Japanese Rice Porridge (Okayu)

A comforting and customizable Japanese rice porridge, perfect for a light breakfast or when you're feeling under the weather. It's mild flavor makes it a fantastic base for savory toppings.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Calories

250

Level

Easy

Yields

4 servings

Cost

£0.89

Season:

Meal Type:

Cuisine:

Main Ingredient:

Dietary:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

1cupCooked Japanese Rice (day-old preferred)(Short-grain rice is best, but any cooked rice will work.)

£0.30

6cupsWater(Adjust for desired consistency. Start with 6 and add more as needed.)

0.5teaspoonSalt(Or to taste.)

£0.01

1teaspoonToasted Sesame Oil(For flavor (optional).)

£0.15

To tasteN/AFurikake Rice Seasoning(A mix of dried seaweed, sesame seeds, and other seasonings.)

£0.40

2N/APickled Plums (Umeboshi)(Chopped or whole, to taste.)

£1.50

2N/AScallions(Thinly sliced.)

£0.30

To tasteN/ASoy Sauce(Optional.)

£0.10

4N/ASoft-Boiled Egg(One per serving, optional.)

£0.80

Total Cost

£3.56

£0.89 per serving

The Method

1
In a medium saucepan, combine the cooked rice and water.
2
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice has broken down and the porridge has reached your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Stir in the salt and sesame oil (if using).
5
Ladle the porridge into bowls and top with your choice of toppings, such as furikake, umeboshi, scallions, a drizzle of soy sauce, and a soft-boiled egg.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (300g)

250 kcal / 1046 kJ

Carbs

37g

14% of RDA

Fat

10% of RDA

Protein

16% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

1 g

3% of RDA

Sugar

1 g

1% of RDA

Sodium

600 mg

26% of RDA

Saturated Fat

2 g

10% of RDA

Chef's Tips

Using day-old rice helps the porridge thicken more quickly.

For a smoother porridge, you can gently mash some of the rice with the back of a spoon while it's cooking.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Other options include shredded nori seaweed, toasted sesame seeds, grilled mushrooms, or cooked chicken.