Congee

Congee, also known as rice porridge or jook, is a warm and comforting dish made by slowly simmering rice in a large amount of water or broth until it breaks down into a thick, creamy consistency. It is a staple food across many Asian countries, including China, where it is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal. Common additions include savory toppings like shredded chicken, pork, century egg, ginger, scallions, and crispy fried shallots.

🍳 View the full Congee recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Congee is primarily a high-carbohydrate dish, providing a gentle and easily digestible source of energy. A typical savory bowl with minimal meat offers a moderate amount of protein and is relatively low in fat, with a calorie range of roughly 150-300 per serving depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	65 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbs	14 g
Fat	0.3 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	0.1 g
Sodium	10 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Magnesium	10 mg
Phosphorus	25 mg
Potassium	20 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.1 mg
Niacin (B3)	1.5 mg
Folate	15 µg
Manganese	0.2 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, congee is deeply associated with comfort, healing, and care, often served to the sick, elderly, or young as a nourishing and soothing food. Its unique cooking method transforms simple rice into a versatile, hydrating base that can be adapted to almost any flavor profile, from savory to sweet.