How to Make Jook (Savory Rice Porridge) with Bacon and Spring Onion
Jook, a comforting rice porridge traditionally enjoyed in various Asian cultures, is the perfect dish for cozy nights or when you’re craving a simple, hearty meal. This flavorful rice porridge recipe combines the rich depth of chicken stock, the warmth of ginger, and the savory addition of bacon, offering a creamy, porridge-like consistency that is both satisfying and nourishing. The dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for variations such as adding vegetables like Shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and peas for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process for creating this savory jook, with a special note on how to customize the dish for a vegetarian version if desired. Whether you choose to enjoy it as is or add your personal touch, you’ll find this recipe both easy and rewarding to make.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Short-grain rice | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups (plus more as needed) |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece (peeled and minced) |
| Thick slab bacon | 1 (optional) |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Spring onion (green onion) | 1/2 cup (chopped) |
| Roasted peanuts | 1/2 cup (chopped) |
Variations:
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon in step 4. You can replace it with 4–5 dried Shiitake mushrooms soaked in hot water until softened. After removing the stems and chopping them, add the mushrooms to the mix along with the ginger, and finely diced carrots. Add a pinch of salt and simmer. When the jook is nearly done, stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas and cook for about 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 149.5 kcal |
| Fat | 1.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 2.4 mg |
| Sodium | 115.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29.5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 4.3 g |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
Instructions:
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Wash the Rice: Begin by thoroughly washing 1 cup of short-grain rice under cold running water to remove excess starch. This will help achieve the creamy consistency that makes jook so comforting.
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Cook the Rice: Transfer the washed rice to a large stock pot. Add 4 cups of water (or chicken stock if you prefer a richer flavor). Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.
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Simmer the Rice: Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and allow the rice to simmer. Partially cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook for about 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick, add additional water (about 2 cups more) to achieve the desired consistency. Keep an eye on it and adjust the water level as needed.
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Add Flavorings: After 1 ½ hours, stir in the freshly minced ginger and add the slab of thick bacon (if using). Continue to simmer the mixture for another hour, ensuring that the rice becomes soft and fully cooked.
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Adjust Consistency: If the jook becomes very thick during cooking, feel free to add a little more water to loosen it up. The final consistency should be thick yet soupy and creamy, almost like a porridge.
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Final Touches: When the jook is done, it should have a creamy, porridge-like consistency. If you used bacon, remove the slab of bacon from the pot and chop it into small bits. Stir in the bacon pieces and season the jook with a bit of salt or soy sauce to taste.
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Garnish and Serve: Serve the jook hot, garnished with chopped spring onions, roasted peanuts, and a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re making the vegetarian version, add in your vegetables and peas as directed in the variation section.
Tips & Tricks:
- Rice Options: Short-grain rice is preferred for its stickier texture, but medium-grain rice can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
- Vegetarian Add-ins: For a delicious vegetarian alternative, try adding other vegetables such as diced carrots, peas, and mushrooms. The mushrooms impart a savory umami flavor that complements the creamy porridge.
- Leftovers: Jook makes excellent leftovers, and the flavors deepen as it sits. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat gently over low heat, adding a little more water if needed.
- Customizing the Broth: If you prefer a more intense flavor, substitute the water with a chicken or vegetable broth, or even add a dash of miso for additional depth.
Why You’ll Love This Jook Recipe:
This savory rice porridge is not only a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, but it’s also an incredibly versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit any taste or dietary preference. Whether you prefer the classic version with bacon or the lighter, vegetable-filled variation, the flavors meld together beautifully to create a wholesome, nourishing meal. The addition of spring onions, peanuts, and sesame oil provides just the right touch of texture and flavor, while the creamy consistency is both filling and satisfying.
Jook is a wonderful option for a light dinner, a weekend breakfast, or a meal to share with family and friends. Plus, the step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, even for beginners in the kitchen. So whether you’re looking for a quick meal on a chilly evening or an alternative to traditional soups and stews, jook will undoubtedly hit the spot.
Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and don’t forget to share your variations in the comments below!
