15 Simple Plain Chinese Porridge Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Chinese porridge, also known as congee, is a popular and versatile dish that can be served as a comforting breakfast, a light lunch, or a soothing remedy for a cold or upset stomach. While there are many variations of this dish, today we will be sharing a simple and plain Chinese porridge recipe that is perfect for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal. With basic ingredients and minimal preparation, this porridge is not only delicious but also budget-friendly, making it a go-to recipe for many Chinese households.
If you're a fan of Chinese food, you've probably had fried rice before. But have you ever tried making it at home? This simple dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine and can easily be made in your own kitchen. The key to making the perfect Chinese fried rice is using day-old rice, as it has a drier texture that holds up better when stir-fried. Mix in some veggies, protein, and a few seasonings, and you'll have a delicious meal in no time.
2of 20
Chinese Chicken Thighs
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
Forget boring chicken breasts, Chinese chicken thighs are where it's at. With a flavorful marinade made up of soy sauce, honey, and a few other ingredients, these chicken thighs are packed with flavor and incredibly tender. You can either grill them or bake them in the oven, and they'll come out juicy and delicious every time. Serve them with some rice and veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, Chinese egg drop soup is perfect for a cold winter day or when you're feeling under the weather. Made with chicken broth, eggs, and a few other simple ingredients, this soup is easy to make and tastes just like the one you get at your favorite Chinese restaurant. You can also add in some tofu or veggies for added texture and nutrition.
Orange chicken is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine and for a good reason. The crispy, sweet, and tangy chicken is a crowd-pleaser and will have your taste buds dancing. This dish is made by coating chicken in a cornstarch and flour mixture, frying it until crispy, and then tossing it in a sticky orange sauce. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory and is sure to become a family favorite.
If you're a fan of takeout beef and broccoli, you'll be happy to know that you can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients. This dish is made by stir-frying beef with broccoli and a flavorful sauce made up of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a few other seasonings. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that's better than any takeout version.
If you're not a fan of beef, you can easily swap it out for chicken in the beef and broccoli recipe. This dish is just as flavorful and delicious, and the chicken adds a nice lean protein to the dish. You can also add in other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make it even more nutritious and colorful.
7of 20
Chinese Eggplant with Spicy Garlic Sauce
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Eggplant, Garlic, Red Chile Pepper, Fresh
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, Chinese eggplant with spicy garlic sauce is a great choice. This dish features tender eggplant stir-fried with a spicy and flavorful garlic sauce. It's a great way to add some variety to your usual vegetable dishes and is sure to impress your taste buds.
8of 20
Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Spring Onions, Oyster Sauce, Light Soy
Noodle soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and this quick and easy version is perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with simple ingredients like chicken broth, noodles, and veggies, this soup is packed with flavor and can be customized to your liking. Add in some protein like chicken, beef, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
If you're a fan of spicy foods, you'll want to try making Chinese hot mustard at home. This condiment is commonly served with egg rolls, dumplings, and other Chinese dishes and has a strong, spicy flavor. It's made with a combination of ground mustard seeds, vinegar, and water, and can easily be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness.
10of 20
Chinese Chicken Skewers
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Teriyaki Sauce
Looking for a fun and flavorful appetizer? These Chinese chicken skewers are perfect for parties or a quick and easy dinner. Marinated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and garlic, these skewers are full of flavor and can be cooked on the grill or in the oven. Serve them with some extra sauce for dipping and watch them disappear.
Chinese brown sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings and can be used as a stir-fry sauce or as a dipping sauce for dumplings or egg rolls. You can also add in some veggies or protein to make it a complete meal.
If you're tired of ordering takeout, try making this better than takeout Chinese fried rice at home. Made with simple ingredients like rice, veggies, and protein, this dish is easy to make and tastes just like the one you get at your favorite Chinese restaurant. You can customize it to your liking by adding in your favorite veggies or protein.
13of 20
Chicken Rice Porridge or Congee
Main Ingredients: Rice, Bone In Chicken Breast, Water, Ginger, Green
Congee, also known as chicken rice porridge, is a popular breakfast dish in China and other Asian countries. It's made by cooking rice in a lot of water until it breaks down and becomes a thick and creamy porridge. You can add in chicken, veggies, or any other toppings you like to make it a hearty and comforting meal.
14of 20
Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
Pork fried rice is a classic Chinese takeout favorite and it's surprisingly easy to make at home. This dish is made by stir-frying rice with marinated pork, veggies, and seasonings until everything is evenly coated and cooked to perfection. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
15of 20
Egg Fried Rice - An Easy Chinese
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Large Eggs, Paprika, Turmeric, Oil, Medium
Egg fried rice is another classic Chinese dish that's easy to make at home. It's made by stir-frying rice with scrambled eggs, veggies, and seasonings until everything is evenly cooked and coated in a delicious sauce. You can customize this dish by adding in your favorite protein or veggies, making it a great way to use up leftovers.
Honey chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and it's easy to see why. The crispy chicken is coated in a sweet and sticky sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and other seasonings. It's a great balance of sweet and savory and is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
17of 20
Brothy Chinese Noodles
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Lean Ground Turkey, Scallions, Garlic
If you're a fan of noodle soups, you'll love this brothy Chinese noodles dish. Made with noodles, broth, and a few simple seasonings, this dish is full of flavor and is perfect for a cozy night in. You can add in some veggies or protein to make it a complete meal.
Chow mein is a classic Chinese dish that's popular all over the world. It's made by stir-frying noodles with a variety of veggies, protein, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is easy to customize and can be made with your favorite ingredients, making it a great way to use up leftovers.
Chinese noodles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, making them a versatile ingredient in Chinese cuisine. You can use them in soups, stir-fries, or as a side dish, and they'll always add a delicious and satisfying element to your meal. Experiment with different types of Chinese noodles to find your favorite.
Stir-fry dishes are a staple in Chinese cuisine, and the key to a great stir-fry is a delicious sauce. This recipe for the best Chinese stir-fry sauce is a game-changer and will take your stir-fry dishes to the next level. Made with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings, this sauce is flavorful and versatile, and can be used in a variety of dishes.
The Key Ingredients
Rice
The main ingredient in Chinese porridge is rice, which is cooked in water or broth until it becomes soft and creamy. It is important to choose the right type of rice for this dish, as certain varieties such as short-grain rice or jasmine rice are better suited for making porridge. These types of rice have a higher starch content, which helps to thicken the porridge and give it a smooth texture.
Water/Broth
The liquid used to cook the rice is what gives Chinese porridge its distinct flavor. Water is the most commonly used liquid, but for a richer and more flavorful porridge, broth can also be used. Chicken broth or vegetable broth are popular options, but feel free to experiment with different broths to find your preferred taste.
Salt
Although the name suggests a simple and plain porridge, a small amount of salt is necessary to enhance the flavors in the dish. It is important to add the salt in the beginning of the cooking process so that it is well incorporated into the porridge.
The Cooking Process
Step 1: Rinse and Soak the Rice
Start by rinsing 1 cup of rice until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to soften the rice and shorten the cooking time.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a pot, bring 4 cups of water or broth to a boil. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Once the rice has reached a porridge-like consistency, add a pinch of salt and stir to combine. You can also add other seasonings such as soy sauce, sesame oil, or chopped green onions for extra flavor. Ladle the porridge into bowls and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
This simple and plain Chinese porridge recipe is a great base to build upon and make your own. You can add different toppings such as shredded chicken, diced tofu, or preserved vegetables to make it more hearty and nutritious. You can also adjust the amount of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency. With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of Chinese porridge anytime.
