Job's Tears (薏苡仁), also known as Coix Seeds, Yi Yi Ren or Chinese pearl barley, is one of the most popular food herbs used across China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Malaysia.
Due to their versatility, they are a fantastic ingredient in many cooking dishes. From a tasty morning porridge to a delightful Summer soup, it's super easy to use Job's Tears in every day recipes.
So, grab your chef hat and apron, here are 5 quick ways to use Job's Tears in cooking recipes...
What are Job's Tears?
With a rather unique name, the Job's Tears plant is a type of branched grass with broad leaves. The seeds that grow on this are shaped like tears and come in purple, white, brown and yellow forms.
The name itself derives from the Old Testament in the Bible, whereby an unnamed biblical man endured great suffering, with the pearl-like drops bearing resemblance to his sorrow - not the cheery story you probably expected!
They have been historically used in some cultures as beads to make jewellery. The seeds have hard shells which can be polished easily, with a hole in the centre which makes them ideal for beading purposes.
How Can I Use These In Everyday Cooking?
As promised, here are 5 quick ways to use Job's Tears in everyday dishes, even for those who avoid the kitchen at all costs...
1) Job's Tears & Jujube Morning Porridge
As a big fan of porridge myself, adding these two simple ingredients can give you a real boost to kickstart your day on the right foot.
Here's how to make this tasty morning bowl of goodness...
What You'll Need
- 1/4 cup of coix seeds
- 1/2 cup of sweet rice
- 5 cups of water
- 2 cups of water (for boiling)
- 3 big jujube dates (for re-hydrating)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Method
- Boil the 2 cups of water in a pan, then add the 3 big jujube dates
- Allow them to soak and re-hydrate for 10-15 minutes
- Once re-hydrated, remove from the water and rinse with cold water, allowing them to cool
- Put the coix seeds, sweet rice, water and re-hydrated jujube dates in a pot and cook until the mixture thickens
- Add a pinch of salt to season the mixture
- Once combined, removed from heat and allow to stand for 1 minute
- Serve and enjoy!
2) Coconut Milk & Job's Tears
Especially refreshing when drinking first thing in the morning, this lighter option is a dark horse in our entry list.
Here's how to make this delightful breakfast drink...
What You'll Need
- 1/4 cup of coix seeds
- 1/2 cup of coconut milk
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Method
- Pour the coconut milk into a mixing bowl, then add the coix seeds on top
- Stir until well mixed
- Add a pinch of salt for seasoning if required
- Transfer to a glass, then serve and enjoy!
3) Sweet Mung Bean & Job's Tears Soup
Two small ingredients combine together to make one big tasty dish - here's how to make this simple, but effective soup dish...
What You'll Need
- 1/2 cup of coix seeds
- 1/2 cup of green mung beans
- 6 pieces of rock sugar
- Rice cooker
- 1 cup of water
Method
- Wash the green mung beans and coix seeds, then place into the inner pot of your rice cooker
- Add the cup of water to the mixture
- Turn on the 'soup' function of your rice cooker and allow the ingredients to cook
- Once boiling, add the rock sugar and stir gently to allow this to melt in the pot
- Transfer to a soup bowl, serve and enjoy!
4) Job's Tears, Soya Beans & Coconut Herbal Tea
Combining three easy ingredients to uplift your otherwise 'average-at-best' daily cuppa, here's how to put a tantilising twist on Britain's favourite beverage...
What You'll Need
- 1 tbsp of coix seeds
- 1 tbsp of soya beans
- 1 tbsp of shredded coconut
- 1 teabag (of your choice)
- Dash of milk
- 1 cup of water
Method
- Add the coix seeds, soya beans and shredded coconut into a cup and add boiling water
- Allow the mixture to steep for 3 minutes
- Add your teabag of choice and mix for a further 1 minute
- Pour in a dash of milk and stir to combine all ingredients
- Keep the herbs in or remove once mixed (your choice)
- Serve and enjoy!
5) Job's Tears Powder (for smoothies, shakes etc)
Calling all gym bunnies, this is one you surely won't want to miss.
Here's how to create a versatile powder to maximise your gains...
What You'll Need
- 1 cup of coix seeds
- 1 wall-breaker machine / blender
Method
- Heat the coix seeds in a frying pan and continue to simmer until they start to turn yellow
- Once cooked, allow to cool for around 1 minute
- Pour the cooked coix seeds into a wall-breaker/blender
- Select the 'smooth ice' or 'blend well' function
- Blend well until powdered
- Remove and serve with any smoothie, protein drink, water etc!
What Are The Benefits Of Consuming Job's Tears?
Being naturally rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, regularly consuming this herb may potentially assist with the following:
- Manage cholesterol levels
- Alleviate digestion problems, constipation, diarrhoea and bleeding
- Assist water retention
- Improve heart health
- Benefit skin care
- Assist arthritis and joint pains
- Used as a therapeutic herbal remedy
In addition, Job's Tears is suitable for vegans and is gluten-free.
How Can I Get Hold Of Job's Tears?
Whether you're planning a culinary masterclass or a quick fix-up before work, Job's Tears are available in the following quantities:
Job's Tears 薏苡仁 (Coix Seeds/Yi Yi Ren/Chinese Pearl Barley) | (500g)
Job's Tears 薏苡仁 (Coix Seeds/Yi Yi Ren/Chinese Pearl Barley) | (100g)
Summary
Now that you've got some scrumptious ideas of how to use this versatile herb, we're excited to see you impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!
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