Jook: Korean Rice Porridge, Comfort in a Bowl
Jook – Ever since I was little, if I was ever sick, my grandmother would make me this dish – it became my comfort food, my chicken noodle soup. This Jook Recipe (Korean Rice Porridge, Congee) is prepared the way she used to make it. There are several variations, but this is the one I grew up with and made for my children when they were sick. I’m not sure of the medicinal qualities, as it’s really just rice, but it sure helps me feel better.
Jook represents one of the most profound expressions of Korean comfort food, a dish that transcends its simple ingredients to become a vessel of care, healing, and maternal love. In Korean households, the gentle bubbling of jook on the stove signals that someone needs nurturing, as generations of Korean mothers and grandmothers have prepared this soothing rice porridge to comfort sick family members or to provide easily digestible sustenance. The dish carries deep emotional resonance, with many Koreans associating it with memories of being cared for during childhood illnesses.
What makes jook particularly special is its role as a culinary blank canvas that adapts to both necessity and preference. While the base recipe remains beautifully simple – rice slowly simmered until it creates a silky, comforting porridge – its variations reflect the wisdom of Korean home cooking, where ingredients are added or adjusted based on specific needs. The transformation of humble rice into a healing meal through nothing more than patience and care exemplifies the Korean understanding that food is medicine, and that the simplest dishes often carry the most meaning.
In modern Korean society, jook maintains its status as the ultimate comfort food, though its role has expanded beyond just being a remedy for illness. Whether served in specialty restaurants that offer dozens of varieties, or prepared at home using treasured family recipes, jook continues to provide both physical and emotional nourishment. Its enduring popularity speaks to a universal truth about comfort food: sometimes the most basic dishes carry the deepest connections to home, family, and well-being.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and gentle on the stomach
- Simple, nurturing ingredients
- Easily digestible
- Customizable to taste
- Perfect for cold weather or when feeling unwell
- Minimal active cooking time
What is Jook?
Jook (죽) is a Korean rice porridge where rice is slowly simmered until it breaks down into a smooth, comforting consistency. Unlike many other Korean dishes, jook is prized for its subtle flavors and gentle nature, making it perfect for those feeling under the weather or seeking simple comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 cup short-grain rice washed and drained
- 8 cups water or broth
- 1 tbsp soup soy sauce
- 2 egg(s) whisked
- 1 scallion chopped
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium-hight heat.
- Add drained rice to pot and toast rice for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Add water (or broth) to pot and stir. Bring to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for one hour.
- Season with soy sauce or salt to taste.
- Add eggs to jook and stir lightly just until eggs are softly cooked through.
- Serve topped with scallion.
- (Optional) Top with shredded jangjorim (korean braised beef) before serving.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom
- Add more liquid if needed for desired consistency
- Use broth instead of water for added flavor
- Keep heat low for a smooth, creamy texture
- Don’t skip the rice toasting step
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Additional soy sauce on the side
- Kimchi (if feeling well enough)
- Simple banchan
- A drizzle of sesame oil
- Various garnishes based on preference
Variations
- Add shredded chicken or beef
- Include finely diced vegetables
- Add minced garlic
- Use abalone for special occasions
- Include ginger for extra warming properties
Nutrition Information
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 4g
- Sodium: varies with seasoning
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add additional water or broth to achieve desired consistency, as the porridge will continue to thicken when cooled.
My Essential Korean Pantry contains several of these ingredients, specifically:
– Sempio Soy Sauce
– Kadoya Sesame Oil
This is exactly how my grandmother made it for me as a toddler. Love it!
This turned out so good, especially when using chicken broth in place of water! Thanks for sharing your recipe.