Korean Ginseng Tea (Insam Cha)

By
Naomi Imatome-Yun
Naomi Imatome-Yun
Asian food expert Naomi Imatome-Yun is a freelance writer and the author of four Asian food cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/8/23
Tested by
Carrie Parente
Carrie Parente
Tested by Carrie Parente
Carrie is a freelance food stylist and culinary producer who loves having a table full of guests.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Korean Ginseng Tea (Insam Cha)

The Spruce / Preethi Venkatram
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Steep Time: 5 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 5 servings
Yield: 5 cups
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
91 Calories
1g Fat
21g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 5
Amount per serving
Calories 91
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 22mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 5mg 25%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 410mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

If you're interested in learning more about Korean cuisine, you should get acquainted with teas popular in Korea, including ginseng, which you can learn to make with this recipe.

This ginseng tea recipe is zesty, aromatic, and warms you from the inside. If it's cold out, you're not feeling well, or you simply enjoy the sensation of warm liquid in your belly, give ginseng tea a try. Swap out your cup of joe for a cup of the tea and reap the benefits.

"This tea was easy to make, and I had fun using fresh ingredients instead of plopping a tea bag into hot water. Next time I think I'll add more ginseng to get a darker color. A fun idea for any leftovers is making ice cubes and plopping them into iced tea for an added boost." —Carrie Parente

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A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 10 slices dried ginseng root, peeled

  • Honey, to taste

  • 5 cups water

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Korean Ginseng Tea (Insam Cha) ingredients

    The Spruce / Preethi Venkatram

  2. Coat the ginseng with a generous amount of honey, stir, and let sit for 15 minutes in a glass measuring cup or other large vessel.

    Coat the ginseng with a generous amount of honey

    The Spruce / Preethi Venkatram

  3. In a small pot, heat water over high heat until very hot, but not boiling. Pour very hot (but not boiling) water over the ginseng and honey and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

    water added to the honey and ginseng mixture in the bowl

    The Spruce / Preethi Venkatram

  4. Scoop or strain out the ginseng slices.

    remove the ginger from the honey mixture

    The Spruce / Preethi Venkatram

Tip

  • If the taste of ginseng is too overpowering for you, it's common to mix ginseng tea with green tea or ginger tea. Use whatever proportions you like.

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