Easy Congee Recipe with Instant Rice: Comfort in a Bowl
Congee, a comforting and flavorful rice porridge, is a staple in many Asian cuisines. Traditionally slow-cooked to creamy perfection, congee can seem time-consuming. But with instant rice, you can enjoy a similar dish in a fraction of the time, relieving you of any cooking stress. While the taste and texture may differ slightly from the traditional version, it’s perfect for busy mornings, quick dinners, or soothing colds.
This easy congee recipe with instant rice is simple to make, fully customizable and delivers the same comforting flavors as the traditional version. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Thanks to instant rice, ready in under 20 minutes.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and proteins for endless variations.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for soothing colds or warming up on chilly days.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and instant rice for convenience.
Pro Tips for Perfect Congee Recipe With Instant Rice
- Adjust Consistency: For a thicker congee, simmer longer or reduce the broth slightly. For a thinner porridge, add more broth or water.
- Whisk for Creaminess: Whisking the congee while simmering breaks down the rice faster, creating a smoother texture.
- Batch Cooking: Congee reheats well, so make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Congee is versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides:
- Steamed or Sauteed Vegetables: Add greens like bok choy or spinach.
- Pickles or Kimchi: For a tangy, spicy kick.
- Savory Pancakes: Serve alongside scallion pancakes or crispy fritters.
Storing and Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftover congee in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy consistency.
FAQs About Easy Congee Recipe with Instant Rice
1. Can I use brown instant rice? Absolutely! It works well and may take a few extra minutes to break down, but you can handle it, boosting your confidence in your cooking skills.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free and that this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and add tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
4. Can I freeze congee?
Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with additional liquid.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Add chili oil, Sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
6. Can I use leftover rice instead of instant rice?
Yes! Replace instant rice with 2 cups of cooked rice and simmer for 10–15 minutes until creamy.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe drastically cuts cooking time using instant rice without sacrificing the comforting, creamy texture that congee is known for. The ginger, garlic, and broth create a flavorful base, while the optional toppings and add-ins let you customize the dish. Whether you need a quick meal or a bowl of comfort, this recipe delivers.
Conclusion
Easy Congee with Instant Rice is a game-changer for anyone craving the warmth and comfort of traditional congee without the long cooking time. It’s versatile, nutritious, and packed with flavor—perfect for any meal of the day. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of creamy goodness, ready in minutes!
Easy Congee Recipe With Instant Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup of Minute rice
- 4 cups of water or broth
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 -cloves of garlic, minced
- 1- tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1- egg
- 1- tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Suggested Topping
- Cilantro, green onions ,fried shallots sesame oil, chili oil, boiled eggs, sliced meat or seafood
Instructions
- Rinse the Minute- rice thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a large pot, melt the butter, add onions, garlic, and ginger, and saute for a few minutes.
- Add the rinsed Minute- rice to the pot and stir well. Add water or broth, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring until the rice grains have broken down and the mixture has thickened.
- If the congee is too thick, add more water or broth to thin it out.
- Whisk the egg in a small bowl with a fork.
- Slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup slowly.
- Add lemon juice and cumin powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Continue cooking for 5 minutes on low heat until the congee has reached your desired consistency.
- Serve the congee hot with your choice of toppings.
- Enjoy your delicious congee made with Minute-made rice!