Ultimate Revitalizing Stew: Tender Beef and Octopus Porridge (YukGye-Nakji Juk)
Ultimate Revitalizing Stew: Tender Beef and Octopus Porridge (YukGye-Nakji Juk)
Heartwarming Beef and Octopus Porridge Recipe for Chilly Weather
As the weather has suddenly turned cold, my mother has been suffering from a cold. I made this porridge with the hope that she would feel better soon. This nutritious porridge, packed with tender beef and chewy octopus, is perfect for boosting energy and recovering from illness. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Porridge Ingredients- Beef (ground or finely chopped) 200g
- Octopus 1 (medium-sized)
- Onion 1/2
- Spinach 1 bunch
- Rice 1 cup (soaked)
- Water or Broth 6 cups
Seasoning and Marinade- Soy Sauce 1.5 Tbsp
- Ginger Juice 1 Tbsp (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper (optional)
- Soy Sauce 1.5 Tbsp
- Ginger Juice 1 Tbsp (or 1/2 tsp minced ginger)
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove any excess blood. Then, cut it into bite-sized pieces or prepare it as ground beef. Removing the blood is key to a clean flavor without any gamey taste. Next, clean the octopus by removing the innards. Rub it well with flour or coarse salt to clean it thoroughly, including the suction cups. Rinse and cut into manageable pieces. Slicing it thinly will ensure it’s not tough and remains tender.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the prepared beef with 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper (if using). Gently mix it with your hands to marinate. Add 1 Tbsp ginger juice at this stage as well to effectively remove any gamy odor from the beef. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, lightly toss the cleaned octopus with 1/2 Tbsp ginger juice (or ginger extract). Marinating the octopus briefly like this helps eliminate any fishy smell and enhances its tender texture. Thinly slice the onion and cut the spinach into 3-4 cm lengths after washing it thoroughly. Drain the soaked rice well.
Step 4
In a pot, add the marinated beef and 6 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally with a spatula to prevent the rice from sticking together. Once the rice starts to soften and break down, add the sliced onions and continue to cook. When the onions become translucent and the rice is well-cooked, add the prepared octopus and spinach. Cook for just another 2-3 minutes, as overcooking will make them tough. Finally, season with salt to your preference. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.
