1. Oat Congee
Steel-cut or rolled oats create a Western twist on traditional congee, offering a creamier texture and nutty flavor. This fusion porridge cooks faster than rice-based versions while providing heart-healthy fiber and beta-glucans, making it perfect for those seeking familiar oatmeal comfort with an Asian-inspired savory twist.
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2. Vietnamese Congee
Called cháo, Vietnamese congee is typically lighter and brothier than Chinese versions, often featuring fish sauce for depth. Garnished generously with fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, and lime, plus crispy fried shallots, this aromatic version reflects Vietnam’s love for fresh, vibrant flavors and textures.
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3. Shrimp Congee
Succulent shrimp add delicate sweetness and protein to this seafood-focused congee. The shrimp can be cooked directly in the porridge or added at the end to prevent overcooking, while ginger and white pepper complement the seafood perfectly, creating an elegant yet comforting dish.
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4. Thai Congee
Known as jok, Thai congee features a thinner consistency and bold flavors from fish sauce, white pepper, and cilantro. Often topped with a soft-boiled egg, crispy wonton strips, and pork meatballs, this street food favorite showcases Thailand’s expertise in balancing savory, aromatic, and textural elements.
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5. Beef Congee
Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly in hot congee, creating a hearty, protein-rich meal with deep savory flavor. Often seasoned with soy sauce and topped with scallions and ginger, this robust version satisfies heartier appetites while maintaining the comforting, easy-to-digest nature of traditional congee.
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6. Pork and Century Egg Congee
This iconic Cantonese combination pairs savory ground pork with the creamy, complex flavor of century eggs. The preserved eggs add a distinctive umami richness and silky texture that makes this version a beloved classic in dim sum restaurants and home kitchens throughout southern China.
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7. Rotisserie Chicken Congee
Transform leftover rotisserie chicken into effortless congee by using both the meat and carcass for maximum flavor. This time-saving method delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, as the pre-cooked chicken infuses the porridge with rich, roasted flavor while the bones create depth.
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8. Black Rice Congee
Nutritious black rice creates a stunning purple-hued congee loaded with antioxidants and a slightly nutty, sweet flavor. Also called forbidden rice, it offers more nutrients than white rice while creating a visually striking dish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want impressive presentation.
It’s a sweet breakfast option to brighten your day: click here.
9. Century Egg Congee
The preserved egg’s creamy yolk and jelly-like white add luxurious texture and complex, umami-rich flavor to plain congee. This Cantonese favorite showcases the century egg’s distinctive taste, which develops through a curing process that transforms regular duck eggs into a delicacy with bold, acquired flavors.
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10. Seafood Congee
A medley of shrimp, scallops, fish, and sometimes crab creates an luxurious ocean-inspired congee. Each seafood element contributes unique flavor and texture while the combination delivers impressive protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this elegant version perfect for special brunches or dinner gatherings.
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11. Turkey Congee
Perfect for post-Thanksgiving leftovers, turkey congee transforms holiday remnants into comforting Asian-inspired porridge. The turkey carcass creates rich, flavorful broth while leftover meat adds protein, proving that congee’s versatility extends even to Western holiday traditions and reducing food waste deliciously.
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12. Tofu Congee
Silken or firm tofu adds plant-based protein and creamy texture to this vegetarian congee without overpowering delicate flavors. The tofu absorbs surrounding seasonings beautifully while contributing its own subtle taste, making this version ideal for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone seeking lighter protein options.
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13. Banana Porridge
Sweet, ripe bananas mashed into rice porridge create a naturally sweet breakfast that appeals to babies and adults alike. Popular in many Asian cultures as a first food, this gentle porridge offers easy digestibility, natural sweetness, and potassium, making it nourishing comfort food at any age.
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14. Sago Porridge
Translucent sago pearls create a unique, bouncy texture in this sweet dessert porridge often served with coconut milk. Popular throughout Southeast Asia, the tapioca-like pearls provide a fun, pudding-like consistency that’s entirely different from rice-based congee, often flavored with pandan or palm sugar.
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15. Instant Pot Quinoa Porridge
Protein-packed quinoa replaces rice in this modern, nutritious twist on traditional congee. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking breaks down quinoa into creamy porridge quickly while preserving nutrients, creating a gluten-free, complete-protein breakfast option that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters seeking new variations.
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Featured Image Credit to @goldenleaf.brunei.