Last Updated on January 10, 2021 by Chef Mireille
Chinese Bok Choy Congee – Chinese Rice Porridge is a common breakfast in China, often enriched with leftover’s from the previous night’s dinner. Check out this easy vegan and gluten free version!
This post may include affiliate links.
Asian Breakfast
Breakfast in Asian countries is very different than what we think of breakfast in the west and especially in the United States.
It has a lot less sugar and for the most part, it is usually healthier.
Soups and savory porridges are more common. From Mohinga in Burma to Khao Soi in Thailand, breakfast are things we would normally associate with lunch or dinner in the west.
Would you like to see what breakfast is like in Thailand – Check out my post here – BREAKFAST IN THAILAND
Juk in Korea, Chao in Vietnam and Congee in China, the day often starts with rice porridge. The Japanese version, Okayu, is often flavored with green tea.
Once you have the basic rice porridge recipe done, any variety of vegetables and meats can be added. Often leftovers from the previous night’s dinner is added to the breakfast rice porridge. Pickled vegetables are often served along with the rice porridge.
However, Chinese Bok Choy Congee does not need to be reserved only for breakfast. I love the porridge consistency on cold winter nights. To me, this is perfect wintertime comfort food.
Don’t forget to check out the other versions I have already made!
Chinese Bok Choy Congee is both Vegan and Gluten Free!
Sweet Rice
Sweet Rice is very different from long grain rice or even short grain rice. It is oval in shape and has a very high starch content. The starch releases as the rice cooks, which allows for the creamy porridge like consistency.
Also known as glutinous rice, you can find sweet rice in Asian markets or purchase via the links below.
Good substitutes include Arborio rice (risotto rice) or sushi rice.
This rice is also good for making nice and creamy rice puddings.
Skip the muffins, pancakes and waffles and dig into this savory healthy breakfast instead!
Chinese Bok Choy Congee
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sweet rice
- 3 cups bok choy finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 7 skinny scallions finely chopped
- salt to taste
- a pinch ground white pepper
- soy sauce optional
Instructions
- Bring 3 cups of the water, broth, rice and ginger to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-35 minutes, until rice is tender.
- Add the bok choy, salt, the remaining water and sesame oil. Cook for another 10 minutes on a low simmer.
- Add scallions and pepper and stir to combine. Adjust salt, if necessary.
Notes
Nutrition
DO YOU YUM? SAVE IT BELOW!
YumDon’t forget to visit the RECIPE INDEX with over 1000 recipes from around the world including lots of Vegetarian Recipes and Gluten Free Recipes!
Seeing these different posts, I am able to get the similarity between the names of the dishes. Rice porridge like this are usually eaten for breakfast in South India and we call it Kanchi as well. In fact a child's first meal is Kanchi. It is made with rice and/or other different grains. This is surely a comforting dish for this weather here. Do take care if you have to go out tomorrow.
I was about to comment on the name as well and see that Sandhya has done. Its nice to know that we have similar dishes across countries..:)..very nice one and ..that picture though looks good to us, I can understand how tough it must be for you guys..take care and stay warm..
thats wonderful one and this is similar to rice porridge too
very different and healthy congee dear 🙂 so very comforting .. so nice to know that similarity in dishes across countries 🙂
This dish looks very healthy and adding the greens had enhanced.Thankyou for sending the recipe to both my events.I appreciate your participation.
Stay warm Mir…This one sure will help you stay warm!!
wintery night and a warm bowl of yummy porridge, perfect match!!!!! those greens in the porridge adds a lovely color to the dish!!!!
Very interesting combination. The pictures are great!
Yum Yum. We really need this during such a cold weather.
Fantastic recipe for this wintry evenings..Yumm
I remember eating this in China for breakfast and loving it. They have a wide array of toppings too and that makes it even more delicious.
Healthy breakfast.
The new pictures look excellent, this is surely one of the healthiest breakfast one can make!
thank you – yes it is quite a healthy breakfast, especially when compared to American ones!
The pictures here look very bright and vibrant and tempting for sure. Perfect for the weather.
yes this is perfect winter comfort food breakfast
Ginger , scallions – I love their flavours ! I am just trying to absorb the flavors of this porridge , it looks so good .
It is very simple but very delicious especially when eaten the next day after the flavors have had time to develop
As Sandhya and Valli mentioned, it’s really similar to South Indian Kanchi but love the addition of Bok Choy.
thanks – yes this is such a simple comfort food way to start the day
I’ve been trying to incorporate different foods into our usual western style of eating, so I tried this recipe today. Was pleased with how easily it came together. For me I’d prefer a bit more zing, so maybe more ginger next time. I did add some soya sauce which helped. Thanks!
yes. This is a basic congee. However, it is often accompanied by a variety of side dishes which will add more flavor.