Quick & Easy White Rice Porridge (Juk)
Fastest Way to Make Comforting White Rice Porridge (Perfect for When You’re Unwell)
There are times when a loved one is sick and a warm bowl of white rice porridge is urgently needed. This recipe offers a useful tip for when you haven’t even soaked the rice yet and need to get the porridge ready quickly before they take their medicine. I’ll show you how to make white rice porridge even easier and faster, about twice the normal speed.
White Rice Porridge Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 7 cups water
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Dipping Sauce
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp honey
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Prepare and Wash Rice: Start by preparing and washing 1 cup of white rice. While the rice is washing, begin boiling about 6 times the amount of water (7 cups) in a separate pot. We’ll be using boiling water!
Step 2
2. Sauté the Rice (Stage 1): Drizzle 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over the washed rice and stir-fry over medium-low heat. Ensure the rice grains are coated evenly with the oil.
Step 3
Continue stir-frying. When the water evaporates and the mixture starts to feel dry and thick, push the rice to one side of the pot and add a tiny bit of water to that spot. (This prevents sticking.)
Step 4
Once the small amount of water is absorbed, stir and sauté the rice again. Repeat this process two to three more times. This sautéing process helps the rice grains plump up as they absorb moisture.
Step 5
As you continue to sauté, the rice grains will become more translucent, appearing semi-transparent. This step is the secret to cooking porridge quickly without soaking the rice beforehand!
Step 6
3. Add Boiling Water: Now that the rice grains are plump and semi-transparent, pour in all 7 cups of the hot, boiling water. It’s crucial to use boiling water so the rice doesn’t clump and cooks smoothly.
Step 7
When using uncooked, unsoaked rice, thoroughly stir-frying the rice to dry out the grains first, and then adding hot water, is the key to making the grains break down and cook quickly.
Step 8
4. Simmer the Porridge: Now it’s time to cook the rice into porridge. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and let it simmer gently.
Step 9
Listening to the gentle bubbling sound of the porridge boiling reminds me of my mother or grandmother making porridge when I was sick, saying, ‘It’s okay, you’ll get better.’ The sound feels like a comforting incantation, like ‘Mom’s hands are healing hands.’
Step 10
Take a moment to listen to this nostalgic sound again. While the porridge is simmering, stir occasionally, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. Observe the porridge’s consistency – you’ll see the rice grains gradually losing their shape and becoming softer.
Step 11
When the grains are barely discernible and the porridge has a smooth, thick consistency, your delicious white rice porridge is ready. The key is for the rice to be fully cooked and tender.
Step 12
If you, like my husband, prefer a porridge where the rice grains are very mushy, continue to simmer over low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 13
5. Serve: Ladle the finished white rice porridge into a nice bowl. Prepare it with all the love and care you have for the person who is unwell.
Step 14
Finally, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the top for garnish. I tried to make a heart shape with the sesame seeds, but it’s not as easy as it looks! Nevertheless, I made a slightly crooked heart shape with all my heart. (Optional)
Step 15
Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1/2 tablespoon of honey. Mix well. This sweet, sour, and savory sauce adds a wonderful contrast to the soft porridge.
Step 16
Enjoy this warm bowl of white rice porridge with a little bit of the dipping sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to eat even when you have a poor appetite. I sincerely hope this porridge acts as a healing balm, aiding in a speedy recovery. Just like the saying ‘Mom’s hands are healing hands,’ make it for your loved ones with your heart. Get well soon!
