Euneo-juk facts for kids

Euneo-juk (Hangul: 은어죽; Hanja: 銀魚粥), also known as sweetfish porridge, is a special kind of Korean porridge. It is a warm, comforting dish made mainly from sweetfish and rice. This unique porridge is enjoyed for its rich flavor and healthy ingredients.

Making Euneo-juk: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Euneo-juk involves a few important steps. First, the sweetfish are boiled to create a flavorful broth. This broth is the base for the porridge.

After boiling, the fish meat is carefully removed from the bones. This boned fish is then added back into the porridge. Finally, rice, which has been soaked in water, is boiled in the sweetfish broth until it becomes a thick, creamy porridge.

Regional Recipes: South Jeolla Province

In South Jeolla Province, Euneo-juk has a unique twist. Here, the porridge is made with glutinous rice, which gives it a stickier texture.

They also add fresh ginseng, chestnuts, and jujubes. These ingredients make the porridge even more nutritious and flavorful. Common seasonings include minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and sesame oil.

Regional Recipes: North Gyeongsang Province

In North Gyeongsang Province, the sweetfish broth is seasoned differently. Cooks here add doenjang (a type of soybean paste) and gochujang (a spicy chili paste).

They also mix chopped scallions, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the soaked rice. Sometimes, sujebi (torn wheat flour dough pieces) are added. Fresh vegetables like chili peppers, kkaennip (perilla leaves), waterdropwort, and crown daisy greens are often included too.

Regional Recipes: South Gyeongsang Province

In South Gyeongsang Province, the preparation starts with a stir-fry. The boned sweetfish is stir-fried in sesame oil to bring out its flavor.

Then, finely diced onions and carrots are added to the rice and broth mixture. The porridge is seasoned simply with salt to finish. This method gives the Euneo-juk a slightly different taste and texture.