Jung: A Traditional Belizean Delicacy

Ingredients

2 cups of Jasmine rice
4 cups of water
1 pound of chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
2 red bell peppers, diced
1 cup of frozen peas
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
1 handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

Rinse the Jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice and water to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the diced red bell peppers and frozen peas to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Cook for a couple of minutes until everything is well heated.
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and add it to the skillet. Stir everything together until the rice is well incorporated with the vegetables and chicken.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro before serving.

Tools for making

Pot - For cooking the Jasmine rice.
Skillet - Used to cook the chicken, vegetables, and rice.
Fork - To fluff the cooked rice.
Knife - For cutting the chicken thighs and chopping the onion.
Cutting board - To safely cut and prepare the ingredients.
Grater - To grate the fresh ginger.
Measuring cups - To measure the rice and water accurately.
Measuring spoons - For measuring the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Spatula - For stirring and combining the ingredients in the skillet.
Lid - To cover the pot while cooking the rice and to cover the skillet while simmering.

Recipe variations

Replace Jasmine rice with brown rice for a healthier option.
Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
Add diced carrots or broccoli florets for extra vegetables.
Replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.
Incorporate different proteins such as shrimp, beef, or pork instead of chicken.
Add chopped pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings like curry powder or Chinese five spice.
Make it spicy by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.
Top it with toasted sesame seeds or sliced almonds for added crunch.
Include other herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing taste.

Recipe overview

Jung is a flavorful and hearty dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Jasmine rice, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. You will love its savory combination of soy and oyster sauces, along with the heat of crushed red pepper flakes. The finishing touch of fresh green onions and cilantro brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. This recipe is not only satisfying but also simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced cooks. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your loved ones with a homemade Jung. Enjoy the process and your delicious meal!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can use other types of rice like Basmati or long-grain white rice, but the cooking times may vary. Adjust the cooking instructions accordingly.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein? Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu to make it vegetarian. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce? If you don't have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a small amount of sugar to add a touch of sweetness.
Can I add other vegetables? Of course! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms to customize the stir-fry according to your preferences.
How spicy is this recipe with the crushed red pepper flakes? The spiciness level can be adjusted according to personal preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. If you enjoy heat, you can increase the amount or add additional chili sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the chicken stir-fried rice ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface for chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife - A sharp knife for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Large skillet - A wide, deep frying pan for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
Pot with lid - A medium-sized pot for cooking the rice.
Fork - Used for fluffing the cooked rice and mixing the ingredients.
Spatula - A utensil for flipping and stirring ingredients in the skillet.
Measuring cups - To accurately measure the rice, water, and sauces.
Grater - To grate the fresh ginger.
Chopping knife - A knife for chopping onions, garlic, and cilantro.

Origin stories

Jung, or "sticky rice dumpling", is a traditional Chinese food that carries a story dating back to ancient times. The tale goes that Qu Yuan, a well-respected minister and poet, drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest against the corrupt ruling dynasty. Locals admired him greatly and quickly raced out in their boats to save him, or at least, retrieve his body. They threw packets of sticky rice into the water to prevent the fish from eating his body. This act of love and respect has been carried on as a tradition ever since, and thus was born the dish we now know as Jung. Nowadays, Jung is a popular delicacy especially during the Dragon Boat Festival, serving as a tasty reminder of the love for a man who stood up for justice.

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.