Congee: the easy, delicious recipe for Chinese rice porridge

Congee, or conjee, is a delicious classic Chinese rice porridge that's often eaten at breakfast. This easy-to-make dish is found all over Asia, with variations of rice porridge being made in Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, and other countries.

Congee can be enjoyed plain, sweet or savory according to the topping. In fact, it is usually served with savory ingredients like meat, vegetables, nuts, or fish, but it can also be made sweet.

Congee has a wonderful pudding-like texture, which is one reason it's often served when people are feeling under the weather – it's comforting and easy to digest.

What is Congee?

Congee (pronounced kon-jee) is a delicious rice porridge that is eaten across Asia, including China, India, Korea (where it's known as jūk), Japan (where it's called okayu), with many regional variations across Southeast Asia.

It can be enjoyed plain or with additional ingredients like meat, fish, chicken, or vegetables. Jook is a similar dish that's specific to the province of Guangdong. It's a savory version of Chinese rice porridge which is usually cooked with water rather than broth.

Regular congee is not served at Chinese New Year as it's believed to be unlucky due to the association with poverty.

What is the Best Rice for Congee?

Long-grain rice such as jasmine rice is the most popular choice for making congee. This will give your rice porridge the best flavor and texture. Basmati rice is another good option.

Other cultures use short-grain or medium-grain rice. Ultimately, any type of starchier rice works as the starch will give your porridge the best texture.

Chinese Rice Pudding Ingredients

To make a basic congee, all you need is long-grain rice, broth or water, and a dash of salt.

You can add other ingredients such as vegetables, meats, poultry, or nuts to make your congee heartier and more flavorful.

How to Make Congee

If you've never made Chinese rice porridge before, don't worry – it's incredibly easy! Start by rinsing the rice well under cold water. Once it runs clear, place it in a bowl with water and let it soak for about half an hour. Drain off the water and put the rice into a large pot.

Add the stock to the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil. As soon as the rice is boiling, lower the heat. Pop the lid on the pot, making sure it's at an angle to allow steam to escape. Cook the rice until it thickens, about 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours, making sure to stir every so often.

How to Serve Congee

Congee can be eaten at any time of the day. There are loads of tasty additional ingredients to add to your congee.

Add in bok choy, soft-boiled egg, chopped nuts, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, shredded beef, pork, or chicken, ginkgo nuts, or lotus root to make your congee even more delicious and hearty.

Tips for the Best Chinese Rice Pudding

Don't forget to wash then soak the rice before you get started. This step is key.

To add a touch of bright herbal flavor to your Chinese rice pudding, add chopped cilantro or some Thai basil.

You can make a dessert congee by adding ingredients like rock sugar, raisins, or jujubes.

How to Store Congee

Place your Chinese rice pudding in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Instructions

Wash the rice until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 30 minutes. Drain.

Place the rice into a large pot. Add in the stock and bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Put the lid on the pot at an angle so some of the steam can escape.

Cook until the rice thickens, stirring occasionally, about 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours.

Garnish with green onion, then serve the congee plain or with a topping.