Here’s a simple, comforting Congee recipe — a silky rice porridge popular across East and Southeast Asia. It’s soothing, customizable, and perfect when you want something warm and nourishing.
🍚 Basic Congee (Rice Porridge)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 cup white rice (jasmine or short-grain works well)
- 8–10 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced (optional but recommended)
Steps
- Rinse the Rice
Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. - Simmer
In a large pot, combine rice, water/broth, salt, and ginger.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. - Cook Slowly
Simmer uncovered or partially covered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The rice will break down and thicken into a creamy porridge. - Adjust Texture
- Thicker: cook longer.
- Thinner: add hot water or broth.
- Serve Hot
Remove ginger slices before serving (if using).
🍗 Chicken Congee (Popular Version)
Add:
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Stir into the congee during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
🥢 Traditional Toppings
- Sliced green onions
- Soft-boiled egg or century egg
- Crispy fried shallots
- Soy sauce or chili oil
- Cooked mushrooms
- Shredded chicken or pork
- Fresh cilantro
⚡ Quick Tip (Faster Method)
Freeze rinsed rice for a few hours before cooking — frozen rice grains break down faster and cook into congee more quickly.
If you’d like, I can give you:
- 🥩 Pork congee
- 🥬 Vegetarian mushroom congee
- 🐟 Seafood congee
- 🥣 Instant Pot / slow cooker congee version
