Zosui Recipe for Sick Days

"When someone is feeling sick, you want to make them something warm and comforting." In Japanese households, the first thing that comes to mind is zosui. It is a simple dish of leftover rice simmered in dashi and finished with egg, but the warm dashi flavor and soft rice gently soothe a weakened body.

This article covers the basic egg zosui recipe for sick days, plus umeboshi zosui and mushroom zosui variations.

Basic Egg Zosui (1 Serving)

Ingredients

• Leftover rice: 1 bowl (about 150g)
• Dashi: 400ml (dashi packs work too)
• Egg: 1
• Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: a pinch
• Chopped green onion: to taste

Directions

1. Place leftover rice in a strainer and rinse lightly to remove stickiness (optional)
2. Pour dashi into a pot and heat over medium flame
3. When dashi is warm, add the rice and simmer on low for 2-3 minutes
4. Season with soy sauce and salt
5. Pour in 1 beaten egg in a circular motion, cover, and wait 30 seconds to 1 minute
6. Turn off heat while the egg is still soft-set
7. Ladle into a bowl and scatter chopped green onion on top

The key is not to stir too much after adding the egg. This keeps the egg fluffy and soft.

Variation 1: Umeboshi Zosui

Perfect when you are sick and want something refreshing.

Place one umeboshi (pickled plum) alongside the finished egg zosui. Break it apart as you eat and mix it in. The tartness adds a pleasant accent that makes it easier to eat even without an appetite. Add finely sliced shiso (perilla leaf) for an even more refreshing flavor.

Variation 2: Mushroom Zosui

The umami from mushrooms deepens the dashi flavor.

1. Separate shimeji or enoki mushrooms into small clusters (about 50g total)
2. Add them to the dashi before the rice and simmer 2-3 minutes
3. Then follow the basic egg zosui steps to finish

Mushrooms cook quickly, so be careful not to overdo it. If using shiitake, slice them thinly for even cooking.

Variation 3: Chicken Broth Zosui

Using chicken breast or tenderloin adds protein for better nutritional balance.

1. Thinly slice chicken breast (50g)
2. Add chicken to the dashi and simmer on medium for 3-4 minutes (skim any foam)
3. Add rice and simmer on low for 2-3 minutes
4. Season with soy sauce and salt, then finish with egg

Tips for Delicious Zosui

• Give the rice a quick rinse : Removing surface starch keeps the broth clear and the texture clean
• Do not overcook : Simmering too long after adding rice turns it into porridge. 2-3 minutes is the sweet spot
• Add egg last : Pour in the egg just before turning off the heat and let residual heat finish it for a fluffy texture
• Use quality dashi : Zosui is a dish where the dashi flavor shines through directly. Good dashi packs make a real difference

Sick Day Meal Suggestions

Side dishes that complement zosui for better nutrition.

• Umeboshi : Easy to eat even without an appetite thanks to its refreshing tang
• Flaked grilled salmon : Mix into the zosui or serve on the side
• Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) : Easy to digest and provides egg protein
• Grated apple : A dessert substitute that provides vitamins

FAQ

Q1. How to order?

Download Farmi from App Store or Google Play. Available in Japanese, English, Vietnamese.

Q2. Delivery time?

Within 1 hour across Ho Chi Minh City.

Q3. Authentic products?

All products sourced through official import channels.

Q4. Delivery area?

Currently Ho Chi Minh City only.

Summary

Zosui is a classic Japanese home dish that takes just 10 minutes with leftover rice, dashi, and an egg. It is not just for sick days; it also works as a late-night snack or a light meal.

Dashi packs and soy sauce are available on the Farmi app. Try making homemade zosui to take care of your family's health. Download the Farmi App.

Note: This article and some images were created with the assistance of AI (artificial intelligence) and reviewed by the editorial team before publication.