Chinese Vegetarian Congee Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Chinese vegetarian congee is a comforting, nourishing dish that has been cherished for centuries across Asia. This warm rice porridge is not only gentle on the stomach but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a light dinner.

Packed with wholesome ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and fresh greens, this vegetarian version brings all the rich flavors and textures without any meat. Whether you’re seeking a soothing meal during chilly days or a simple dish for recovery, this congee recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Beyond its comforting nature, this congee is incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. It’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables or incorporate superfoods like ginger and shiitake mushrooms.

The slow-cooked rice breaks down into a creamy texture, creating a bowl of pure comfort that’s both healthy and satisfying. Ready to dive into this delicious, wholesome recipe?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese vegetarian congee is a perfect blend of tradition and nutrition. It’s simple to prepare with everyday pantry staples, making it accessible for cooks of all experience levels.

The slow simmering process transforms plain rice into a silky, creamy porridge that’s both filling and light. Not only is it vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also packed with umami flavors from mushrooms and the subtle warmth of ginger.

This recipe is ideal for those seeking a comforting bowl that soothes the soul without compromising on taste.

Additionally, congee is highly adaptable—you can add your favorite vegetables or toppings to tailor the taste and texture to your liking. It’s a great dish for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

If you love recipes that blend health benefits with comforting flavors, this vegetarian congee will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup jasmine rice (rinsed)
• 8 cups water or vegetable broth for richer flavor
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced (fresh or dried and rehydrated)
• 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
• 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
• 2 stalks green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
• 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• Salt, to taste
• White pepper, to taste (optional)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Optional toppings: fried shallots, toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice: Place the jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the congee from becoming gluey.
2. Prepare the mushrooms: If using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in warm water for 20 minutes until soft, then slice. If fresh, simply clean and slice. Set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: Heat the sesame oil in the pot over medium heat. Add the sliced ginger, minced garlic, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
4. Add rice and liquid: Pour in the rinsed rice, stirring to coat it with the aromatics. Add 8 cups of water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer the congee: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow cooking process should last about 1 to 1.5 hours until the rice breaks down into a creamy porridge consistency.
6. Add vegetables and tofu: About 20 minutes before the congee is done, add the sliced mushrooms, cubed tofu, julienned carrot, and chopped spinach or bok choy. Stir gently to combine and cook until the vegetables are tender.
7. Season the congee: Stir in soy sauce or tamari, salt, and white pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
8. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and ladle the congee into bowls. Garnish with the green parts of the green onions, fresh cilantro, and optional toppings like fried shallots or toasted sesame seeds.
9. Enjoy warm: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

“For an even creamier texture, try soaking the rice overnight before cooking. This shortens the cooking time and results in a smoother congee.”

You can customize this congee in many ways. Swap tofu for tempeh or add your favorite mushrooms such as oyster or enoki.

For a heartier meal, include diced sweet potato or corn. If you like a bit of heat, drizzle with chili oil or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes.

For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth instead of water. To keep it raw vegan, omit sautéing the aromatics and simply add grated ginger and garlic at the end.

If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like these comforting dishes:

• Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe
• Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe
• Passover Zucchini Kugel Recipe

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian congee pairs wonderfully with light side dishes such as steamed greens or pickled vegetables. For a textural contrast, sprinkle crispy fried shallots or nuts on top.

It also goes beautifully with a side of Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for a fusion touch.

To make it a complete meal, serve with a fresh cucumber salad or some steamed buns. A hot cup of jasmine tea or warm ginger tea complements the soothing nature of congee perfectly, making for a balanced and satisfying dining experience.

Conclusion

Chinese vegetarian congee is more than just a simple rice porridge—it’s a warm hug in a bowl that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re looking to start your day with something gentle or need a comforting meal during cold weather, this recipe delivers on flavor, nutrition, and tradition.

Its versatility allows you to make it your own, adapting ingredients and toppings to your liking.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe invites home cooks of all skill levels to enjoy the soothing magic of congee. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe or indulge in the sweet delight of Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe for your next culinary adventure!

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