18 Chinese Preserved Egg Congee Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Chinese preserved egg congee, also known as century egg congee, is a classic and comforting dish that has been enjoyed in China for centuries. This rich and savory porridge is made with rice and preserved eggs, which are known for their unique and distinct flavor. The combination of these two ingredients creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a popular breakfast or late-night snack option. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this traditional Chinese dish at home.
Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken Broth, Water, Pork, Century Eggs
Congee, also known as rice porridge, is a staple breakfast dish in many Asian countries. It is a simple and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in different variations. One popular variation is the Century Egg and Pork Congee, also known as 皮蛋瘦肉粥 in Chinese. This dish is made with century eggs, also known as preserved eggs, and pork, which are both staple ingredients in Chinese cuisine.
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Century Egg and Pork Congee (皮蛋瘦肉粥)
Main Ingredients: Century Eggs, Jasmine Rice, Salt, Oil, Water, Pork
This dish may sound intimidating to some, but it is actually quite easy to make. The century eggs, despite their name, are not actually a hundred years old. They are preserved in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, and quicklime, giving them a unique taste and texture. The pork adds a savory flavor to the congee, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Century Egg Pork Congee
Main Ingredients: Uncooked Rice, Stock, Century Eggs, Pork, Dried
To make this dish, you will need rice, water, century eggs, pork, and some basic seasonings. First, the rice is cooked in water until it becomes soft and mushy. Then, the century eggs and pork are added to the congee and simmered until they are fully cooked. Finally, the congee is seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking.
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Chinese Congee with Pork and Century Egg
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Water, Spring Onion, Coriander, Salt
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. The century eggs are a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. They are also believed to have health benefits such as improving digestion and promoting healthy skin and hair. The pork provides additional protein and iron, making this congee a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Pork and century egg congee (Bubur pitan)
Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Century Eggs, Minced Pork
In some parts of Southeast Asia, this dish is known as Bubur pitan and is a popular breakfast option. It is often served with condiments such as fried onions, chopped scallions, and soy sauce, adding more flavor and texture to the dish. The combination of savory and salty flavors in this congee is what makes it so delicious and addictive.
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Make easy Chinese spinach with century egg and salted...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock Powder, Warm Water, Salt, Baby Spinach
This congee can also be customized to your liking. For example, you can add some Chinese spinach, also known as amaranth, to the congee for some added nutrients and color. The century eggs and pork can also be substituted with other meats or vegetables, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by anyone.
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Instant Pot Century Egg Rice Porridge (Cháo hột vịt...
Main Ingredients: Rice, Sticky Rice, Chicken Broth, Water, Ground Pork
If you have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can easily make this congee in a fraction of the time. Simply add the rice, water, century eggs, and pork to the pot and cook under high pressure for about 20 minutes. The result is a creamy and flavorful congee that tastes like it has been simmered for hours.
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CENTURY EGG CONGEE
Main Ingredients: Jasmine Rice, Century Eggs, Mushrooms, Spring Onions
This dish is also great for those who are looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free breakfast option. The congee is made with just rice and water, making it a simple and healthy meal for those with dietary restrictions. It is also a great dish for those who are feeling under the weather, as it is easy to digest and can help soothe an upset stomach.
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Cold Tofu with Century Egg
Main Ingredients: Silken Tofu, Century Egg, Pork, Green Onion, Oyster
If you have some leftover congee, you can use it to make a cold tofu dish. Simply cut some firm tofu into cubes and top it with the congee. Then, add some diced century eggs, scallions, and soy sauce on top. This makes for a refreshing and nutritious snack or appetizer.
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Chilled Tofu with Century Egg and Pork Floss
Main Ingredients: Silken Tofu, Century Egg, Pork, Coriander, Light Soy
Another variation of this dish is to use chilled tofu instead of cooked congee. Simply top the tofu with diced century eggs, pork floss, and some soy sauce for a quick and easy snack. This is a great option for those who are short on time or want a lighter version of the dish.
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Congee With Pork And Century Egg
Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Century Egg, Ginger, Green Onion, Pork
For those who are not a fan of pork, you can substitute it with other meats such as chicken or beef. You can also add in some vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or corn to make the dish more hearty and filling. This dish is also a great way to use up any leftover ingredients you have in your fridge.
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Chinese Spinach Macaroni Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork, Spinach, Water, Macaroni, Salt, Chicken Bouillon
If you are looking for a comforting and filling meal, you can combine the century egg and pork congee with some macaroni noodles. This dish is called Chinese spinach macaroni soup and is a popular breakfast option in Hong Kong. The noodles add more texture to the dish, while the spinach provides additional nutrients.
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Double Egg Porridge with Minced Pork
Main Ingredients: Minced Pork, Light Soy Sauce, Shaoxing Wine, Sesame
In some parts of China, this dish is known as double egg porridge, as it uses both regular eggs and century eggs. The regular eggs are beaten and added to the congee, giving it a thicker and creamier texture. The minced pork is also a great addition, providing a meatier and heartier flavor to the dish.
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Century Egg Porridge (皮蛋粥)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Water, Ground Pork, Minced Garlic, Dashi, Salt
In traditional Chinese medicine, century eggs are believed to have cooling properties, making them a great ingredient for the summer months. This porridge can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed all year round. You can also add in some ginger or other herbs to make it even more refreshing.
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Chinese Vegetable – Spinach with 3 types of Eggs
Main Ingredients: Chinese Spinach, Home Made Chicken Stock, Wolfberries
If you want to add more vegetables to your diet, you can make this dish with Chinese spinach and three types of eggs – regular, century, and salted egg. The salted egg adds a unique and briny flavor to the congee, while the regular egg provides a creamy texture. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its vibrant green color.
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Fish and Century Egg Congee
Main Ingredients: Rice, Ginger, Water, Tilapia, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil
For seafood lovers, you can substitute the pork with fish for a lighter and healthier version of this dish. The fish is simmered in the congee, infusing it with its flavors and making it tender and flaky. You can also add some seafood such as shrimp, squid, or clams for a more luxurious version of this congee.
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The Cantonese Rice Porridge
Main Ingredients: Chicken Bones, Water, Chicken Stock, Rice, Salt
This dish is believed to have originated in Canton, China, and has since become a popular dish in many other parts of Asia. It is a simple and humble dish that is loved by many for its comforting and nourishing properties. It is often served in Chinese households as a breakfast dish or as a light meal for those who are feeling unwell.
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Century Egg Salad (Pidan Salad)
Main Ingredients: Century Eggs, Green Pepper, Garlic Cloves, Salt, Light
If you are looking for a unique and flavorful salad, you can make one with century eggs and other ingredients such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and cilantro. The century eggs add a creamy and tangy element to the salad, making it stand out from traditional salads. This is a great dish to bring to potlucks or parties as it is sure to impress your guests.
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Easy Pea shoots soup with century egg and goji berry
Main Ingredients: Pea Shoots, Garlic, Century Egg, Cooking Oil, Goji
This congee can also be made with other types of greens such as pea shoots or goji berries. These ingredients provide a slight sweetness to the dish, making it more well-rounded in terms of flavors. They are also packed with nutrients, making this congee a healthy and delicious option for any meal.
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Tofu with Century Egg Salad (皮蛋豆腐)
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Century Eggs, Light Soy Sauce, Toasted
If you are a fan of tofu, you can use it in this dish as well. Simply combine the diced century eggs with silken tofu, soy sauce, and some chili oil for a simple and tasty salad. This dish is great for vegetarians or those looking for a lighter and healthier option for their meals.
The Secret Ingredient: Preserved Eggs
Preserved eggs, also called century eggs or thousand-year eggs, are a staple in Chinese cuisine. These eggs are made by preserving duck, chicken, or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime, and rice hulls for several weeks to several months. The result is a black-colored egg with a gelatinous texture and a pungent aroma. While it may seem intimidating to use preserved eggs in cooking, they add a unique and delicious flavor to the congee that cannot be replicated by any other ingredient.
Health Benefits of Preserved Eggs
Apart from being a flavorful addition to congee, preserved eggs also offer several health benefits. They are high in protein, essential vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium. The fermentation process also increases the egg's nutrient content, making it easier for our bodies to absorb. Preserved eggs are also known to aid in digestion, strengthen the immune system, and improve blood circulation.
Making the Perfect Congee
To make Chinese preserved egg congee, you will need rice, water, preserved eggs, and a few other ingredients of your choice. The key to achieving a creamy and smooth texture is to cook the congee on low heat and stir it constantly. This will help the rice grains break down and thicken the porridge. You can also add flavorings such as ginger, garlic, and green onions to enhance the overall taste.
Get Creative with Your Toppings
While the preserved eggs alone are enough to add flavor to the congee, you can get creative with your toppings to make it even more delicious. Some popular options include shredded chicken, minced pork, fried dough sticks, and pickled vegetables. You can also add a drizzle of sesame oil and sprinkle some chopped green onions for added aroma and freshness.
Final Thoughts
Chinese preserved egg congee is a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for any time of the day. With its unique flavors and health benefits, it's easy to see why this dish has stood the test of time. So next time you're in the mood for a warm and comforting meal, give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of preserved eggs in a whole new way.
