There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of congee. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving a nourishing meal, or just want a simple, cozy dish to warm your soul, this congee recipe is the ultimate answer.
But congee is so much more than just rice and water. It’s a versatile comfort food that’s been a staple across Asia for centuries. Every culture puts its own delicious spin on it, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and customize at home.
In this guide, we’ll break down what congee is, how to cook it from scratch, how to level it up with toppings and proteins, and why it might just become your go-to cozy meal.
🌾 What Is Congee?
Congee, also known as rice porridge, is a soft, savory dish made by simmering rice in a large amount of liquid (usually water or broth) until it breaks down into a creamy, porridge-like texture. Think of it as the Asian version of oatmeal—but made with rice, and usually savory.
Popular across countries like China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand, congee goes by many names: jook (Cantonese), zhou (Mandarin), okayu (Japanese), cháo (Vietnamese), and more. It can be enjoyed plain or topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients—from ginger and scallions to shredded chicken, century egg, or pork floss.
🛒 Ingredients for a Basic Congee Recipe
Let’s start with a simple plain congee base. Once you have this down, the variations are endless.
✨ Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (jasmine or short grain preferred)
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 1–2 slices of fresh ginger (optional but highly recommended)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
Optional (but tasty) toppings:
- Sliced scallions
- Fried shallots
- Sesame oil or soy sauce
- Hard-boiled egg or century egg
- Cooked chicken, pork, or tofu
🍲 How to Make Congee – Step-by-Step Guide
This easy congee recipe can be made on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. Here’s how to do it the traditional way on the stove.
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and prevents it from getting too gummy.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice, water or broth, ginger slices, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 3: Stir Occasionally
Simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally so the rice doesn’t stick. Add more water if it gets too thick—it should be soupy and smooth.
🍚 Pro Tip: Want ultra-creamy congee? Break the rice slightly with a spoon or whisk as it cooks to release more starch.
Step 4: Adjust Texture and Flavor
Taste and adjust the salt. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of sesame oil or a bit of cooked chicken broth at the end.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Spoon the congee into bowls and top with your favorites—scallions, soy sauce, a soft egg, shredded chicken, or chili oil.
🍗 Popular Congee Variations
While plain congee is delicious, here are some regional and protein-rich variations you might want to try:
1. Chicken Congee (Jook Gai)
Add shredded cooked chicken and season with soy sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil. A comforting classic.
2. Century Egg and Pork Congee
A Chinese favorite made with century egg and ground pork or pork slices. Rich, creamy, and umami-packed.
3. Ginger Fish Congee
Add sliced white fish (like tilapia or cod) and plenty of fresh ginger for a light, nourishing variation.
4. Vegetarian Congee
Use veggie broth and add mushrooms, bok choy, or tofu. Top with sesame seeds and chili oil for a kick.
5. Beef Congee
Add thin slices of marinated beef right before serving—hot congee cooks it instantly to tender perfection.
🕒 Time-Saving Cooking Methods
No time to simmer on the stove? These alternative methods work like a charm:
🥘 Slow Cooker Congee
- Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours
- Stir and serve
⚡ Instant Pot Congee
- Use the porridge setting or cook on manual high pressure for 20–25 minutes
- Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before opening
💡 Bonus: Use pre-cooked rice to make a quick 20-minute congee with leftover rice and broth on the stovetop!
🧂 Seasoning and Flavor Boosts
Once your congee is cooked, it’s time to jazz it up! Here are some ways to flavor your bowl:
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Sesame oil or chili oil
- White pepper (classic in Chinese congee)
- Fish sauce (common in Vietnamese versions)
- Fermented tofu, pickled vegetables, or preserved egg for umami richness
🥣 Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well with Congee?
While congee can be a meal on its own, it’s often served with side recipe or garnishes for added flavor and texture.
Popular Pairings:
- You tiao (Chinese fried dough) – perfect for dipping
- Pickled vegetables or preserved radish
- Boiled peanuts or toasted peanuts
- Fried garlic or crispy shallots
- Soft-boiled eggs
🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips
Congee stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months
- To reheat: Add a splash of water or broth and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot and creamy
🔁 Stir while reheating to prevent sticking and get that perfect consistency again.
🧠 Why Congee Is So Beloved
Congee isn’t just a dish—it’s comfort in a bowl. It’s what grandma makes when you’re sick, what’s served as breakfast in hotels across Asia, and what millions of people rely on as an affordable, healing, and satisfying staple.
Here’s why people love it:
- 🌱 Easy to digest – great for sick days or sensitive stomachs
- ⏳ Budget-friendly – just rice and water can go a long way
- 🧂 Customizable – change the texture, protein, spice level, and toppings
- 🥣 One-pot wonder – simple, cozy, minimal cleanup
- 🍱 Meal prep friendly – make ahead and reheat as needed
🧧 Final Thoughts: Why Everyone Needs a Congee Recipe in Their Life
There’s a reason congee has stood the test of time across so many cultures—it’s comforting, versatile, nourishing, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you stick with a traditional Chinese congee recipe, opt for a modern chicken and egg combo, or invent your own flavor-packed bowl, you really can’t go wrong.
So next time you’re wondering what to cook with minimal ingredients and maximum soul-warming goodness, remember this congee recipe. It’s not just food—it’s a hug in a bowl.
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