Rice porridge is one of those dishes that can warm you up on a chilly day or comfort you when you're feeling under the weather. Whether you love the creamy texture of classic Chinese congee or crave the sweet tropical vibes of coconut rice porridge with mango, there's something for everyone. And let's not forget the savory options! Curious about the five best rice porridge recipes that'll have you running to the kitchen?
Classic Chinese Congee
Classic Chinese congee, also known as rice porridge, is a comforting and versatile dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It's often served for breakfast or as a light meal and can be customized with a variety of toppings and flavors.
This simple yet nourishing recipe allows the rice to cook slowly in water or broth, resulting in a creamy consistency that's soothing to the stomach. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added ingredients, congee is a delicious way to start your day or warm up on a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, pickled vegetables, shredded chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, century eggs, or chopped herbs
Instructions:
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice and water or chicken broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the rice to simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the rice has broken down and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.
Stir in the salt before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a creamier texture, you can modify the water-to-rice ratio, using more water if preferred.
If you like a richer flavor, consider cooking the congee with chicken or pork bones for added depth.
You can also prepare the congee in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Don't hesitate to experiment with various toppings and condiments to personalize your congee experience, as it's highly flexible and can cater to different tastes.
Savory Mushroom and Spinach Jook
Savory Mushroom and Spinach Jook is a delightful twist on traditional rice porridge, combining the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the nutritional benefits of spinach. This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly day or when you need something soothing.
It's not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a warm bowl of Jook that warms both the body and soul.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, button, or your choice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain. In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice and vegetable broth, bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 30 minutes, add the sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and ginger, allowing it to cook for another 10 minutes until the rice is soft and the mixture has thickened to a porridge-like consistency.
Stir in the chopped spinach, soy sauce, and sesame oil, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Extra Tips:
For a creamier texture, you can adjust the amount of liquid used by adding more broth or water, depending on your preference.
Feel free to customize this Jook by adding other vegetables or proteins like tofu or chicken. If you want extra flavor, consider sautéing the garlic and ginger in the sesame oil before adding the rice and broth.
Leftover Jook can be stored in the fridge and reheated with a splash of water to maintain its creamy consistency. Enjoy your Savory Mushroom and Spinach Jook!
Coconut Rice Porridge With Mango
Coconut rice porridge with mango is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the creamy richness of coconut milk and the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes. Perfect for breakfast or a light dessert, this porridge isn't only easy to make but also offers a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of tropical ingredients.
The combination of the warm, soft rice and the fresh, juicy mango creates a harmony of textures and tastes that will leave you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)
To prepare the coconut rice porridge, start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice and water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the water has been absorbed.
Next, stir in the coconut milk, sugar, and salt, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the porridge reaches your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
When making coconut rice porridge with mango, feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your preference.
Additionally, for an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the porridge while it cooks.
If the porridge is too thick for your liking, you can always add a little more coconut milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Finally, serve the porridge warm topped with diced mango, toasted coconut flakes, and fresh mint leaves for a revitalizing touch. Enjoy your tropical breakfast!
Spiced Pumpkin Rice Porridge
Spiced pumpkin rice porridge is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly mornings or cozy evenings. This delicious recipe combines creamy rice porridge with the rich flavors of pumpkin and an array of spices to create a nourishing meal that's both satisfying and nutritious.
It's easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile addition to your breakfast or snack rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- Chopped nuts or seeds for topping (optional)
- Fresh fruit or dried fruit for topping (optional)
To prepare the spiced pumpkin rice porridge, start by rinsing the Arborio rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water (or vegetable broth) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in the pumpkin puree, spices, maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of salt. If you prefer a creamier texture, add the coconut milk and stir until everything is well combined.
Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
When making spiced pumpkin rice porridge, feel free to adjust the spices and sweetness to your preference. You can experiment with different toppings such as toasted nuts, seeds, or fresh and dried fruits to add texture and flavor.
This dish also stores well in the refrigerator, so consider making a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week; simply reheat with a splash of water or milk for a quick meal.
Additionally, for a savory twist, you can omit the sweeteners and add sautéed vegetables or a poached egg on top.
Thai-Inspired Chicken Rice Porridge
Thai-Inspired Chicken Rice Porridge, also known as Khao Tom Gai, is a comforting and nourishing dish that highlights the flavors of Thailand. This recipe combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and rice to create a warm and soothing porridge that's perfect for breakfast or any time of day.
With its subtle spiciness and fragrant notes, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 stalks of green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Optional: chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies for added spice
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the jasmine rice and chicken broth, bringing it to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the chicken thighs, minced garlic, ginger slices, and half of the green onions.
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove the chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot.
Season the porridge with fish sauce, soy sauce, and white pepper, stirring well to combine.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a few chicken bones to the pot while simmering for deeper richness.
Adjust the consistency of the porridge by adding more broth if you prefer a thinner texture.
You can also customize the toppings with your favorite herbs or crunchy toppings like fried shallots for added texture.
Enjoy with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili for a delightful kick!