Korean Beef Porridge (Sesame Oil-Toasted Rice with Minced Beef)
Quick answer
Sogogi-juk is a Korean beef porridge that begins by stir-frying minced beef and soaked rice together in sesame oil, building a savory, nutty foundation before water is added.
What makes this special
- Minced beef and rice toasted together in sesame oil build a concentrated umami for this porridge.
- Beef and garlic cooked in sesame oil first to infuse the oil with umami
- Soaked rice toasted 2 minutes to coat grains and thicken the porridge
Key ingredients
Core cooking flow
- 1 Finely dice 50 g carrot and 60 g onion so the pieces are smaller than the rice grains.
- 2 Set the pot over medium low heat and add 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
- 3 Add 160 g soaked rice and stir continuously for about 2 minutes.
Sogogi-juk is a Korean beef porridge that begins by stir-frying minced beef and soaked rice together in sesame oil, building a savory, nutty foundation before water is added. As the beef renders in the oil, its umami dissolves into the fat, and the rice grains pick up that flavor as they toast alongside the meat. Slow simmering over low heat allows the rice to break down gradually into a thick, silky porridge while the beef broth permeates every spoonful. Finely diced carrot and onion can be added for a touch of natural sweetness that softens the overall flavor profile. Widely relied on as a recovery food after illness and as a warming breakfast, this porridge is gentle on the stomach yet deeply satisfying in its quiet, meaty richness.
Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Heat
Finely dice 50 g carrot and 60 g onion so the pieces are smaller than the rice grains.
Drain the soaked rice well before cooking, so excess water does not splatter when it meets the sesame oil.
- 2Control
Set the pot over medium low heat and add 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
Add 120 g lean minced beef and 1 teaspoon minced garlic, then stir until the beef loses its red color and smells savory.
- 3Step
Add 160 g soaked rice and stir continuously for about 2 minutes.
The grains should look lightly glossy, with the edges turning a little translucent, which means the sesame oil and beef flavor have coated them evenly.
- 4Step
Add the diced carrot and onion, then stir for just 1 minute.
Before the vegetables soften too much, pour in 950 ml water and scrape the bottom gently so any browned beef and rice flavor dissolves into the liquid.
- 5Control
When the mixture comes to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes.
Stir down to the bottom every 3 to 4 minutes so the rice swells, breaks down, and thickens without scorching.
- 6Control
When the rice grains mash easily, season with 1 tablespoon soup soy sauce and simmer 2 more minutes.
If the porridge becomes too thick before serving, add a little water and stir until it loosens smoothly.
After the steps
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