Okayu

Name: Okayu
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Japanese short-grain rice, rinsed; 4 cups water; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 green onion, thinly sliced; 2 umeboshi (pickled plum), pitted and chopped; 2 tsp soy sauce, for serving; 1 sheet nori (seaweed), toasted and cut into strips; 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

A comforting Japanese rice porridge similar to congee, often eaten for breakfast or when feeling unwell. This simple, soothing dish is topped with traditional Japanese garnishes for a nourishing start to the day.

35 minEasyServes 2180 cal/serving

JapaneseBreakfastStovetopStandardDairy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

1/2 cup Japanese short-grain rice, rinsed
4 cups water
1/4 tsp salt
2 green onion, thinly sliced
2 umeboshi (pickled plum), pitted and chopped
2 tsp soy sauce, for serving
1 sheet nori (seaweed), toasted and cut into strips
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Instructions

1

In a medium pot, combine 1/2 cup rinsed Japanese short-grain rice, 4 cups water, and 1/4 tsp salt.
2

Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low.
3

Partially cover the pot with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
4

Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice has broken down and the porridge has reached your desired consistency. Add more water if it becomes too thick.
5

Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
6

Serve in bowls and let each person customize their okayu with toppings of their choice: 2 thinly sliced green onion, 2 pitted and chopped umeboshi (pickled plum), a light drizzle of 2 tsp for serving soy sauce, 1 sheet toasted and cut into strips nori (seaweed), 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger.

Questions

Can I make Okayu gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2 tsp soy sauce, for serving. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Okayu keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Okayu?

Yes. As written it serves 2. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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