This Chicken Soup Uses Zero Water
This Chicken Soup Uses ZERO Water 😳 is a easy Korean recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Eatbook on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 60 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $10.55 total, $2.64 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Whole Chicken (about 1.5 kg, cleaned and patted dry)
- 1 large White Onion (sliced thin)
- 1 medium Apple (cored and sliced)
- 5 leaves Nappa Cabbage Leaves (washed and roughly chopped)
- 1 slice Fresh Ginger (about 2 cm, peeled)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 liters Water (enough to fully cover the chicken)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Slice the white onion, core and slice the apple, and wash then slice the nappa cabbage leaves. Peel a thin slice of ginger.
Time: PT5M
Layer Vegetables in Pot
Place the sliced onion, apple, and cabbage leaves in the bottom of the large stockpot, spreading them evenly.
Time: PT5M
Add Whole Chicken
Place the whole chicken on top of the layered vegetables, ensuring it sits evenly.
Time: PT2M
Add Ginger and Water
Add the ginger slice on top of the chicken and pour in enough water to fully cover the chicken (about 2 L).
Time: PT2M
Simmer Soup
Cover the pot tightly and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it cook for 60 minutes.
Time: PT60M
Temperature: Low heat
Season
After 60 minutes, remove the lid, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the broth into bowls, ensuring each serving gets pieces of tender chicken and vegetables.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo-Friendly
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Whole Chicken: Chicken thighs, Chicken legs
- Instead of White Onion: Yellow onion
- Instead of Apple: Pear
- Instead of Nappa Cabbage Leaves: Savoy cabbage leaves
- Instead of Fresh Ginger: Ground ginger (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Soy sauce (reduce water)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Water: Low‑sodium chicken broth (use less salt)
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Ladle (optional)
- Measuring Spoon Set (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensure low heat simmer to keep chicken tender
- Cover pot tightly to retain steam and flavor
- Season at the end to avoid over‑salting
Chef Tips from the Video
- Start with cold water to extract maximum flavor from the apple and onion
- Skim any foam that rises during the first 10 minutes for a clearer broth
- Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or scallions just before serving for brightness
Troubleshooting
Chicken is not tender
Continue simmering for another 15‑20 minutes until the meat easily pulls away from the bone.
Soup tastes bland
Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of soy sauce; add a pinch of sugar to enhance the natural sweetness from the apple.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soup can be made a day ahead; refrigerate and reheat gently
- Shred the chicken after cooking and add back just before serving for quicker reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of whole chicken soup with apple and nappa cabbage in Korean cuisine?
In Korean home cooking, chicken soup (samgyetang) is prized for its restorative qualities, especially during the hot summer days and winter months. Adding sweet apple and nappa cabbage is a regional twist that balances the savory broth with natural sweetness, reflecting Korea’s tradition of harmonizing flavors for health and comfort.
What traditional regional variations of chicken soup with apple exist in Korean cuisine?
While the classic Korean samgyetang uses ginseng and jujube, some southern provinces incorporate fruit like apple or pear and leafy greens such as nappa cabbage to create a lighter, sweeter broth. In Jeolla‑do, a similar soup may include chestnuts and pine nuts for added texture.
How is this chicken soup traditionally served in Korean households?
It is typically served hot in a large bowl, with the whole chicken carved at the table. The broth is sipped first, then the meat, apple slices, and cabbage are eaten together. A side of rice and kimchi often accompanies the meal.
During which Korean celebrations or seasons is chicken soup with apple commonly prepared?
This comforting soup is popular during the colder winter months and on special family gatherings such as Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) or birthdays, where nourishing dishes are valued.
What makes this chicken soup special or unique in Korean comfort food?
The combination of sweet apple and mild nappa cabbage adds a natural sweetness and subtle vegetal note that sets it apart from the more robust, ginseng‑heavy samgyetang, making it a gentle yet flavorful comfort dish.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Korean chicken soup, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include a whole chicken, Korean radish, garlic, ginger, and sometimes ginseng or jujube. In this recipe, apple and nappa cabbage replace the radish for sweetness; you can substitute pear for apple or savoy cabbage for nappa if needed.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this whole chicken soup?
Common errors include boiling the broth too hard, which toughens the meat, and adding salt too early, which can over‑season the delicate flavors. Also, not covering the pot tightly can cause excess evaporation and a weaker broth.
Why does this recipe simmer the chicken on low heat for 60 minutes instead of boiling?
Low‑heat simmering gently extracts flavors from the apple, onion, and cabbage while keeping the chicken moist. Boiling creates turbulence that can break down the meat fibers, resulting in a tougher texture and cloudy broth.
Can I make this chicken soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup improves after a few hours as the flavors meld. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Eatbook specialize in?
The YouTube channel Eatbook focuses on simple, home‑cooked meals from various world cuisines, emphasizing clear step‑by‑step tutorials, budget‑friendly ingredients, and comforting flavors that anyone can recreate.
How does the YouTube channel Eatbook's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?
Eatbook presents Korean dishes with a minimalist ingredient list and straightforward techniques, targeting busy home cooks, whereas many Korean channels emphasize traditional rituals, extensive side dishes, and specialty ingredients.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
