Congee is a cherished Chinese rice porridge known for its silky texture and ability to warm the soul year-round. This vegetarian version keeps the traditional umami flavor thanks to fresh ginger and soy sauce, offering a light yet deeply comforting base.
Ingredients
How many are you cooking for?
Original recipe for 4 servings
- 1 cup short-grain white rice
- 8 cups water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 boiled eggs
- 4 green onions finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Step by step
Follow the timeline: technique icon, time and temperature when relevant.
- Step 1 Prep 5 min
Place one cup of short-grain white rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it under running water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch and prevents the congee from becoming gluey during cooking.
- Step 2 Pot / simmer 45 min
Transfer the rinsed rice to a heavy-bottomed pot, add eight cups of cold water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat; once boiling, reduce immediately to low heat, cover slightly and cook for 45 minutes without stirring.
- Step 3 Pot / simmer 15 min
After half an hour, uncover and stir with a wooden spoon in circular motions to gradually release the starch; if the liquid evaporates too much, add a glass of boiling water to maintain a constant cooking temperature.
- Step 4 Pot / simmer 5 min
Incorporate two tablespoons of sesame oil, one tablespoon of fresh grated ginger and one tablespoon of soy sauce; mix well and let the flavors integrate for five more minutes over very low heat.
- Step 5 Cook 8 min 100 °C
Meanwhile, boil two eggs in a separate saucepan for exactly eight minutes to achieve a creamy yolk; drain, peel and quarter them just before serving to prevent them from drying out.
- Step 6 Serve 2 min
Divide the hot congee among four ceramic bowls, place the egg quarters on top, sprinkle chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds; serve immediately to preserve the silky texture and fresh aroma.