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Bowl of Easy Congee - comforting Chinese rice porridge with toppings.

Easy Congee

A soothing Chinese rice porridge that's gentle, filling, and customizable with various toppings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup white rice (jasmine, long grain, or short grain)
  • 8 to 10 cups water or broth Use broth for a richer flavor.
  • 1 to 2 slices ginger (optional) Thin slices for gentle flavor.
  • 1 to 1.5 teaspoons salt Add at the end to taste.
Optional Toppings
  • scallions For topping.
  • soy sauce or tamari For seasoning.
  • a few drops sesame oil For flavor enhancement.
  • egg, shredded chicken, tofu, or mushrooms For added protein.

Method
 

Cooking the Congee
  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice in a fine strainer until the water looks clearer.
  2. Add rice to a pot with 8 cups of water or broth, and optional ginger slices.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring every so often until creamy.
  5. Add salt to taste at the end. If it thickens too much, splash in hot water and stir.
  6. Ladle into bowls and top with desired toppings.

Notes

Congee thickens when refrigerated. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and stir until smooth. It can also be frozen in portions, but the texture may change.