Samgyetang
Samgyetang is a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, typically made by simmering a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujubes, garlic, and ginkgo nuts. This nourishing dish is particularly popular during the hot summer months in Korea as a way to combat heat fatigue and restore energy.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This soup is a high-protein, low-carb dish, with the chicken providing lean protein and the small amount of glutinous rice adding minimal carbohydrates. A standard serving typically contains around 400-500 calories, offering key nutrients like protein, B vitamins, and minerals from the ginseng and other herbal ingredients.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
| Phosphorus | 400 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 12 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.8 mg |
| Selenium | 30 mcg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Zinc | 3 mg |
| Magnesium | 50 mg |
Per 1 bowl (approx. 500 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Samgyetang is deeply rooted in the Korean philosophy of 'iyeol chiyeol' (fighting heat with heat), where consuming hot soup in summer is believed to restore balance. Nutritionally, the combination of lean chicken and medicinal herbs like ginseng makes it a prized restorative food, often eaten during the hottest days of summer, particularly during the 'sambok' period.
🍽️ Related dishes
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms