1. Brown Rice Congee
This wholesome version uses nutty brown rice instead of white, creating a more fiber-rich and nutritious congee. The longer cooking time needed for brown rice results in a heartier texture and deeper flavor, making it perfect for those seeking a healthier breakfast option that keeps you fuller longer.
Give this recipe a try: click here.
2. Fish Congee
Delicate white fish fillets are gently poached in creamy rice porridge, creating a light yet protein-packed meal. Often seasoned with ginger and scallions to complement the subtle fish flavor, this congee is easy to digest and commonly served to those recovering from illness or seeking a gentle, nourishing meal.
For the full recipe, click here.
3. Mushroom Congee
Earthy shiitake, oyster, or button mushrooms add umami depth to this vegetarian-friendly congee. The mushrooms’ meaty texture and savory flavor create a satisfying bowl that’s both comforting and wholesome, often enhanced with soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh herbs for an aromatic finish.
So, if you’re ready to get started, click here.
4. Veggie Congee
Packed with colorful vegetables like carrots, bok choy, corn, and peas, this nutrient-dense congee celebrates garden-fresh flavors. The vegetables add texture, vitamins, and visual appeal while keeping the dish light and healthy, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians or anyone seeking a balanced, plant-forward meal.
How simple is that? Click here.
5. Postpartum Congee
Specially formulated with warming, restorative ingredients like red dates, goji berries, and ginger, this traditional Chinese congee supports new mothers during recovery. The nourishing combination helps replenish energy, promote healing, and boost milk production, following centuries-old wisdom about postpartum care and nutrition.
If you’re on your postpartum journey, this one’s for you: click here.
6. Vegan Congee
Completely plant-based, this congee uses vegetable broth and skips all animal products while maintaining rich, satisfying flavor. Topped with crispy fried shallots, scallions, and sesame seeds, it proves that vegan comfort food can be just as delicious and soul-warming as traditional versions.
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7. Sweet Congee
Transform congee into a dessert or sweet breakfast by cooking rice with coconut milk, sugar, and warming spices. Popular additions include red beans, lotus seeds, or dried fruits, creating a pudding-like consistency that’s comforting and indulgent while still maintaining the familiar creamy texture of traditional congee.
You’re in for a treat, so click here.
8. Rice Cooker Congee
Let your rice cooker do all the work with this hands-off method that delivers perfect congee every time. Simply add rice, water, and your preferred ingredients, then set it to the porridge setting for effortless cooking that frees you to focus on toppings and preparation.
This is one of those hands-off recipes you’ll want to try, so click here.
9. Instapot Congee
The Instant Pot transforms congee-making from a hours-long process into a quick 30-minute meal. High pressure breaks down rice grains efficiently while developing deep flavor, making this modern method perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving traditional comfort food without the traditional time commitment.
Ready to get started? Click here.
10. Korean Congee
Known as juk, Korean congee often features ingredients like pine nuts, jujubes, and chestnuts for distinctive flavor. Seasoned with sesame oil and typically garnished with seasoned vegetables, this version offers a uniquely Korean twist on the classic Asian rice porridge with refined, elegant flavors.
If you need a pick-me-up, this one’s for you: click here.
11. Eight Treasure Congee
This celebratory congee combines eight auspicious ingredients like red beans, lotus seeds, dried longan, and various grains. Traditionally eaten during festivals, it symbolizes prosperity and good fortune while delivering a complex, slightly sweet flavor profile and varied texture that makes every spoonful interesting.
Don’t miss out on this recipe, and click here.
12. Pumpkin Congee
Silky pumpkin puree blends seamlessly into rice porridge, creating a naturally sweet and creamy autumn-inspired congee. The vibrant orange color and subtle sweetness make it appealing to children and adults alike, while the vegetable adds vitamins and fiber to this comforting, seasonal breakfast option.
It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening! Click here.
13. Congee Crockpot
Slow cooker congee develops exceptional depth of flavor as it gently simmers overnight or throughout the day. This set-it-and-forget-it method is perfect for waking up to hot breakfast or coming home to a ready meal, with the low, steady heat creating perfectly creamy results.
For the full step-by-step guide, click here.
14. Chicken Congee
Tender shredded chicken simmered in rice porridge creates a protein-rich, comforting meal that’s a staple across Asia. The chicken adds heartiness while remaining gentle on the stomach, making this version ideal for cold days, upset stomachs, or anytime you need nourishing, soul-warming comfort food.
Want to learn more about this dish? Click here.
15. Filipino Congee
Called arroz caldo, Filipino congee features chicken, ginger, and garlic with a distinctive yellow color from turmeric or kasubha. Typically garnished with hard-boiled eggs, fried garlic, and calamansi lime, this flavorful version reflects the Philippines’ unique culinary heritage and Spanish influences.
Try it out! Click here.
16. Millet Congee
Substitute or combine millet with rice for a congee that’s naturally gluten-free and rich in minerals. The small, round grains create a slightly different texture while offering nutritional benefits like magnesium and phosphorus, making this ancient grain congee both wholesome and deliciously different.
Make this for your next breakfast: click here.
17. Chinese Congee
The classic version, known as jook or zhou, uses jasmine or long-grain rice cooked until completely broken down into creamy porridge. Served plain or with savory toppings like century egg, pork floss, and pickled vegetables, it’s the ultimate Chinese comfort food enjoyed throughout the day.
Start with the basics, and click here.
18. Miso Congee
Japanese-inspired miso paste adds complex umami flavor and probiotics to traditional congee. The fermented soybean paste creates depth while maintaining the porridge’s comforting nature, often complemented with tofu, seaweed, and scallions for a nutritious fusion of Chinese and Japanese culinary traditions.
If you love umami flavors, you’ll love this one: click here.
19. Pork Congee
Ground or shredded pork adds richness and savory depth to this popular congee variation. Often seasoned with ginger and white pepper, the pork infuses the rice with flavor during cooking, creating a hearty, satisfying meal that’s especially beloved in Cantonese cuisine.
If you’re ready to take your congee to the next level, click here.
20. Ginger Chicken Congee
Fresh ginger’s warming, spicy notes perfectly complement tender chicken in this therapeutic congee. The ginger aids digestion and provides immune-boosting properties while adding aromatic flavor, making this combination especially popular during cold season or whenever someone needs comforting, healing nourishment.
For days when you need to be cared for, click here.
Featured Image Credit to @veganinsandiego.