Pyongyang Onban (Warm Rice Topped with Savory Mushroom-Chicken Broth & Mung Bean Pancake) – Authentic North Korea Recipe
Besides Naengmyeon, Onban is Pyongyang’s famous historic specialty: hot broth poured over rice crowned with a savory pancake.
- Country of Origin
- 🇰🇵 North Korea (East Asia, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Steamed short-grain rice, Shredded poached chicken and shiitake mushrooms, Crisp golden mung-bean/vegetable pancake on top, Toasted sesame oil, Garlic
Ingredients for Pyongyang Onban (Warm Rice Topped with Savory Mushroom-Chicken Broth & Mung Bean Pancake) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) steamed short-grain rice, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups shredded poached chicken and shiitake mushrooms, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup crisp golden mung-bean/vegetable pancake on top
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with toasted sesame oil
- 1.5 tbsp traditional North Korea seasoning (garlic, scallions, soy sauce, black pepper)
- 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and toasted sesame oil until golden.
- Add garlic, scallions, soy sauce, black pepper along with steamed short-grain rice and shredded poached chicken and shiitake mushrooms, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
- Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
- Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
- Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with crisp golden mung-bean/vegetable pancake on top.