18 Chinese Congee Soup Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
Chinese congee soup, also known as rice porridge, is a staple dish in Chinese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The basic recipe consists of rice and water, but the variations and additions are endless, making it a versatile and customizable meal. In this article, we will explore the traditional Chinese congee soup recipe and some tips and tricks to make the perfect bowl of congee. So let's dive in and discover the delicious world of congee!
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you've probably tried egg drop soup at some point. This classic dish is known for its delicate flavors and silky texture, making it the perfect starter for any meal. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make at home. All you need are a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time.
Start by heating some chicken broth in a pot on medium-high heat. While the broth is heating up, whisk together some cornstarch and water in a small bowl until well combined. This will be used to thicken the soup later on.
Next, slowly pour in beaten eggs, stirring gently as you add them. The eggs will cook almost instantly, creating those signature strands that give egg drop soup its name.
Finally, add in the cornstarch mixture and stir until the soup has thickened slightly. Serve hot with some chopped scallions on top for a pop of color and flavor.
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Wonton Soup
Main Ingredients: Savoy Cabbage, Coarse Salt, Ground Pork, Green Onions
Wonton soup is another classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. It's made with wonton wrappers filled with a combination of ground pork, shrimp, and seasonings, and served in a savory broth.
The key to making delicious wonton soup is in the filling. Make sure to finely chop the shrimp and pork and mix them together with some garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and green onions. Then, wrap the filling in wonton wrappers and seal them tightly.
As for the broth, you can use chicken broth or make your own with chicken bones, aromatics, and seasonings. Once the broth is ready, simply add in the wontons and let them cook for a few minutes until they float to the surface.
Serve hot with some extra green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.
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Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Spring Onions, Oyster Sauce, Light Soy
If you're in need of a quick and comforting meal, then this easy Chinese noodle soup is the perfect choice. It's made with just a handful of ingredients and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Start by cooking some noodles according to package instructions. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the broth by heating chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a pot on medium heat. Let the broth simmer for a few minutes to infuse the flavors.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the broth. Let them cook for a few minutes until they are heated through. Top with some sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delicious and satisfying meal.
This classic Chinese soup is known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. It's made with a combination of hot and sour ingredients, creating a perfect balance of spiciness and tanginess.
To make this soup, start by heating some chicken broth in a pot on medium heat. While the broth is heating, mix together some soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste in a small bowl. This will be added to the broth later on.
In a separate bowl, beat some eggs and set aside. Once the broth is simmering, add in some diced tofu, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Then, slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup gently. The eggs will cook and create those signature strands that give hot and sour soup its unique texture.
Finally, add in the soy sauce mixture and stir until well combined. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Soup dumplings, also known as xiaolongbao, are a popular Chinese dish that is loved by many. These delicate steamed dumplings are filled with a flavorful broth and juicy pork filling.
To make soup dumplings, start by making the filling. Mix together ground pork, ginger, soy sauce, green onions, and other seasonings of your choice. Then, prepare some dumpling wrappers and fill each one with a small spoonful of the pork mixture.
To create the soup inside the dumplings, you will need some aspic, which is a gelatinous broth. You can make your own by simmering chicken bones and aromatics for a few hours, or you can use store-bought aspic. Place a small cube of aspic on top of the pork filling before sealing the dumpling.
Steam the dumplings for about 10 minutes until they are cooked through. Serve hot with some soy sauce for dipping.
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Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Vegetable Stock, Napa Cabbage, Medium Carrot
This simple and nourishing soup is a staple in Chinese households. It's made with Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, which is a mild and delicate vegetable that is packed with nutrients.
To make this soup, start by heating some chicken broth in a pot on medium heat. Add in some diced Napa cabbage, sliced shiitake mushrooms, and cubed tofu. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
For added flavor, you can also add some minced garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to the broth. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped scallions on top.
This creamy and comforting soup is a favorite in many Chinese restaurants. It's made with a combination of chicken, corn, and egg, creating a rich and hearty soup that is perfect for colder days.
To make this soup, start by heating some chicken broth in a pot on medium heat. Add in some diced chicken, corn kernels, and a beaten egg. Stir gently to create those signature egg strands.
For added flavor, you can also add some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the broth. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
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Quick and Easy Chinese Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Green Onions, Oyster Sauce
When you're in need of a quick and satisfying meal, this Chinese noodle soup is the perfect choice. It's made with just a handful of ingredients and can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Start by cooking some noodles according to package instructions. While the noodles are cooking, heat some chicken broth, soy sauce, and garlic in a pot on medium heat. Once the broth is simmering, add in some diced chicken and let it cook for a few minutes.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and add them to the broth. Let them cook for a few minutes until they are heated through. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.
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Jjamppong (Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Large Eggs, Kosher Salt, Water, Vegetable Oil
This spicy and flavorful soup is a popular dish in Korean-Chinese cuisine. It's made with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
To make jjamppong, start by heating some chicken broth in a pot on medium heat. Add in some diced onions, carrots, and cabbage, and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
Next, add in some shrimp, squid, and mussels, and let them cook for a few minutes until they are cooked through. Finally, add in some cooked noodles and let them heat through before serving hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
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Chinese Nine-Vegetable Hot and Sour Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Grated Ginger, Jalapeno, Large Sweet
This soup is a vegetarian twist on the classic hot and sour soup. It's made with nine different types of vegetables, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
To make this soup, start by heating some vegetable broth in a pot on medium heat. Add in a variety of diced vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and bok choy.
Next, add in some rice vinegar, soy sauce, and chili paste to create that signature hot and sour flavor. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
For added protein, you can also add in some tofu or tempeh. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
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One-Pot Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This easy one-pot meal is a great choice for busy weeknights. It's made with chicken, vegetables, and noodles, creating a filling and delicious soup that the whole family will love.
Start by cooking some chicken in a pot on medium heat until it is cooked through. Then, add in some diced onions, carrots, and celery, and let them cook for a few minutes.
Add in some chicken broth, soy sauce, and ginger to the pot and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. Finally, add in some cooked noodles and let them heat through before serving hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
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Egg Drop Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Water, Eggs, Ginger, Cornstarch, Green
This classic Chinese soup is a favorite among many. It's made with a combination of chicken broth, beaten eggs, and cornstarch, creating a silky and flavorful soup that is perfect for any meal.
To make this soup, start by heating some chicken broth in a pot on medium-high heat. While the broth is heating up, mix together some cornstarch and water in a small bowl until well combined.
Next, slowly pour the beaten eggs into the broth, stirring gently as you add them. The eggs will cook almost instantly, creating those signature strands that give egg drop soup its name.
Finally, add in the cornstarch mixture and stir until the soup has thickened slightly. Serve hot with some chopped scallions on top for a pop of color and flavor.
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Brothy Chinese Noodles
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Lean Ground Turkey, Scallions, Garlic
This simple and nourishing soup is a staple in Chinese households. It's made with a combination of chicken broth, noodles, and vegetables, creating a delicious and comforting meal.
To make this soup, start by heating some chicken broth in a pot on medium heat. Add in some diced vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, and bok choy. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Next, add in some cooked noodles and let them heat through before serving hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
This classic Chinese soup is known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. It's made with a combination of hot and sour ingredients, creating a perfect balance of spiciness and tanginess.
To make this soup, start by heating some chicken broth in a pot on medium heat. While the broth is heating, mix together some soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste in a small bowl. This will be added to the broth later on.
In a separate bowl, beat some eggs and set aside. Once the broth is simmering, add in some diced tofu, wood ear mushrooms, and bamboo shoots. Then, slowly pour in the beaten eggs while stirring the soup gently. The eggs will cook and create those signature strands that give hot and sour soup its unique texture.
Finally, add in the soy sauce mixture and stir until well combined. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil.
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Chinese Beef and Broccoli Soup
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Cornstarch, Soy Sauce, Coconut Oil, Yellow
If you're a fan of beef and broccoli, then you'll love this Chinese-inspired soup. It's made with tender strips of beef, broccoli, and noodles, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
To make this soup, start by cooking some thinly sliced beef in a pot on medium heat until it is cooked through. Then, add in some diced broccoli and chicken broth and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
Next, add in some cooked noodles and let them heat through before serving hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
This creamy and flavorful soup is a great way to enjoy the earthy flavors of mushrooms. It's made with a combination of different types of mushrooms, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
To make this soup, start by heating some chicken broth in a pot on medium heat. Add in a variety of sliced mushrooms, such as shiitake, button, and oyster mushrooms.
Next, add in some diced tofu and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. For added depth of flavor, you can also add in some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
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Chinese Hot & Sour Soup – Vegetable Hot & Sour Soup
Main Ingredients: Carrot, Bok Choy, Spring Onions, French Beans, Baby
This vegetarian version of the classic hot and sour soup is just as flavorful and satisfying. It's made with a variety of vegetables and a combination of hot and sour ingredients, creating a delicious and nourishing dish.
To make this soup, start by heating some vegetable broth in a pot on medium heat. Add in a variety of diced vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
In a separate bowl, mix together some soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Slowly pour this mixture into the broth while stirring gently. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
For added protein, you can also add in some tofu or tempeh. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
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Chinese Hot & Sour Soup With A Twist
Main Ingredients: Oil, Garlic, Shitake Mushrooms, Chilli Flakes, Fresh
This unique twist on the classic hot and sour soup is a must-try for any adventurous foodie. It's made with a combination of chicken broth, pork, and a variety of vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful soup that is perfect for cold days.
To make this soup, start by cooking some diced pork in a pot on medium heat until it is cooked through. Then, add in some diced vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, and let them cook for a few minutes.
Next, add in some chicken broth, soy sauce, and chili paste, and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
For added texture and flavor, you can also add some cooked noodles or rice to the soup. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
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Chinese Bok Choy Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Blade Steak, Mushroom Broth, Sesame Oil
This simple and nourishing soup is a great way to enjoy the flavors of bok choy. It's made with a combination of chicken broth, bok choy, and noodles, creating a delicious and comforting meal.
To make this soup, start by heating some chicken broth in a pot on medium heat. Add in some diced bok choy and let it cook for a few minutes until it starts to wilt.
Next, add in some cooked noodles and let them heat through before serving hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
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Chinese Five Spice Chicken Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Thai Noodles, Chicken Stock, Spring Onions, Ginger
This soup is a flavorful and unique twist on the classic chicken noodle soup. It's made with a combination of Chinese five-spice powder, chicken, and vegetables, creating a delicious and comforting dish.
To make this soup, start by cooking some diced chicken in a pot on medium heat until it is cooked through. Then, add in some diced vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and mushrooms, and let them cook for a few minutes.
Next, add in some chicken broth, Chinese five-spice powder, and soy sauce, and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Finally, add in some cooked noodles and let them heat through before serving hot with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.
Ingredients for Chinese Congee Soup
Rice
The main ingredient for congee soup is rice. Rice is the staple food in China, and the type of rice used can vary from short-grain to long-grain, depending on personal preference. However, it is recommended to use short-grain rice as it gives a creamier texture to the soup.
Water or Broth
The traditional recipe for congee uses water, but you can also use broth for a richer and more flavorful soup. Chicken broth or vegetable broth are popular options, but you can also use fish, beef, or pork broth depending on the protein you want to add to your soup.
Toppings
Congee soup can be served plain or topped with a variety of ingredients. Some popular toppings include scallions, toasted peanuts, crispy fried onions, pickled vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and braised meats. These toppings add texture and flavor to the soup, making it a more satisfying meal.
Steps to Make Chinese Congee Soup
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any excess starch and helps to create a smoother and creamier texture for the soup.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a large pot, add the rinsed rice and water or broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you let it cook, the thicker and creamier the soup will become.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Once the rice has reached the desired consistency, add your preferred toppings and let them simmer for a few more minutes. This allows the flavors to infuse into the soup.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the congee soup hot in bowls and add additional toppings if desired. You can also add soy sauce, sesame oil, or chili oil for extra flavor.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chinese Congee Soup
Use Leftover Rice
If you have leftover cooked rice, you can use it to make congee soup. This will save you time and give the soup a thicker and creamier consistency.
Experiment with Toppings
Don't be afraid to mix and match different toppings to find your favorite combination. You can also add meat or seafood to make the soup more filling and protein-packed.
Add Seasonings
While the traditional recipe only uses salt, you can add soy sauce, sesame oil, or ginger for extra flavor. These seasonings are commonly used in Chinese cuisine and will enhance the taste of the soup.
In conclusion, Chinese congee soup is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can easily make a bowl of comforting congee soup at home. So why not give it a try and experience the flavors of this traditional Chinese dish for yourself?