Creamy Chinese Rice Congee (Comforting Rice Porridge) Recipe

Introduction

Congee is a comforting Chinese rice porridge that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a gentle, nourishing meal. This recipe yields a creamy, flavorful porridge that can be customized with simple garnishes for a delicious breakfast or light dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice (see notes)
• 6 cups water
• 6 cups low-sodium broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
• Salt (to taste)
• 6 green onions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
• Fresh ginger (julienned, for garnish)
• Sesame oil and soy sauce (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Transfer the rice to a large bowl and fill with cold water. Soak for 1 hour, then drain and rinse thoroughly.
2. Step 2: Place the soaked rice into a large pot and add 12 cups of your choice of cooking liquid (water, chicken broth, vegetable broth, beef broth, or a combination). Stir and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Step 3: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently, stirring every 10 to 20 minutes to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
4. Step 4: After about 60 to 90 minutes, uncover the pot and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes. Season with salt to taste and check the consistency. Add more liquid if you want it thinner, or cook longer uncovered for a thicker porridge.
5. Step 5: Serve the congee in bowls garnished with sliced green onions, julienned fresh ginger, a drizzle of sesame oil, and soy sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For quicker cooking, try using broken or regular short-grain rice instead of glutinous rice; adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Add cooked shredded chicken, mushrooms, or century eggs to make it more substantial.
• Stir the congee frequently near the end to achieve a smoother, creamier texture.
• If you prefer a thicker congee, reduce the amount of liquid or simmer uncovered longer.

Storage

Store leftover congee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency as it thickens upon cooling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for congee?

Yes, while glutinous rice produces a creamier texture, you can use regular short-grain or jasmine rice. Cooking times may vary and the texture may be less sticky.

How can I flavor congee without meat?

Use vegetable broth and add toppings like sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or pickled vegetables to create a flavorful vegetarian congee.

Creamy Chinese Rice Congee (Comforting Rice Porridge) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 749 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This traditional Chinese Congee recipe is a comforting and versatile rice porridge made by slow-cooking glutinous rice in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a nourishing breakfast or light meal, it features a creamy texture and is garnished with fresh green onions, julienned ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce to enhance its delicate flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice
• 6 cups water
• 6 cups low-sodium broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
• Salt, to taste

Garnishes

• 6 green onions, thinly sliced
• Fresh ginger, julienned
• Sesame oil, to garnish
• Soy sauce, to garnish

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Instructions

1. Soak the rice: Transfer the glutinous rice to a large bowl and fill with cold water. Let it soak for 1 hour to soften the grains, then drain and rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch.
2. Start cooking the congee: Place the soaked rice in a large pot and add 12 cups of cooking liquid, a combination of water and your choice of low-sodium chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil over high heat.
3. Simmer gently: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the congee to simmer gently. Stir every 10 to 20 minutes to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Continue simmering for approximately 60 to 90 minutes until the rice breaks down and the porridge achieves a creamy consistency.
4. Adjust consistency and seasoning: Uncover the pot and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until you reach your preferred thickness. Season with salt to taste. If the congee is too thick, add a bit more broth or water to thin it out.
5. Serve with garnishes: Ladle the hot congee into bowls and garnish generously with thinly sliced green onions, julienned fresh ginger, a drizzle of sesame oil, and soy sauce according to your preference to add depth of flavor.

Notes

• Soaking the rice helps achieve a creamier texture in the congee as it breaks down more effectively during cooking.
• You can customize the cooking liquid by mixing water and different types of broth for a richer flavor.
• Keep stirring periodically to prevent the rice from sticking and scorching at the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust garnishes according to taste and dietary preferences; for example, omit soy sauce for a lower-sodium version.
• Glutinous rice is preferred for its sticky and creamy consistency but can be substituted with short-grain rice if necessary.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese

Keywords: Congee, Chinese Rice Porridge, Glutinous Rice, Breakfast Porridge, Comfort Food, Rice Soup