Oyster Rice (Gulbap): A Flavorful Korean Delight
How to Make Delicious Oyster Rice
Experience the savory taste of the sea with this homemade Oyster Rice (Gulbap) recipe. Fresh oysters lend their delicate flavor to perfectly cooked rice, creating a comforting and nutritious meal. This guide will walk you through preparing the oysters, cooking the rice to perfection, and whipping up a simple yet flavorful sauce to accompany this Korean classic.
Oyster Rice Ingredients
- 2 cups rice (approx. 360g)
- 200g fresh oysters
- 1 piece of radish (approx. 3cm thick)
- 1.5 cups kelp broth (approx. 270ml)
- Small amount of carrot
Seasoning Sauce
- 2 green onions
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions
- 6 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 2 cups of rice for cooking. Rinse the rice gently 2-3 times under running water to remove excess starch. Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 30 minutes; this helps the grains become more plump and tender when cooked. After soaking, drain the rice thoroughly in a sieve.
Step 2
Cut the radish piece into approximately 3cm thick slices, then julienne them into matchstick-sized pieces, similar in size to the rice grains or slightly thinner. Finely dice the carrot or julienne it for color. (You can omit these vegetables if preferred, or add shiitake mushrooms for extra flavor).
Step 3
Although oysters are often sold cleaned, it’s best to give them a light rinse in cold water 2-3 times to ensure they are fresh and clean. Carefully check for any shell fragments or impurities.
Step 4
Place the rinsed oysters in a clean bowl and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
Step 5
Gently swirl the oysters in the salty water with your hands. This process helps to remove any grit and the oyster’s distinctive ocean scent.
Step 6
Rinse the oysters again with clean water until the water runs clear, 2-3 more times. This will result in much cleaner and firmer oysters. Drain the cleaned oysters well in a sieve. Once all ingredients are prepped, you’re ready to start cooking the rice.
Step 7
Now it’s time to cook the rice. You can use an electric rice cooker, but cooking it in a pot (like a traditional ‘sotbap’) can enhance the oyster’s flavor. Start by placing the soaked and drained rice at the bottom of the pot.
Step 8
Arrange the julienned radish and diced carrots evenly over the rice. Pour the prepared kelp broth (1.5 cups) over the ingredients.
Step 9
Typically, the liquid-to-rice ratio is 1:1 for cooking rice. However, since ingredients like oysters, radish, and carrots release moisture, it’s advisable to reduce the amount of broth slightly. For 2 cups of rice, using 1.5 cups of kelp broth (about 70-80% of the rice volume) will prevent the rice from becoming mushy and ensure it cooks up fluffy.
Step 10
Finally, gently place the drained fresh oysters on top of the rice. As they cook, the oysters will release their savory juices, flavoring the entire pot of rice.
Step 11
Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the broth is bubbling vigorously, get ready to adjust the heat.
Step 12
As soon as the broth starts to boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly and let the rice steam for about 20 minutes. (If using an induction cooktop, setting it to level 2 or low heat works well). This slow cooking process allows the oyster flavor to fully infuse into each grain of rice.
Step 13
While the rice is cooking, let’s prepare the seasoning sauce. Finely chop the 2 green onions and place them in a small bowl. Add 6 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp sesame oil, and 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Mix everything together thoroughly. (If serving to children or if you prefer it mild, you can omit the red pepper flakes. You can also add a little minced garlic or chopped chili peppers to your taste).
Step 14
Once the rice is cooked, serve the Oyster Rice. Drizzle the prepared seasoning sauce over the top and mix well before enjoying. The harmony of fresh oysters, fluffy rice, and the flavorful sauce creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!
