Nutritious Garlic & Shiitake Mushroom Rice (Sotbap)
Making Nutritious Sotbap with Garlic & Shiitake Mushrooms
We’ve prepared a wonderfully nutritious Korean pot rice (Sotbap) using plenty of healthy garlic and flavorful shiitake mushrooms! This dish is packed with nutrients and is incredibly good for your body. The fragrant aroma of garlic and the chewy texture of shiitake mushrooms combined with the natural sweetness of rice make this a truly satisfying meal. It’s a simple yet incredibly wholesome and delicious dish perfect for any mealtime.
Main Ingredients- 3 cups short-grain rice
- 200g whole garlic cloves
- 70g dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms
Special Seasoning Sauce- 8 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp minced scallions
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 8 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 3 Tbsp minced scallions
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly rinse the 3 cups of rice and then soak it in cold water for about 20 minutes. Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly, resulting in a softer and more delicious texture.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the special seasoning sauce that will enhance the flavor of the pot rice. In a bowl, combine 8 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, 3 tablespoons of finely minced scallions, and 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Step 3
Next, add 1.5 tablespoons of sesame oil for richness and 1/2 tablespoon of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Whisk everything together until well combined to create your flavorful seasoning sauce. (Optional: You can add a small amount of minced spicy green chili for extra zest.)
Step 4
Prepare the shiitake mushrooms by removing the stems and slicing them thinly. Using fresh shiitake mushrooms will impart a more vibrant aroma. Wash the whole garlic cloves; if they are very large, you can halve them. The garlic will soften and release a sweet flavor as it cooks with the rice, enhancing its taste.
Step 5
Transfer the soaked rice to your pot or rice cooker. Add an equal amount of water (1:1 ratio with the rice). For pot rice, it’s generally best to use slightly less water than you would for regular steamed rice. For 3 cups of rice, use approximately 3 cups of water.
Step 6
Arrange the sliced shiitake mushrooms and whole garlic cloves attractively on top of the rice. Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a boil over high heat. Be careful to prevent the water from boiling over.
Step 7
Once the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes. It’s advisable not to lift the lid too often during this cooking process, as it helps the rice cook evenly and develop a fluffy texture.
Step 8
When the rice is almost cooked, lower the heat to the minimum setting or turn it off completely. Let the rice steam for an additional 5 minutes with the lid on. This steaming process allows the moisture to distribute evenly, resulting in perfectly tender and glossy rice.
Step 9
Now, let’s lift the lid! Your delicious Garlic and Shiitake Mushroom Pot Rice is ready. The dish looks incredibly appetizing, with the garlic and mushrooms beautifully integrated among the rice grains.
Step 10
Serve the pot rice by drizzling the prepared special seasoning sauce over it and mixing well. Even though it’s simple to make, it offers a complete and nutritious meal. Enjoy this satisfying and healthy dish! ^^
