Authentic Thai Jok Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of jasmine rice
  • 6 cups of chicken broth
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until they are no longer pink in the middle. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool.
  4. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat with the garlic and ginger. Add the chicken broth, salt, and white pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 1 hour, or until the rice is very soft and the soup is creamy.
  5. While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken breasts.
  6. Stir in the fish sauce, shredded chicken, and eggs into the pot. Stir well to break up the eggs and cook for another 10 minutes.
  7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.

Tools for making

  • Pot - A large pot to cook the soup
  • Knife - A knife for mincing garlic and ginger, and for shredding the cooked chicken
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board to chop the green onions and cilantro
  • Measuring Cup - A measuring cup to measure the rice and chicken broth
  • Spatula - A spatula for stirring the ingredients in the pot
  • Soup Ladle - A soup ladle for serving the hot soup

Recipe variations

  • Use brown rice instead of jasmine rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
  • Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
  • Add vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or carrots for extra texture and nutrients.
  • Spice it up by adding chili flakes or sriracha sauce for a spicy jok.
  • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch.
  • For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
  • Experiment with different herbs like Thai basil or mint for a fresh and unique flavor profile.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy and refreshing kick.

Recipe overview

Jok, also known as Thai rice soup, is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for any meal of the day. It's packed with flavors from garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, and features tender chicken and creamy jasmine rice. This recipe is easy to follow and requires only a handful of ingredients. In just a few steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying soup that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you're a fan of Thai cuisine or just looking for a new recipe to try, this Jok recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and savor the rich, savory flavors of this traditional Thai dish.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use other types of rice such as long-grain rice or short-grain rice, but keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary.
  2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version of the dish.
  3. Can I use other protein instead of chicken? Certainly! You can use other proteins such as pork, beef, or tofu as a substitute for chicken in this recipe.
  4. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make the jok in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the jok for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in a sealed container or freezer bags. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  6. Can I adjust the seasonings to my taste? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and fish sauce according to your personal preference. You can also add other seasonings or spices to enhance the flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - for cooking the jok soup
  • Cutting board - for cutting the chicken and vegetables
  • Knife - for chopping the garlic, ginger, green onions, and cilantro
  • Measuring cup - for measuring the rice and chicken broth
  • Measuring spoons - for measuring the salt, white pepper, and fish sauce
  • Spatula - for stirring the soup
  • Soup ladle - for serving the jok soup
  • Soup bowls - for serving the individual portions of jok

Origin stories

Jok, a comforting rice porridge, is a culinary staple in Thailand and a prime example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something soul-nourishing. It's often enjoyed as a breakfast dish, and is sometimes served to those who are feeling under the weather, similar to the Western tradition of chicken soup for a cold. This dish has roots that stretch back to the Ayutthaya period, when it was mentioned in an old Thai poem. It’s interesting to note that Jok was traditionally cooked in a clay pot over a charcoal stove, a method which is believed to enhance the flavor of the porridge. Even today, some Thai street vendors continue to uphold this tradition, which reflects the enduring importance of Jok in Thai food culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.