Heukimja-juk (Korean Black Sesame Porridge)
Heukimja-juk is a smooth Korean black sesame porridge thickened with glutinous rice flour. Its toasted sesame flavor and softly spoonable texture make it a traditional warming breakfast or light dessert.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Start by toasting the black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant but not burned.
- 2
Once toasted, transfer the black sesame seeds to a blender or food processor. Add 1 cup of water and blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
- 3
In a separate bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour with the remaining 3 cups of water, whisking to dissolve without lumps.
- 4
Combine the black sesame paste with the flour mixture in a saucepan. Add sugar and salt, then stir well to mix everything together.
- 5
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens to a soup-like consistency, usually about 10-15 minutes.
- 6
Once thickened to a softly spoonable porridge, remove from the heat and serve warm in small bowls.
Cook notes
Tips
For a smoother texture, make sure to blend the black sesame seeds thoroughly.
Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the sugar based on your preference.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water if it thickens too much.
Substitutions
- You can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- If you don't have glutinous rice flour, regular rice flour can also be used, but the texture will change slightly.
What to Serve With
- Serve with sweet rice cakes (tteok) for a traditional treat.
- Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or pears for a refreshing side.
Common Mistakes
- Don't rush the toasting step; burnt sesame seeds will ruin the flavor.
- Make sure to stir continuously while cooking to prevent the soup from sticking and burning.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make Black Sesame Soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
How do I store leftover Black Sesame Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use white sesame seeds instead of black?
You can use white sesame seeds, but the flavor and color will differ significantly from the traditional recipe.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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