A silky, slow-cooked rice porridge simmered until the grains have completely broken down into a creamy, comforting bowl. This version features century egg and tender chicken, topped with crispy fried shallots, fresh ginger, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Nutrition & Info
Allergen Warnings
Equipment Needed
Instructions
-
1
Rinse jasmine rice thoroughly and combine with chicken stock in a large heavy pot, bringing to a boil over high heat before reducing to a gentle simmer.
-
2
Simmer uncovered for sixty to ninety minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom to prevent sticking, until the rice has completely broken down into a smooth creamy porridge.
-
3
Add thinly sliced chicken breast and half the ginger during the last ten minutes of cooking, stirring to distribute the chicken evenly as it cooks through in the hot porridge.
-
4
Stir in diced century eggs, soy sauce, and white pepper, cooking for another two minutes until heated through.
-
5
Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil, tasting and adjusting seasoning with salt as needed.
-
6
Serve in deep bowls topped with remaining julienned ginger, fried shallots, and sliced green onions.
Did You Know?
Congee is one of the oldest continuously prepared dishes in Chinese history with records dating back over three thousand years. It was prescribed as a medicinal food by ancient Chinese physicians and remains a go-to comfort food for anyone feeling unwell.
Chef's Notes
Equipment Tips
- large heavy pot
- ladle
The Story Behind 皮蛋瘦肉粥
Congee has been a staple of Chinese cuisine since the Zhou Dynasty when rice porridge was consumed by all social classes from peasants to emperors. Ancient texts describe congee as a restorative food with medicinal properties, and it featured prominently in traditional Chinese medicine as a gentle food for recovery from illness. The Cantonese tradition of adding preserved eggs and lean meat developed during the Qing Dynasty and became the most popular savory variation. Congee shops remain a cornerstone of morning food culture across southern China, Hong Kong, and throughout Southeast Asia.
Comments (0)
Log in to leave a comment.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!