Congee, the staple Asian dish, is more than just rice porridge. It’s a canvas of flavors, waiting for your creative touch. The beauty of congee recipes lies in their versatility – thick, filling, comforting, and delicious, with options to suit every taste. Whether you’re a vegan looking for a hearty veggie-packed bowl or a meat-lover craving a rich chicken, seafood, or pork congee, there’s something for everyone.
The foundation is simple: jasmine rice, broth or water, and spices – but feel free to get creative, adding your favorite ingredients to make the recipe truly yours. New to congee? Start by following the recipes as-is, then once you’re comfortable with the basics, experiment to make it your own.
Basic Congee
The essence of basic congee is laid bare in this straightforward recipe. By combining oil, ginger, garlic, rice, and other aromatics, you’ll create a flavorful and savory dinner that’s anything but basic. The addition of shrimp and scallops elevates the dish to new heights, imparting a rich, earthy, and umami flavor profile that’s further enhanced by the seafood’s natural protein content.
Put simply, this seafood-infused congee is a masterclass in balancing bold flavors and textures, making it an ideal introduction to the world of congee cooking – as long as you’re a fan of seafood, that is.
Vegan Congee (Jook)
For those seeking a vegan-friendly alternative, this recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional rice porridge. By incorporating the earthy flavors of mushrooms, lemongrass, ginger, and garlic, you’ll create a dish that’s both soothing and invigorating. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – it can be effortlessly prepared on your stovetop or Instant Pot, requiring just eight ingredients and mere 10 minutes of prep time.
If the flavors prove too subtle to your liking, feel free to elevate the dish with a variety of toppings. As I often do, you can add personal touches like peppers, shredded carrots, and mushrooms to suit your taste.
Congee With Miso Sauce
This quick congee recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a wholesome and scrumptious meal in no time. With less than 10 ingredients needed, you’ll be enjoying your nutritious bowl in just 15 minutes. The combination of veggies and hard-boiled eggs provides an impressive nutritional boost, while the bouillon powder, miso, and soya sauce work together to create an irresistible savory flavor profile.
Free from meat products (excluding chicken bouillon), this dish still packs a punch with its rich umami taste. Whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening, this congee makes for an excellent meal option – although I personally think it shines as a breakfast treat.
Instant Pot Vietnamese Chicken Congee
This comforting congee is akin to chicken noodle soup, but with a few key differences that make it even more satisfying. For one, it’s made with rice instead of noodles, giving it a rich, creamy base. Then there’s the tender shredded chicken and bold spices that add depth and warmth to every spoonful. And let’s not forget the giò cháo quẩy – crispy, savory little morsels that are essentially Asian-style croutons.
They provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft congee, making each bite a joy to experience.
Chinese Ham Bone Rice Soup (Congee)
To create a soothing and satisfying congee, gather just three essential ingredients: a ham bone, rice, and water. This trifecta of staples yields a comforting dish that’s both filling and flavorful. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to prepare.
Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let the magic unfold. With minimal hands-on effort required, you’ll be enjoying this warm, comforting bowl in no time.
Once it’s ready, feel free to add a personal touch with scallions, leeks, sesame seeds, or any other toppings that strike your fancy. Like stir-fry, congee is remarkably adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.
Seafood Congee
Imagine a culinary haven that combines the richness of seafood with the warmth of aromatic spices. This congee is exactly that, featuring whole shrimp paired with an impressive half-pound of crab meat – a match made in heaven for seafood enthusiasts. The harmonious blend of these two popular seafood options creates a truly mouthwatering experience.
But what sets this dish apart is its earthy foundation, courtesy of the ginger, cilantro, and scallions, which together evoke the cozy atmosphere of a seaside cafe on a warm day. With just one spoonful, you’ll be transported to a tranquil coastal setting, where the only thing more plentiful than the seafood is the charm.
Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Congee
Are you tired of being stuck with leftover rotisserie chicken? Look no further! This slow cooker chicken congee recipe is a game-changer. With only 20 minutes or less of prep time required, you can let the slow cooker do all the work while you sit back and relax. What’s unique about this dish is its perfect balance of earthy, spicy, and sweet flavors. The goji berries and dates add a touch of natural sweetness, making it a standout among other congee recipes.
If you’re craving a culinary experience that combines the best of everything, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Pork Bone Congee
Savoring the rich flavors of pork bone congee, this comforting dish boasts an impressive depth of meaty goodness. Not only does it feature succulent pork bone, but the addition of squid (or scallops) elevates its savory essence to new heights. To craft this delectable brew, you’ll need just a few pantry staples: salt, water, rice, scallions, cilantro, and pepper. With the slow cooker’s help, you can have everything simmering in 10 minutes or less.
This effortless recipe yields a dish that is at once salty, savory, and indulgently delicious, with the added bonus of a relatively low calorie count. The finished product boasts a luxurious, creamy texture, though connoisseurs may prefer a lighter consistency by adding more water to the mix. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of ginger or cayenne to awaken your taste buds.
Brown Rice Congee with Shiitake Mushrooms, Edamame, and Spinach
This vegan-friendly congee recipe is a treat for the taste buds, boasting an impressive array of vegetables in each serving. While it maintains the classic bold flavors from onions, garlic, ginger, and scallions, additional depth is brought by the incorporation of shiitake mushrooms and edamame. The mushrooms’ spongy texture allows them to effectively absorb the rich oils and sauces, while the rice’s high absorbency factor ensures that each bite delivers a double dose of flavor.
Chicken and Ginger Congee (GF)
When you’re feeling under the weather, there’s no better remedy than a warm, comforting bowl of congee – think of it as the chicken noodle soup alternative. The combination of tender chicken and hearty long grain rice provides a satisfying base, while the added zing from ginger adds an extra layer of warmth and comfort. Ginger, in particular, is a natural soother for sore throats and sinus infections, helping to clear out any congestion and leave you feeling refreshed.
For a pick-me-up lunch option that’s sure to hit the spot, give this congee recipe a try – it’s the perfect way to nurse yourself back to health.
