Hearty Oatmeal Kimchi Porridge
Making a Simple, Korean-Style Oatmeal Porridge for Nutrition
This recipe shows you how to make a simple and delicious Korean-style porridge using instant oatmeal. Perfect for a warm and nutritious breakfast, especially when the weather turns cold. My kids absolutely loved this, and it’s a great way to make a large bag of oatmeal more enjoyable for everyone. Say goodbye to bland oatmeal and hello to a comforting bowl of flavor!
Main Ingredients- Instant Oatmeal: 2 cups
- Water: 1 liter (approx. 4 cups)
- Minced Pork or Beef: 3 tablespoons
- Scallions or Green Onions: 3-4 stalks
- Minced Bell Pepper or Carrot: 3 tablespoons (optional, use up leftover veggies)
- Minced Garlic: 3-4 cloves
- Perilla Oil (Deulgireum): 1 tablespoon
- Kimchi Brine: 1/2 cup (from aged kimchi for best flavor)
- Ground Perilla Seeds (Deulkkae-garu): 1 tablespoon
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (a pinch)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the scallions or green onions. If you have any leftover vegetables like bell peppers or carrots in your fridge, mince them finely as well. Adding finely chopped vegetables makes the porridge more palatable for children and enhances its texture and flavor.
Step 2
In a deep pot, add the minced pork or beef.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic, chopped scallions, and the minced vegetables (bell pepper/carrot) to the pot. Turn the heat to medium-low. This allows the ingredients to meld together nicely.
Step 4
Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of perilla oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the meat over medium-low heat until it’s fully cooked, breaking it up with your spoon to prevent clumping. This step builds a flavorful base.
Step 5
Once the meat is cooked, pour in 1/2 cup of kimchi brine. Using brine from fermented kimchi will give the porridge a richer, more complex taste.
Step 6
Stir the kimchi brine and meat together and let it cook for a moment. Once the brine has reduced slightly, increase the heat to high.
Step 7
Pour in 1 liter of water, then add 2 cups of instant oatmeal. Instant oatmeal is convenient as it doesn’t require pre-soaking.
Step 8
Stir continuously while bringing the mixture to a boil, ensuring the oatmeal doesn’t clump at the bottom of the pot. The porridge will thicken as the oatmeal cooks. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 9
When the porridge reaches your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of ground perilla seeds (deulkkae-garu) for a nutty aroma and added richness.
Step 10
Gently stir the ground perilla seeds into the porridge until well combined. Your delicious Oatmeal Kimchi Porridge is now ready! It’s best served warm immediately.
Step 11
For an extra touch of flavor, you can optionally garnish with shredded seaweed (gim-garu). Enjoy!
