and comforting meal that captures the essence of Korean culinary tradition.

Recipe

Experience the comforting warmth of Dak Kalguksu, a traditional Korean chicken noodle soup that delights the senses with its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients.

Ingredients

2 lbs. chicken bones and meat (you can use a combination of chicken wings, necks, and breasts).

4 cups of water

Two cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, sliced

One tablespoon Korean chilli flakes (gochugaru)

One teaspoon of ground black pepper.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Eight oz. kalguksu noodles (or other thick, chewy noodles)

2 cups diced vegetables (such as zucchini, carrots, and potatoes)

2 cups diced cooked chicken

Two green onions, chopped (optional)

1/4 cup toasted sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare Flavorful Chicken Broth: Combine the chicken bones and meat in a large pot with water, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30–40 minutes or until the broth is rich and flavorful.

Strain and Transfer Broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, discarding the solids.

Cook Kalguksu Noodles: Add the kalguksu noodles to the pot. “Please follow the cooking instructions provided on the package until the dish is fully cooked.

Add Vegetables and Chicken: Add the diced vegetables and chicken to the pot and cook for another 2–3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. If the chicken is not cooked, ensure it is fully cooked before adding the vegetables.

Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Please taste the dish and add more seasoning as necessary.

Garnish and Serve: Please ladle the soup into bowls and add garnish on top. Chop green onions. If you want, you can add a few drops. Add toasted sesame oil to your dish for a slight drizzle.

Store Leftovers: Serve immediately and enjoy! To ensure that your leftovers stay fresh, it’s recommended that you store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To serve the dish, gently reheat it on the stovetop or microwave.

Note:

You can also add other ingredients to it. Customize the soup to your taste.

Add diced mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrients.

Add a few toasted sesame seeds on top to add extra crunchiness.

A bit of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for added heat and flavor.

Adding a small amount of freshly packed lime or lemon juice can enhance the flavor of many dishes.