Beyond the realm of traditional porridge, congee is often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with Asian cuisine. These incredible congee recipes are thick, filling, comforting, and delicious, making them a staple in many Asian households.
With such a diverse range of flavors and ingredients, there’s a recipe to suit every taste bud, whether you’re vegan or not. Congee itself is essentially a rice porridge, but with a multitude of variations that set it apart from its humble origins.
Vegan Shiitake Congee with Spinach & Edamame
Sometimes, traditional recipes can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs without compromising on taste or nutrition. Such is the case with this exceptional vegan-friendly congee recipe, which manages to pack an impressive array of vegetables into each serving.
Seafood Lover’s Delight in One Bowl
Delightful congee is every seafood lover’s dream come true, featuring an unbeatable combination of whole shrimp and half-pound of crab meat, two of the most popular seafood options in one incredibly flavorful package. The addition of ginger, cilantro, and scallions provides a warm, earthy foundation that perfectly complements the brininess of the seafood, instantly transporting you to a charming seaside cafe where every spoonful feels like a culinary getaway.
Easy Ham Bone Congee Recipe
For those looking to cook a hearty and comforting meal without much fuss, this effortless congee recipe is a perfect solution. With just three simple ingredients – ham bone, rice, and water – you can create a delicious and filling dish that’s sure to satisfy your appetite. The beauty of this congee lies in its ease of preparation, as it requires minimal hands-on work and can be left to simmer away in a slow cooker until ready.
Once cooked, feel free to get creative with additional toppings such as scallions, leeks, sesame seeds, or other herbs and spices that suit your taste preferences – just like stir-fry, congee is an incredibly versatile dish.
Spiced Chicken Congee with Leftover Love
Combine leftover rotisserie chicken with a medley of earthy and spicy flavors by trying our slow cooker chicken congee recipe. This dish requires minimal prep time – just 20 minutes or less – after which your slow cooker takes over the cooking process. The result is a harmonious blend of flavor profiles, featuring a light sweetness from goji berries and dates, complemented by a subtle spiciness.
Easy Seafood Congee Recipe
Elevating basic congee to new heights, this recipe takes simplicity to a whole new level. It’s a straightforward combination of ingredients that come together in perfect harmony – oil, ginger, garlic, rice, and more. The addition of shrimp and scallops not only boosts the protein content but also infuses a rich, earthy, umami flavor into each spoonful. With its delicate balance of flavors and textures, this seafood-based congee is an absolute delight to savor.
Whether you’re a seasoned congee enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Asian cuisine, this recipe serves as an excellent introduction to the dish. And with its ease of preparation, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience the authentic taste of congee without any fuss.
Quick Miso Congee Delight
Savoring a quick and nutritious meal is often at the forefront of our minds when we’re short on time. Fortunately, this congee dish has got you covered. With fewer than 10 ingredients required to make it, you can whip up a delicious and balanced meal in just 15 minutes.
Hearty Pork Bone Broth Rice Porridge
Focusing on simplicity and flavor, pork bone congee offers an incredibly satisfying meal option. In addition to rich pork bones, this dish boasts another bold ingredient: squid (or scallops), which contribute a distinctive heartiness. To make it, you’ll need just a few staples: salt, water, rice, scallions, cilantro, and pepper. The best part? It’s ready in 10 minutes or less, thanks to the slow cooker.
While the recipe itself is uncomplicated, the finished congee is anything but – its rich flavor profile is both savory and salty, with a remarkably low calorie count to boot. One of the perks of this dish is that you can tailor it to your taste by adjusting the consistency: if you prefer a thinner congee, simply add more water to achieve the desired texture. For an added kick, consider introducing a dash of ginger or cayenne for a spicy twist.
Spicy Chicken Congee with Crispy Rice Bites
Just imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, comforting bowl of creamy congee that’s packed with tender shredded chicken and an assortment of bold spices. This humble Vietnamese dish is often overlooked in favor of its more popular Western counterpart, but trust us when we say it’s a game-changer. Unlike the traditional chicken noodle soup, congee swaps out noodles for a base of fluffy rice, resulting in a far more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
And let’s not forget about those giò cháo quẩy – crispy fried dough sticks that add a delightful textural element to each spoonful, much like Asian croutons. The combination is nothing short of magical, with every bite delivering a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling cozy and content.
Easy Vegan Mushroom Congee Recipe
Alternatively, if you’re seeking a vegan-friendly option, consider using this modified recipe. This dish is designed to be a gentle complement to rice porridge, infused with the subtle flavors of mushrooms, lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, allowing you to whip it up on your stovetop or within the Instant Pot in no time. The ingredient list is minimal, consisting of just eight components that require a mere 10 minutes of initial preparation.
If the flavor proves too understated for your taste preferences, feel free to elevate it with suggested toppings from the recipe. In my experience, adding sliced peppers, shredded carrots, and extra mushrooms can add an exciting depth to the dish.
Chicken and Ginger Congee (GF)
Adding some extra nutrition to your diet can be especially important when you’re not feeling well. This congee recipe is an excellent alternative to traditional chicken noodle soup options. Its comforting combination of chicken and long-grain rice provides the heartiness needed on a bad day, while the generous amount of ginger adds a significant kick of spice that can help ease sore throats and sinus infections.
Ginger has natural decongestant properties that can clear out congestion quickly, making it an excellent addition to this recipe. If you’re in need of a nourishing and comforting meal to lift your spirits, give this congee a try for your next pick-me-up lunch.
