Hong Kong Style Congee with Preserved Egg and Pork (皮蛋瘦肉粥)
A comforting and flavorful Cantonese congee, a rice porridge that is a staple breakfast and late-night snack in Hong Kong. This version features tender shredded pork and savory preserved egg.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 8 cups Water
- 200 g Pork tenderloin(thinly sliced or shredded)
- 2 large Preserved eggs (century eggs)(peeled and diced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(julienned)
- 1 tsp Salt(for marinating pork, plus more to taste)
- 0.5 tsp White pepper(for marinating pork)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil(for marinating pork, plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tsp Cornstarch(for marinating pork)
- 2 stalks Scallions(thinly sliced, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Fried shallots(for garnish (optional))
- to taste White pepper(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
💡 Tip: Rinsing removes excess starch, leading to a smoother congee. - 2
In a bowl, marinate the shredded pork with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp white pepper, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Mix well and set aside for at least 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed rice and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the rice has broken down and the congee has thickened.
⏱️ 1 hour💡 Tip: Stirring prevents the congee from sticking to the bottom of the pot. - 4
Add the marinated pork and julienned ginger to the simmering congee. Stir gently and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Add more water if the congee becomes too thick for your liking. - 5
Stir in the diced preserved eggs and cook for another 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Season the congee with salt to taste. Ladle into individual bowls.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully, as preserved eggs can be salty. - 7
Garnish with sliced scallions, fried shallots (if using), a drizzle of sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper.
💡 Tip: Garnishes add texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a creamier congee, you can add a tablespoon of oil or a splash of milk during the simmering process.
- ✓The cooking time for congee can be adjusted based on desired thickness and rice texture.
- ✓Preserved eggs have a strong flavor; adjust the quantity to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add shredded chicken instead of pork.
- Include other ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, dried scallops, or goji berries.