Quick & Easy Congee Recipe | Rice porridge

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Mar 20th 2025

Congee, it’s a type of rice porridge that’s slow-cooked until the rice breaks down into a smooth, creamy consistency. It’s a staple breakfast food in many Asian countries, especially in Thailand.

Congee is traditionally Chinese, where it’s known as “zhou” (粥) in Mandarin or “jook” (粥) in Cantonese. Thailand’s version is called “jok” (โจ๊ก), commonly enjoyed as a warm breakfast with pork and fresh herbs.  

Easy Congee Recipe (Like It’s Been Simmered for Hours!)

Want that rich, velvety congee texture without spending hours simmering? You’re in luck!

This recipe takes under 30 minutes thanks to one simple trick—freezing rinsed uncooked rice before cooking.

The secret? ❄️ Freezing causes the moisture in the rice to expand, cracking the grains. When boiled, the rice softens and breaks down quickly, giving you that smooth, comforting congee in no time.

What You’ll Need

For the Congee:

• Jasmine Rice – Provides a soft, creamy texture when cooked.
• Water – Helps break down the rice to create a smooth consistency.
• Salt – Enhances the flavor of the congee.
• Julienned Ginger – Adds a hint of warmth and a mild spicy aroma.
• Chopped Green Onions – Brings freshness and a slight crunch.
• Ground White Pepper – Adds mild heat and enhances the overall flavor.

For the Pork Meatballs:

• Cornstarch – Helps bind the meatballs and gives them a tender texture.
• Baking Soda – Lightens the meatballs, making them softer.
• Ground White Pepper – Adds a subtle heat and aromatic flavor.
• Ground Pork – Provides rich, savory flavor and protein.
• Egg White – Helps bind and tenderize the meatballs.
• Soy Sauce – Adds umami and seasoning to the pork mixture.

Why You’ll Love This Quick & Easy Congee Recipe | Rice porridge Recipe 🩷

• Quick & Easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes with minimal prep!
• Comfort Food Favorite – Warm, silky, and satisfying, perfect for any time of day.
• Versatile Toppings – Add your favorite extras like century eggs, shredded chicken, or crispy garlic.

How to Cook Quick & Easy Congee

1. Rinse the Rice – Wash the uncooked rice until the water runs clear. Drain well, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for 8-12 hours.
2. Prepare the Pork Meatballs – Mix cornstarch, sugar, baking soda, and ground white pepper. Add this mixture to the ground pork along with the egg white and soy sauce. Knead until well combined, then refrigerate.
3. Start Cooking the Congee – When ready to cook, bring the water to a boil in a pot with the lid on. Once boiling, remove the lid and add the frozen rice along with pandan leaves. Season with salt.
4. Simmer the Congee – Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add the Pork Meatballs – Shape the pork mixture into small meatballs. After 15 minutes of simmering, gently add the meatballs to the pot. Stir lightly, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Serve – Ladle the congee into bowls and top with julienned ginger, chopped green onions, cilantro, and ground white pepper. Enjoy!

This congee recipe is served with easy, flavorful pork meatballs, but you can customize the toppings and tweak the broth to your liking! 🍲

Congee is a traditional dish made by simmering rice with water or broth until it turns into a thick, creamy porridge.

It can be enjoyed plain or served with various toppings like meat, fish, and seasonings.

In this recipe, I’ll share my experience with pork congee, which happens to be one of my all-time favorite dishes!

You can top the congee with crispy air-fried shredded pork — it pairs perfectly with the creamy texture. 😊

Pork congee is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for breakfast. The creamy texture of the rice combined with the savory flavor of the pork makes it truly satisfying.

Next time you’re in the mood for something warm and soothing, give pork congee a try!