Pork, Kimchi, and Bean Sprout Rice Bowl for a Quick Recovery
Pork, Kimchi, and Bean Sprout Rice Bowl for a Quick Recovery
Pork, Kimchi, and Bean Sprout Rice Bowl: A One-Bowl Meal to Fight Colds and Utilize Leftover Rice
Did you know that bean sprout rice can help ward off colds? This hearty rice dish is packed with generous amounts of spicy kimchi and savory pork. Both bean sprouts, kimchi, and pork are rich in nutrients that help boost immunity. In particular, the abundant albumin in pork is said to be effective against colds and pneumonia. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious bean sprout rice that not only revives leftovers but also warms your body on chilly days!
Main Ingredients- 2 servings of brown glutinous rice (cooked)
- 200g fresh bean sprouts
- 1 cup aged kimchi (chopped)
- 1/4 onion (minced or thinly sliced)
- 1-2 shiitake mushrooms (stems removed, minced)
- 1/2 Tbsp oligosaccharide
- 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 150g ground pork
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (or soju/mirin)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Seasoning Sauce- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp onion enzyme (or plum extract)
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp perilla oil
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp onion enzyme (or plum extract)
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp perilla oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, marinate the ground pork. In a bowl, combine the ground pork with 1 Tbsp cooking wine (or soju/mirin), 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, a pinch of sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well by hand. This step helps to remove any porky smell and tenderize the meat.
Step 2
Remove the spicy filling from the aged kimchi and rinse it lightly under cold water. Squeeze out excess water and chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped kimchi with 1/2 Tbsp gochugaru, minced onion, and 1/2 Tbsp oligosaccharide. Mix well to season the kimchi. If your kimchi is very sour, you can add a little sugar.
Step 3
Rinse the fresh bean sprouts thoroughly under running water. After rinsing, drain them well in a colander. It’s important to remove as much excess water as possible, as this will prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
Step 4
Heat 1 Tbsp of sesame oil in a pot with a lid (a pot works better than a rice cooker for this). Add the marinated ground pork and break it up with a spoon to prevent clumping. Stir-fry over medium heat until the pork is fully cooked and no longer pink, turning a light brown color. Ensure the pork is completely cooked through to avoid any raw taste.
Step 5
Once the pork is cooked, add the seasoned kimchi to the pot. Stir-fry the kimchi and pork together for another 2-3 minutes until the kimchi softens slightly and is well combined with the pork. Be careful not to burn the kimchi; adjust the heat as needed.
Step 6
Spread the cooked pork and kimchi mixture evenly at the bottom of the pot. Add the cooked brown glutinous rice on top. Gently mix the rice with the pork and kimchi mixture using a spatula, being careful not to mash the rice grains. The key is to incorporate everything without breaking down the rice.
Step 7
Arrange the prepared bean sprouts evenly over the rice layer, covering it completely. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over low heat. The goal is to steam the bean sprouts. If you have a rice cooker, you can use its ‘cook’ function. You’ll know it’s ready when steam starts escaping from the lid and you can smell the distinctive aroma of cooked bean sprouts, possibly with a hint of toasting rice. If you’re unsure about steaming the sprouts directly, an alternative is to steam them separately and then mix them into the rice.
Step 8
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the pot rest for a few minutes. Carefully open the lid and gently mix the steamed bean sprouts with the rice and pork mixture. Toss lightly to combine, ensuring the bean sprouts remain intact for a pleasant texture.
Step 9
Prepare the seasoning sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Serve the freshly made bean sprout rice hot, drizzled with the prepared seasoning sauce. For an extra touch, you can garnish with crumbled seaweed or extra sesame seeds.
