Asians > Korean > Rice

Bap-Kuk (Rice Porridge) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 8 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: sliced beef, chicken, or seafood

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, combine the rice and water and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the salt, sesame oil, soy sauce, and optional meat or seafood, and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the meat is cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.


Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
5. Temperature:
Simmer on low heat.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 400mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Long-grain rice can be used instead of short-grain rice.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of water.
- Tamari can be used instead of soy sauce.
- Chopped cilantro can be used instead of scallions.
- Toasted pine nuts can be used instead of sesame seeds.

Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Add a beaten egg to the porridge during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a creamier texture.
- Use different types of meat or seafood, such as shrimp or pork.

Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent the porridge from becoming too thick.
- Stir the porridge occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or soy sauce as needed.

Storage instructions:
Leftover porridge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the porridge in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the porridge in individual bowls, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.

Garnishes:
Chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Pairings:
Bap-kuk can be served as a main dish or as a side dish with other Korean dishes such as kimchi, bulgogi, or japchae.

Suggested side dishes:
Kimchi, pickled vegetables, steamed vegetables, or Korean-style fried chicken.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the porridge is too thick, add more water or broth to thin it out.
- If the porridge is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the meat or seafood thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
Bap-kuk is a traditional Korean dish that is often eaten for breakfast or as a light meal. It is also commonly served to sick or elderly people as a nourishing and easy-to-digest meal.

Flavor profiles:
Bap-kuk has a mild, comforting flavor with hints of sesame and soy sauce.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the porridge hot, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Korean

Taste: Mild, Savory, Comforting, Nutty