Jirou zhou (鸡肉粥)
China
A quick congee recipe with chicken and shiitake, allowing you to prepare a fragrant porridge in minutes. The version can be adapted to a vegetarian diet by replacing the chicken with plant-based ingredients.
Ingredients
- 200 g jasmine rice
- 1440 ml water
- 4 pcs dried shiitake mushrooms
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 pcs chicken breast
- 1 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 0.5 tsp Shaoxing rice wine
- 0.5 tsp cornstarch
- 0.5 tsp sesame oil
- 1 pinch white pepper, ground
- 1 pinch sugar
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 2 pcs green onion
- 2 pcs egg
- 4 tbsp peanuts
Steps
-
In the evening, rinse the rice under running water, drain, place the rice in a bag, and freeze.
-
Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in water overnight.
-
Bring the water to a boil, pour it into a pot, add the frozen rice, salt, dried shiitake mushrooms, and the water in which they were soaked.
-
When the mixture boils, reduce the heat to minimum.
-
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes.
-
Meanwhile, marinate the chicken breast with light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, ground white pepper, salt, sugar, and ginger.
-
Add the marinated chicken strips and ginger to the porridge, cook for 1 minute, then turn off the heat.
-
Leave the porridge covered for another 1 minute.
-
Add the sliced green onion, stir, and divide into bowls.
-
If desired, garnish each serving with half a boiled egg and sprinkle with roasted peanuts.
FAQ
How is Jirou Zhou (鸡肉粥) pronounced?
Jirou Zhou is pronounced 'jee-roh joh'. The 'ji' is like 'gee' in 'geese', 'rou' like 'row' in 'rowboat', and 'zhou' like 'joh' in 'John'.
Can I make this Jirou Zhou recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Jirou Zhou recipe can be adapted for vegetarians. Simply replace the chicken breast with plant-based alternatives like tofu, mushrooms, or other vegetables.
What's the difference between Jirou Zhou, Japanese Okayu, and Korean Juk?
While all are rice porridges, Jirou Zhou (Chinese) often features a thicker, more savory base with various meats and seasonings. Japanese Okayu is typically simpler, often seasoned with salt, and Korean Juk can be very diverse, ranging from sweet to savory, often with a smoother texture.
What are common toppings or garnishes for Jirou Zhou?
Common toppings for Jirou Zhou include chopped green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, crispy fried shallots, pickled vegetables, or a soft-boiled egg.
In which anime can I see dishes similar to Jirou Zhou?
While not always explicitly Jirou Zhou, rice porridges and comforting, home-cooked meals are frequently featured in Studio Ghibli films like 'Spirited Away' and 'Howl's Moving Castle', and other anime showcasing everyday life and food.