KOREAN HOME COOKING
Imjasutang (임자수탕): Korean Chilled Sesame Chicken Soup
임자수탕 · Imjasutang
Shredded chicken rests in a cool, velvety sesame-and-pine-nut broth—a refined traditional dish for Korea’s hottest days.
임자수탕 · ImjasutangWHY THIS DISH MATTERS
A little cultural context
Imjasutang is a traditional chilled soup once associated with refined summer dining. “Imja” is an old term for sesame, the ingredient that gives the broth its body.
INGREDIENTS
What you'll need
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COOKING WEBTOON
Cook it panel by panel
A quick visual memory guide for the whole recipe.
1Poach the chicken
Gently simmer the chicken with scallion and garlic until cooked through. Shred the meat; chill and skim the broth.
- 2
Blend the sesame broth
Blend sesame seeds, pine nuts, and 3 cups cold chicken broth until very smooth. Strain for a refined texture.
- 3
Make the garnishes
Julienne the cucumber. Cook the egg white and yolk separately into thin sheets and slice into ribbons.
- 4
Chill and assemble
Season the sesame broth with salt. Place chicken and garnishes in chilled bowls and pour the broth around them.
AI-assisted illustration. Follow the written recipe below for exact measurements, doneness, and food-safety details.
DIRECTIONS
How to make it
- 01
Poach the chicken
Gently simmer the chicken with scallion and garlic until cooked through. Shred the meat; chill and skim the broth.
- 02
Blend the sesame broth
Blend sesame seeds, pine nuts, and 3 cups cold chicken broth until very smooth. Strain for a refined texture.
- 03
Make the garnishes
Julienne the cucumber. Cook the egg white and yolk separately into thin sheets and slice into ribbons.
- 04
Chill and assemble
Season the sesame broth with salt. Place chicken and garnishes in chilled bowls and pour the broth around them.
SHOP & SUBSTITUTE
Cook it anywhere
Ingredient swaps
Pine nutsUse blanched almonds or cashews; the flavor will be less traditional but still creamy.
Korean pantry guide
Some home cooks use ground perilla for a more earthy, distinctly Korean nuttiness.
Search: Korean perilla seed powder deulkkae garuServe it with
- White kimchi
- Steamed rice
- Lightly seasoned cucumber
Spice level
Not spicy. Keep the broth delicate and offer chile seasoning separately.
Store & reheat
Keep broth, chicken, and garnish separate for up to 2 days. Serve well chilled and do not freeze the sesame broth.