How to Make Congee (Rice Porridge)! This cozy comfort food is perfect for chilly weather, cleaning out the fridge, or fighting a cold.
When our diet changed a few years ago, I was surprised by how often we could adapt our old favorites to be gluten and dairy free without too much trouble. We’ve even made pretty good progress over the last few years with our holiday favorites, from pie crust to sweet potato casserole.
Then we got a round of colds.
Chicken noodle soup was no longer an option. All the noodles I tried just fell apart over time, and veggie noodles (while delicious) weren’t quite the same as the soft-cooked noodles I had grown up with in soup. So, I took to researching chicken and rice soup recipes and that’s when I came upon congee. Congee is a simple Asian soup recipe that relies on good-quality broth and rice to make an almost porridge-like texture. It’s warm, soothing, and comforting–perfect for stuffy noses and sore throats, or any time you’re looking for some cozy comfort.
Even better are all the glorious things you can top it with.
How I love my congee (rice porridge):
I don’t claim for a second that this congee recipe is perfectly authentic, though I’ve done my best. I don’t have a drop of Asian heritage to speak of, so my recipe and method have been cobbled together from other congee recipes I’ve tried over the last three years and have settled just where I like them.
The congee itself is pretty mild–it gets its flavor from rice and broth (so the better the broth, the better the soup). I season my broth with a little bit of fresh ginger and garlic to add a layer of flavor, and then top it with all kinds of things. Some people like a few drops of Sriracha or even a bit of kimchi for some kick, but my favorites are splash of tamari (you could use soy sauce or coconut aminos), some fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, freshly cracked pepper, and a poached egg.
The poached egg is really where it’s at for me with congee. I’ve stepped up my egg game a lot in the last few years, and a well-cooked egg is one of my desert island foods. Eggs are such an easy, portable, adaptable source of protein, and they add a bit of richness to the congee here. In my mind, they’re a must.
Using quality ingredients is so important in a dish like this (that has so few ingredients!) to make each ingredient count. So pull out those pots and pans and get cooking! This congee (and those gorgeous poached eggs!) are calling!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Congee:
Good-Quality Eggs. Though you can choose lots of toppings for congee, I think a good egg is a must.
Better Broth. The better your broth, the better your congee, and if there is any way for you to use a bone-based broth, I highly, HIGLY recommend that. I use this method to make it in my slow cooker, but you can also make it in an instant pot or on the stovetop.
Let’s talk leftovers. Congee will thicken the longer it cooks and when the leftovers are refrigerated. Simply add a bit of water (or more broth, if you have it) to the leftovers before re-heating to thin it back out.
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Cozy, Comforting Congee
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
You’ll need to use white rice for this recipe, though you can choose whether that’s basmati, long-grain, short grain, or even jasmine.
Ingredients
For the congee:
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 6–7 cups chicken broth (I like chicken bone broth for more protein!)
For garnish (choose a few):
- Poached eggs, such as the happy egg co. eggs. (see below for instructions)
- Tamari (or soy sauce or coconut aminos)
- sliced green onion or fresh cilantro
- salt and pepper
- Other ideas: sriracha, kimchi, sautéed spinach
Instructions
- Rinse your rice in a mesh strainer to until the water runs almost clear. Place in a large pot with 6 cups stock.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook at least 45-60 minutes, stirring regularly until the rice has broken down a bit and the texture is almost porridge-y. If you want your congee thinner, add a little more broth to the pan.
- Scoop into bowls and top with toppings!
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator, and use within a few days (4-5). Congee will continue to thicken as it cools and sits, so you’ll want to add a little water or broth to it when you re-heat leftovers.
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Super easy! have a sore throat and this is really soothing, soft and warm.
About 5 mins before serving i threw in raw prawns (no tails) – Enough for 2 per serving. Is a nice treat.
Delicious! So glad you enjoyed it!
I made this just now and it provided a yummy breakfast after adding the poached egg, green onion, coconut aminos and S&P. I’ve had this recipe saved for quite some time but only now made the time to try it. Super easy, and I look forward to leftovers. If I could send you a photo, I would.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Jacki! It makes such a great breakfast!