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Congee (Chinese Rice Porridge, 粥)
5 from 100 votes

Congee (Chinese Rice Porridge, 粥)

Congee is a versatile Chinese rice porridge made by simmering rice in water or stock until it breaks down to a soft, creamy texture. This recipe offers basic cooking and shortcut methods, and a wide range of optional toppings and flavorings to customize each serving, from preserved eggs to pickles and seasonings. It suits various tastes and is often eaten as a comforting staple.

Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 125 kcal
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 1 cup short-grain rice or jasmine rice, uncooked
  • 9 cups water can be adjusted to 8 or 10 cups, or chicken stock
Optional toppings (mix and match as you wish)
  • Flavouring Light soy sauce (or tamari), sesame oil, chilli oil, scallion oil, chilli garlic sauce, black bean sauce, fermented bean curd, etc.
  • Aromatics Finely chopped scallions, ginger, coriander, etc.
  • Preserved food Preserved mustard stem, Chinese olive vegetables, pickled long beans, etc.
  • egg Boiled eggs, fried eggs, marbled tea eggs, salted duck eggs, century eggs, etc
  • Others You Tiao, pork floss, dried laver seaweed, toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, etc.

Instructions

The regular method
    Cup of Yum
  1. Briefly rinse the rice under running water. Bring water to a full boil in a pot/large saucepan, then add the rice.
  2. When the water comes back to a boil, turn the heat to the lowest and stir the rice.
  3. Cover with a lid once the water calms down to a very gentle simmer. Leave to cook for 35 to 40 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remember to stir a couple of times during the process.
  4. Serve it as it is, or add any flavourings and/or toppings of your choice.
The shortcut method
  1. Rinse the rice then store it in the freezer overnight until fully frozen.
  2. Add the frozen block of rice directly into the boiling water (reduce the water volume to 6 cups) and follow the same method above to cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
Make in advance
  1. If you plan to eat the congee the next day, slightly increase the water volume since it thickens as it cools.
  2. Store leftover congee in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat until piping hot (stir from time to time). Add a little water if it looks too dense.

Notes

  • Use stock instead of water to boost flavor, fully or partially.
  • Add raw meats or seafood near the end to cook quickly without overcooking the porridge.
  • Include cooked meats and soft toppings by stirring in after cooking stops.
  • Vegetables that cook quickly can be added at the end; harder vegetables should be added during the last 10 minutes.
  • Adjust seasoning like salt, soy sauce, or oils right before serving to taste.
  • Store leftover congee in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat gently, stirring frequently.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving (plain) Calories 125kcal (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 125

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving (plain)
Calories 125kcal 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.