Start your day off right with a warm, comforting bowl of congee. This ancient Chinese rice porridge has been a staple for centuries, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, versatile, and can be flavored in countless ways. Whether you’re looking for a simple comfort food or a nutritious meal to fuel your morning, we’ve got 20 delicious congee recipes to try.
From classic chicken and ginger to spicy beef and cilantro, our list has something for everyone. We’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world, exploring flavors and ingredients from China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a new breakfast routine, these congee recipes are sure to become fast favorites.
In this article, we’ll share our top 20 congee recipes, each one featuring unique flavor combinations and cooking techniques. From hearty meat-based options to light and refreshing vegetarian varieties, there’s something for every taste and dietary preference.
So go ahead, grab a spoon, and dig in – your morning just got a whole lot cozier!
Classic Chicken and Ginger Congee
A comforting and nourishing Chinese-inspired rice porridge that warms the soul. This recipe combines tender chicken, fragrant ginger, and savory broth with a bowl of soft congee.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the sliced ginger and cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has reduced slightly.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the congee has reached desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pork and Century Egg Congee
This comforting congee recipe combines the savory flavors of pork and century eggs with a soothing rice porridge, perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice (also known as sweet rice)
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 pound pork belly or shoulder, sliced into small pieces
– 1 century egg, sliced into wedges
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions and soy sauce for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the rice and combine with 2 cups of fresh water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Add the sliced pork and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
4. Stir in the sliced century egg and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and a drizzle of soy sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Seafood Medley Congee with Shrimp and Scallops
Congee is a comforting, Asian-inspired rice porridge that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This seafood medley version adds succulent shrimp and scallops for an extra boost of protein and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 pound scallops, rinsed and patted dry
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add shrimp and scallops; cook until pink and cooked through.
3. Add cooked rice, water, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vegetable Mushroom Congee with Bok Choy
This comforting congee recipe combines tender vegetables, savory mushrooms, and nutritious bok choy in a rich and flavorful broth. Perfect for a soothing meal or as a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 bunch bok choy, chopped
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add bok choy and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
5. Add rice and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the congee has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Spicy Beef and Cilantro Congee
Congee, a comforting rice porridge, gets a flavorful boost from spicy beef and fresh cilantro. This hearty dish is perfect for a chilly day or as a soothing meal any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups water
– 1 lb beef brisket or chuck, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions, then set aside.
3. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic, ginger, Szechuan peppercorns, scallions, and cilantro. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir in soy sauce, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine cooked rice with the beef mixture and stir well to combine.
7. Simmer congee over low heat for 20-30 minutes or until desired consistency is reached.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Cantonese Fish Fillet Congee
This Cantonese-style congee is a popular comfort food that warms the soul. The addition of fish fillets adds protein and flavor to this creamy rice porridge.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked glutinous rice
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 pound fish fillet (such as tilapia or cod), cut into small pieces
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain the water and set the rice aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
3. Add the fish fillet pieces and cook until they turn opaque.
4. Add the soaked glutinous rice, 4 cups of water, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the congee has thickened to desired consistency.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Sweet Potato and Peanut Congee
Warm up with this comforting and nutritious congee recipe, perfect for a chilly day or as a soothing breakfast option.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup of uncooked white rice
– 4 cups of water
– 1/4 cup of creamy natural peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (optional)
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine diced sweet potatoes and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
2. Add rice to the pot and continue to cook for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Stir in peanut butter and soy sauce (if using). Season with salt to taste.
4. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Herbal Chicken Congee with Goji Berries
This nourishing congee recipe combines the comforting warmth of chicken broth with the soothing properties of herbal tea and the antioxidant boost of goji berries. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a healthy breakfast option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried chicken broth concentrate
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon dried peppermint leaves
– 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup goji berries
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional)
– Scallions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth concentrate, water, peppermint leaves, chamomile flowers, ginger, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Add chicken pieces and continue to simmer until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in goji berries and soy sauce (if using).
5. Serve hot, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Kimchi and Tofu Congee
This spicy and comforting Korean-inspired congee combines the bold flavors of kimchi with tender tofu, perfect for a cozy night in or as a soothing breakfast option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup short-grain rice (or glutinous rice)
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Scallions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the rice, then combine with 2 cups of fresh water in a medium saucepan.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the congee has thickened.
4. Add chopped kimchi, tofu, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the congee. Stir well to combine.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with scallions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Coconut Milk Congee with Pandan Leaves
Coconut Milk Congee with Pandan Leaves: A Creamy and Fragrant Rice Porridge
This recipe combines the comforting warmth of congee with the unique flavor and aroma of pandan leaves, all wrapped up in a rich coconut milk broth. Perfect for a soothing breakfast or as a snack to warm your belly on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 pandan leaves, tied together with string (or 1 teaspoon pandan extract)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and combine it with the water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Add the shredded coconut, coconut milk, and pandan leaves (or extract) to the congee. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the liquid has thickened slightly.
3. Season with salt to taste. Serve warm, garnished with additional shredded coconut if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Minced Pork and Salted Egg Congee
A comforting and savory Chinese rice porridge, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. This recipe combines the rich flavors of minced pork and salted eggs with the warmth of congee.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup minced pork
– 2 salted eggs, mashed
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine cooked rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until congee reaches desired consistency.
2. Add minced pork, mashed salted eggs, soy sauce, and vegetable oil to the congee. Stir well to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Abalone and Shiitake Mushroom Congee
This recipe combines the richness of abalone with the earthy flavor of shiitake mushrooms, all wrapped up in a soothing congee. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a nourishing breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup abalone meat (fresh or canned), cut into small pieces
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4-6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add abalone meat and cook until opaque, about 5 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms, ginger, salt, and white pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or overnight.
7. Stir in soy sauce (if using) before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Corn and Crab Meat Congee
Congee, a traditional Chinese rice porridge, is often served as a comforting and nourishing meal or snack. This recipe adds a sweet and savory twist by incorporating corn and crab meat, making it perfect for a cozy evening or a quick breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup canned corn kernels
– 1/4 cup cooked and flaked crab meat (jumbo lump or claw meat)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice, water, and vegetable oil. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the congee has thickened slightly.
3. Add corn kernels and crab meat. Stir well to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lotus Seed and Red Date Congee
This traditional Chinese congee recipe combines the nourishing properties of lotus seeds with the natural sweetness of red dates, creating a comforting and soothing porridge perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried lotus seeds
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 4-6 dried red dates, pitted
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lotus seeds and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked lotus seeds again.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the drained lotus seeds, water or chicken broth, and pitted red dates.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours or until the congee reaches your desired consistency.
5. If desired, add sesame oil and season with salt to taste.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours
Turmeric and Lemongrass Congee
Congee, a traditional Asian porridge, gets a flavorful boost from the addition of turmeric and lemongrass. This comforting dish is perfect for any time of day or as a restorative remedy.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups water
– 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: garnishes like chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the rice again.
3. In a large pot, combine the rice, 4 cups of water, grated ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the porridge has thickened.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours
Scallion and Ginger Congee with Crispy Shallots
This traditional Chinese rice porridge gets a flavorful boost from sautéed scallions, ginger, and crispy shallots. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or soothing snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (white and green parts)
– 1 shallot, thinly sliced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve until water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant (1 minute).
4. Add scallions to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until softened (2-3 minutes). Season with salt.
5. Cook shallot slices in a separate skillet over high heat until crispy and golden brown (2-3 minutes per side).
6. Serve congee hot, topped with scallion mixture and crispy shallots.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Black Garlic and Chicken Congee
Congee, a popular Asian porridge, gets a savory twist with the addition of black garlic and chicken. This comforting bowl is perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cloves black garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine cooked rice, chicken, and black garlic. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the congee has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Egg Drop Congee
This comforting congee recipe combines the warmth of eggs with the nourishing power of spinach, perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably leftover)
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine cooked rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Crack eggs into the congee and stir gently in a circular motion to create egg drop patterns.
4. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until eggs are cooked through.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tom Yum Inspired Spicy Congee
This recipe takes the traditional Chinese congee (rice porridge) and gives it a bold and spicy twist, inspired by the flavors of Tom Yum soup. The result is a comforting and aromatic bowl that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Tom Yum paste (or homemade version)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine cooked rice, broth, ginger, garlic, Tom Yum paste, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the congee has thickened slightly.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Congee with Dried Scallops and Chrysanthemum
This traditional Chinese congee recipe is a soothing and flavorful comfort food, perfect for cold winter days or when you need a boost of energy. The combination of creamy rice porridge, tender dried scallops, and fragrant chrysanthemum tea creates a nourishing and calming meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup dried scallops
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups chrysanthemum tea (or 1 tablespoon dried chrysanthemum flowers)
– Salt to taste
– Optional: scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the rice and cook it with 4 cups of water until creamy, about 1 hour.
3. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the dried scallops until rehydrated and tender.
4. Add sliced onion to the pan and stir-fry until softened.
5. Strain the chrysanthemum tea and add it to the congee pot with cooked rice and scallop mixture.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes, season with salt to taste.
7. Serve warm, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Summary
Get cozy this morning with these 20 comforting congee recipes! From classic chicken and ginger to seafood medley and spicy beef, there’s something for everyone. Try pairing pork with century eggs or making a vegetarian option with mushrooms and bok choy. Or go bold with abalone and shiitake mushroom or kimchi and tofu. And don’t forget the sweet potato and peanut congee for a creamy treat. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed breakfast or a soothing bowl of goodness, these recipes have got you covered.
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