Congee (jook) is a marvelous rice porridge that is warm, silky, and satisfying. It was always a treat when I was a kid, and I have struggled throughout the years to make congee due to its long cooking time and its tendency to burn on the bottom once it starts to thicken.
Everything changed when I decided to try making it in the Instant Pot! In the Instant Pot it only takes about an hour to make and you never have to worry about the rice burning on the bottom of the pot! Not only that, but you can toss everything in and ignore it! No trying to get the perfect temperature once it has started boiling. No having to stir it. No having to adjust the temperature as it gets thicker and thicker.
I have gone from making congee once every few years to making it a few times a month! I use my Instant Pot for many recipes, but it is worth getting one just to be able to enjoy congee whenever I want!
Ingredients:
2 cups brown jasmine rice
14 cups of chicken or turkey broth/stock
1/2” ginger root, grated (remove the skin by rubbing with the edge of a spoon)
Salt (to taste after cooking)
Instructions:
Rinse the rice (in a strainer or in the instant pot)
Place all ingredients in the Instant Pot
Cook under high pressure for 30 minutes
Let the pressure release naturally. This provides an additional 20-30 minutes of cooking time.
When the cooker is no longer under pressure, carefully open the lid.
Stir the congee and add salt if needed.
Notes:
When first cooked, the congee with be a little thin, but should still have a silky starchy texture. After it has been refrigerated it will tighten up, and you may need to add additional water to get to your desired thickness.
Once cooked, I store the congee in 32oz mason jars. This allows me to scoop out half a jar for a single serving or the full jar for two servings.
Many people enjoy adding things to their congee. Green onions on top. Shredded chicken, smoked ham hock, or char-siu (Chinese barbecued pork) added on top or mixed in after cooking. A little oyster sauce as a condiment to add a little more depth of flavor. Have fun with it!