Korean Oyster Porridge (굴죽, GulJuk)

Korean Oyster Porridge (굴죽, GulJuk) is a easy Korean recipe that serves 2. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Aeri's Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 1 hr 13 min

Cost: $14.44 total, $7.22 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Short Grain Rice (soaked in water for 30 minutes, then drained)
  • 2 large pieces Dried Kelp (Dashima) (soaked in 5 cups cold water for 30 minutes to make broth)
  • 5 cups Water (cold water for kelp broth)
  • 1.5 tablespoons Sesame Oil (for frying the rice, adds nutty flavor)
  • 1 cup Fresh Oysters (rinsed in cold water, shells discarded)
  • 0.5 cup Mushrooms (sliced; any favorite mushroom works)
  • 0.5 Carrot (peeled and diced)
  • 2 Green Onions (only the green tops, chopped)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 sheet Dried Seaweed (Nori) (crushed into fine crumbs for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (toasted, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Soak Rice

    Place 1 cup short‑grain rice in a bowl, cover with water and let soak for 30 minutes. Drain before cooking.

    Time: PT30M

  2. Prepare Kelp Broth

    While the rice soaks, place 2 large pieces of dried kelp in 5 cups cold water and let sit for 30 minutes. This creates a light, umami broth.

    Time: PT30M

  3. Fry the Rice

    Heat the large saucepan over medium‑high heat, add 1½ tbsp sesame oil, then add the drained rice. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted and coated with oil.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  4. Cook the Porridge Base

    Pour the kelp‑infused water (including the kelp pieces) into the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is almost fully cooked and the mixture thickens.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Add Oysters, Mushrooms, and Carrot

    Stir in 1 cup rinsed oysters, ½ cup sliced mushrooms, and the diced carrot. Cook on high heat for 3 minutes, just until the oysters turn opaque.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: high heat

  6. Finish with Green Onions

    Add the chopped green onion tops and cook for another minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Season

    Turn off the heat and stir in ½ tsp salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

    Time: PT0M

  8. Prepare Garnish

    Place one sheet of dried seaweed in a small plastic bag and crush it with your hands to make fine crumbs. Toast 1 tsp sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1‑2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  9. Serve

    Ladle the hot porridge into serving bowls, sprinkle seaweed crumbs and toasted sesame seeds on top, and enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
260
Protein
14g
Carbohydrates
50g
Fat
10g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑free, Dairy‑free

Allergens: Shellfish (oysters), Sesame

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Korean Oyster Porridge (굴죽, GulJuk)

Recipe by Aeri's Kitchen

A comforting Korean rice porridge (juk) featuring fresh oysters, kelp broth, and simple garnish of seaweed crumbs and toasted sesame seeds. Perfect for a nourishing breakfast or light dinner.

EasyKoreanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
35m
Prep
49m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 34m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.44
Total cost
$7.22
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking the rice for 30 minutes
  • Frying the rice with sesame oil before adding liquid
  • Adding oysters only at the final cooking stage to avoid overcooking
  • Seasoning after the heat is turned off

Safety Warnings

  • Handle fresh oysters with clean, cold water and keep them refrigerated until use.
  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Ensure the porridge reaches a safe temperature (at least 165°F / 74°C) before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Korean oyster porridge (Guk) in Korean cuisine?

A

Oyster porridge, known as "Guk" or "Juk" in Korean, is a traditional comfort food often eaten for breakfast or when recovering from illness. It showcases Korea's coastal heritage, using fresh seafood and simple grains to create a nourishing, easy‑to‑digest meal.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of oyster porridge in Korean cuisine?

A

In the southern coastal regions, the porridge may include additional seaweed and a dash of gochugaru for mild heat, while in the north it is often kept plain with just oysters, rice, and kelp broth. Some families add kimchi for extra tang.

cultural
Q

How is oyster porridge traditionally served in Korea?

A

It is served hot in a shallow bowl, topped with toasted sesame seeds and finely crushed seaweed (gim). A side of kimchi or a small plate of seasoned vegetables often accompanies the porridge.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Korean oyster porridge commonly prepared?

A

While everyday comfort food, oyster porridge is also served during winter festivals and on birthdays as a symbol of health and longevity because oysters are considered a "longevity" ingredient in Korean tradition.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with oyster porridge?

A

A light banchan such as seasoned spinach (sigeumchi namul), pickled radish (danmuji), or a simple kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae) complements the mild flavor of the porridge.

cultural
Q

What makes Korean oyster porridge special compared to other Asian rice porridge dishes?

A

The use of fresh oysters adds a briny, oceanic depth, while the kelp broth provides a clean umami base. The garnish of seaweed crumbs and toasted sesame seeds gives texture that is rarely found in Chinese or Japanese juk variants.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Korean oyster porridge?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the oysters, which makes them rubbery, not soaking the rice long enough, leading to a gritty texture, and adding salt before the heat is off, which can mask the delicate oyster flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe fry the rice with sesame oil before adding the broth?

A

Frying the rice coats each grain with oil, preventing it from sticking and creating a subtle nutty aroma that deepens the overall flavor of the porridge.

technical
Q

Can I make Korean oyster porridge ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can refrigerate the cooked porridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy consistency, and add fresh oysters just before serving if you prefer.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Aeri's Kitchen specialize in?

A

Aeri's Kitchen focuses on approachable Korean home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional flavors with modern, time‑saving techniques for busy home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Aeri's Kitchen's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Aeri's Kitchen emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, clear visual cues, and practical substitutions, making authentic Korean dishes like oyster porridge accessible without requiring hard‑to‑find specialty items.

channel

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