Rice Congee Recipes

EASY RICE CONGEE

Steps:

• Rice cooker: Dump all ingredients (except garnishes) into rice cooker, turn it on and stir occasionally, until congee is smooth and no longer grainy.
• Stovetop: Combine all ingredients (except garnishes) in a medium saucepan, bring to boil over medium heat then turn down heat and let simmer until water has been absorbed.
• Add more water/broth if necessary (for both methods)
• Sprinkle with black/white pepper, a few drops of sesame oil and chopped scallions just before serving.

CONGEE (CHINESE RICE PORRIDGE) RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Rinse and wash the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes; then drain the water.
• In a large pot or Dutch oven , bring the rice and 8 cups of water or stock to a boil.
• When the rice is boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low. Place the lid on the pot, tilting it to allow some of the steam to escape (the same as you would do when cooking white rice ).
• Cook on medium-low to low heat, stirring occasionally,​ until the rice has the thick, creamy texture of porridge. This can take about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours.
• Add the salt, taste, and add any seasonings or toppings as desired, such as crushed peanuts.
• Rinse and wash the rice and soak the rice in the water for 30 minutes; then drain the water.
• Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the rice and mix evenly. Adding oil can help the rice cook quicker and also make the congee smoother and softer in texture.
• In a large pot or Dutch oven, boil the water and add the rice.
• Turn the heat down to medium and keep stirring the rice for five minutes.
• Turn the heat to medium-low, put on the lid, and simmer for 45 minutes. You can tilt the lid to allow the steam to escape. Season to taste and add your choice of toppings.
• Rinse and wash the rice and soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain the water.
• Put the rice into a freezer bag and freeze for 2 to 3 hours. This can result in a smoother textured congee.
• Boil 1 quart of water in a large pot or Dutch oven and then add the frozen rice into the boiling water.
• Bring it to a boil again, lower the heat to medium, and cook for 15 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and cover with the lid; let sit for 15 minutes before seasoning and adding your choice of toppings.

SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN CONGEE

Steps:

• Place chicken, stock, rice, chiles, ginger, garlic, and salt in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 8 hours.
• Remove chiles and ginger. Stir, breaking up chicken into bite-size pieces. Divide congee among bowls. Serve with an assortment of toppings alongside.
• Do Ahead
• Congee can be made 3 days ahead; transfer to an airtight container and chill. Reheat in a large pot over medium, stirring in water as needed to loosen.

VIETNAMESE CHICKEN AND LONG-GRAIN RICE CONGEE

Steps:

• Place chicken in a stock pot. Pour in enough water to cover chicken. Add ginger, lemon grass, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and gently simmer for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours.
• Strain broth, and return broth to stock pot. Let chicken cool, then remove bones and skin, and tear into bite-size pieces; set aside.
• Stir rice into broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If necessary, adjust with water or additional salt. The congee is done, but can be left to cook an additional 45 minutes for better consistency.
• Ladle congee into bowls, and top with chicken, cilantro, chives, and pepper. Squeeze lime juice to taste.

RICE PORRIDGE (CONGEE) WITH CENTURY EGG AND PORK (OR CHICKEN)

Steps:

• Soak the rinsed white rice, salt and vegetable oil in the cold water for 30 minutes.
• Add the ginger and chicken broth and bring to a boil, simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally in the beginning and then more frequently near the last 10 minutes (to prevent sticking).
• Add the green onions, century eggs, and chicken or pork. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add the sesame oil and ground white pepper.
• Serve the congee in bowls and garnish with a tiny drizzle of the dark soy sauce (start with a tiny bit at first, add more later if desired) and garnish with some chopped green onions.
• Enjoy!