Hong Kong Style Congee with Century Egg and Lean Pork
A comforting and classic Hong Kong breakfast staple, this congee features a smooth, creamy rice porridge base infused with the unique flavor of century egg and tender lean pork. It's a simple yet deeply satisfying dish, often enhanced with a drizzle of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of scallions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 8 cups Water
- 150 g Lean pork, thinly sliced
- 2 Century eggs (pidan), chopped
- 1 tbsp Ginger, julienned
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp White pepper
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- to taste Soy sauce
- 2 Scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Fried shallots (for garnish, optional)
👨🍳 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 large pot, combine the rinsed rice with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice has broken down and the congee is thick and creamy.
💡 Tip: Stirring prevents the congee from sticking to the bottom of the pot. - 3
While the congee is simmering, marinate the thinly sliced lean pork. In a small bowl, combine the pork with 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp white pepper, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Mix well and set aside.
💡 Tip: Marinating the pork makes it tender and flavorful. - 4
Add the julienned ginger to the simmering congee and stir. Then, add the marinated pork slices and stir gently to separate them. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.
💡 Tip: Add pork towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming tough. - 5
Stir in the chopped century eggs. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
💡 Tip: Century eggs have a strong flavor; adjust the quantity to your preference. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with soy sauce if needed. The congee should be a thick, porridge-like consistency. If it's too thick, add a little more hot water.
💡 Tip: Congee consistency can be adjusted by adding more liquid. - 7
Ladle the hot congee into bowls. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and fried shallots (if using).
💡 Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer congee, you can use a combination of water and chicken or pork broth.
- ✓Some people like to add a small piece of dried tangerine peel during cooking for an extra aromatic note.
- ✓Leftover congee can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated with a little water.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add shredded chicken or fish instead of pork.
- Incorporate other ingredients like dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated and sliced) or salted duck eggs.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and century egg, and add more mushrooms and perhaps some firm tofu.