Vibrant and Nutritious Abalone Liver (Ge-u) Porridge Recipe
How to Make Abalone Porridge: Rich Abalone Liver (Ge-u) Porridge for a Healthy Boost
Nourish your body with this hearty abalone porridge, made with tender abalone and its rich, flavorful liver (called ‘ge-u’ in Korean). This comforting dish boasts a wonderfully creamy texture and a deep oceanic flavor that will revitalize your senses. The vibrant green hue from the abalone liver adds a unique visual appeal and intensifies the savory taste, making it a truly restorative meal.
Main Ingredients- 2 fresh abalones
- 4 abalone livers (ge-u)
- 1 cup short-grain rice (regular rice)
- 1 cup glutinous rice
- Generous amount of sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the short-grain rice and glutinous rice. Soak them in water for about 1 hour to allow them to soften. Modern glutinous rice tends to soften quickly, so adjust the soaking time based on the rice’s texture. This step ensures the rice grains will break down beautifully, creating a smooth and creamy porridge.
Step 2
Carefully separate the abalone meat from its shell using a spoon inserted between the shell and meat. Use a brush to clean any debris from the shell and meat. Then, briefly blanch the abalone in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This process helps to reduce any fishy smell and tenderize the abalone meat.
Step 3
After blanching, completely remove the abalone meat from the shells. Gently separate the abalone liver (ge-u) as well. Fresh abalone liver is a vibrant green and contributes significantly to the porridge’s unique deep color and rich flavor. Set the separated livers aside.
Step 4
Finely mince the separated abalone livers with a knife. It’s best to mince them to a texture that still has a slight bite, rather than making them completely mushy. Keep the minced liver aside.
Step 5
Heat a generous amount of sesame oil in a pot or wok. Add the soaked and drained rice and stir-fry until the grains become translucent. Stir frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the rice is fragrant and slightly opaque, add the minced abalone liver and stir-fry together. If the mixture seems too dry, add about half a cup of water while stir-frying.
Step 6
Pour in water, approximately 5 times the volume of the rice (e.g., if you used 2 cups of rice, add 10 cups of water). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent the porridge from becoming too thick, and add more water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 7
Once the porridge starts bubbling and the rice grains are beginning to soften and break down, add the thinly sliced abalone meat. Cook together until the abalone is tender. You can also stir-fry the abalone from the beginning, but adding it later helps preserve its chewy texture. Abalone cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking.
Step 8
Continue to simmer for about 3-5 minutes after adding the abalone. Be careful not to overcook, as the abalone can become tough. Cook just until the thinly sliced abalone is tender.
Step 9
The level of rice grain breakdown can be adjusted to your preference. Since this is a nourishing dish, it’s perfectly fine if some rice grains retain their shape. Serve the hot porridge generously in bowls. Garnish with a few slices of the cooked abalone and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. You can also add pine nuts or other nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Step 10
The vibrant green color from the abalone liver (ge-u) makes this porridge look incredibly appetizing! The subtle oceanic aroma and deep, savory flavor create a truly invigorating experience. Enjoy this rich and nutritious abalone porridge to restore your appetite and vitality!
