A classic Chinese rice porridge (jook) simmered until creamy and topped with thinly sliced pork and chopped preserved eggs. Finished with ginger, scallions, cilantro, and a drizzle of sesame oil, it is the ultimate savory comfort bowl for breakfast or a soothing dinner.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time75 mins
Total Time90 mins
Servings4
Yield4 bowls
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 385 kcalCalories
- 12 gFat
- 3 gSaturated Fat
- 45 gCarbs
- 2 gFiber
- 1 gSugar
- 24 gProtein
- 820 mgSodium
- 480 mgPotassium
- 65 mgCalcium
- 3 mgIron
- 4 mgVitamin C
- 85 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the congee base
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed until water runs clear
- 9 cups low-sodium chicken stock or water
- 1 inch fresh ginger, smashed and sliced into 4 pieces
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
For the marinated pork
- 8 oz (225 g) pork loin or lean pork shoulder, sliced 1/8-inch thin
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
For the preserved egg topping and garnish
- 2 preserved (century) eggs, peeled and diced
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (whites and greens separated)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp crispy fried shallots
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil for drizzling
- 1 tsp toasted white sesame seeds
Directions
- Combine the rinsed rice, chicken stock, ginger slices, and salt in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, skim any foam that rises, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Partially cover and simmer for 60-70 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice grains have burst open and the porridge is thick and creamy. If the congee becomes too thick, stir in hot water a quarter cup at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
- While the congee simmers, toss the sliced pork with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, white pepper, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Stir the marinated pork (and the scallion whites) into the congee during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking, breaking up any clumps so the slices separate and cook through.
- Remove and discard the ginger slices. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or white pepper as needed.
- Ladle the hot congee into four wide bowls, dividing the pork and broth evenly.
- Top each bowl with diced preserved egg, sliced scallion greens, cilantro, crispy fried shallots, a light drizzle of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra white pepper on the side.
Cook’s Notes
- Jasmine rice gives a fragrant, slightly sticky congee; short-grain sushi rice produces an even creamier texture if you prefer.
- For a faster version, use a pressure cooker: cook rice and stock on high pressure for 25 minutes, then naturally release and stir to break up the grains.
- Coating the pork in cornstarch keeps the slices silky and prevents them from becoming rubbery during simmering.
- Add the preserved eggs only at serving time; their unique ammonia-like aroma softens and blends better when not overcooked into the broth.
- Leftover congee thickens substantially in the fridge; loosen it with a splash of hot water or stock when reheating.










