I'm so thrilled to share these 10 congee recipes with you! Congee is that thick, soul-warming rice porridge that's a staple in so many Asian kitchens, and once you try it, you'll understand why. It's simple at heart, but every version here packs in something extra yummy.
1. Congee with Miso Sauce
When I need a nourishing, flavor-packed meal in record time, this is it. With less than 10 ingredients and just 15 minutes, it's a total weeknight hero.
The mix of veggies and hard-boiled eggs brings all the nutrients, while bouillon powder, miso, and soy sauce layer in that incredible savory umami. The chicken bouillon is the only animal-derived component here, but the whole bowl is still phenomenally rich and satisfying.
2. Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken Congee
Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Here's your new favorite way to use it up.
This congee is a slow cooker miracle: 20 minutes of prep, then you let the machine do its thing. It's earthy with a whisper of spice, which I love, but here's the twist: goji berries and dates sneak in a gentle sweetness that balances everything out so beautifully.
3. Basic Congee
When I want a straightforward, no-fuss congee that still delivers on flavor, this is the one I reach for. You'll simmer rice with oil, ginger, garlic, and a few other pantry staples until it's fragrant and herby.
Then I toss in shrimp and scallops, which take it just beyond basic with that rich, earthy umami and a boost of protein. For something so simple, it's surprisingly hearty.
4. Brown Rice Congee with Shiitake Mushrooms, Edamame, and Spinach
Another gem for my vegan friends! This brown rice congee is absolutely loaded with veggies in every single spoonful.
You get those classic bold notes from onion, garlic, ginger, and scallions, then shiitake mushrooms and edamame jump in for even more oomph. I especially love how the mushrooms soak up all the oils and sauces, and the absorbent rice doubles down on flavor, so every bite is a flavor bomb.
5. Seafood Congee
Calling all seafood fans, this one's for you. Whole shrimp and a generous half pound of crab meat come together in one glorious, briny bowl.
It's like the ocean decided to throw a party in your mouth, all anchored by a warm, earthy base of ginger, cilantro, and scallions. That fresh from the sea flavor comes through in every spoonful.
6. Chicken and Ginger Congee (GF)
When a cold hits, I reach for this congee instead of chicken noodle soup. It's got all the comforting chicken flavor and the satisfying heft of long grain rice, but the real star is the ginger.
There's plenty of it, giving the broth a spicy warmth that's known to soothe sore throats and help clear out sinuses. It's like a delicious, edible remedy.
7. Pork Bone Congee
This congee is thick and silky, with a deep meatiness from the pork bone and your choice of squid or scallops. That seafood addition gives it an unbelievably hearty depth.
Beyond that, the ingredient list is wonderfully short: salt, water, rice, scallions, cilantro, and pepper. Ten minutes to get it into the slow cooker, and then you kick back while it works its magic.
8. Vegan Congee (Jook)
When I want a completely plant-based bowl, this one's it. It's beautifully mild but far from boring, with mushrooms, lemongrass, ginger, and garlic waking up the rice porridge.
I love how effortlessly it comes together: just 8 ingredients and 10 minutes of hands-on time. Stovetop or Instant Pot, you choose your adventure.
9. Instant Pot Vietnamese Chicken Congee
This one is my idea of a hug in a bowl. Creamy, soul-soothing, and basically chicken noodle soup's cooler rice-based cousin, only packed with way more oomph.
Tender shredded chicken swims in a broth full of bold spices, and then there are those giò cháo quẩy. Oh my goodness, they're like little Asian croutons that bring the most satisfying crunch to every spoonful, making each bite a perfect little flavor and texture party.