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Century Egg & Lean Pork Congee: A Cantonese Classic Recipe


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4.3 from 39 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 3 servings

Description

A traditional Cantonese comfort dish featuring silky rice porridge cooked with tender lean pork and rich century eggs, delivering deep savory flavors and a smooth texture.


Ingredients

Base

  • 1/2 cup jasmine rice
  • 6 cups water or chicken broth

Protein

  • 150 g lean pork, thinly sliced
  • 2 century eggs, chopped

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp ginger, finely sliced
  • Green onions for garnish


Instructions

  1. Rinse and soak rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear, then soak it for 20 minutes to help the grains cook faster and achieve a smoother congee texture.
  2. Start the congee base: Bring 6 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the soaked rice into the boiling liquid.
  3. Simmer the porridge: Reduce heat to low and let the rice simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the porridge thickens and the rice breaks down, about 30-35 minutes.
  4. Marinate the pork: While the congee simmers, combine thinly sliced lean pork with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
  5. Add pork and ginger: Stir the marinated pork and finely sliced ginger into the simmering congee. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and tender.
  6. Incorporate century eggs: Gently fold in the chopped century eggs and cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors without breaking the eggs apart too much.
  7. Season and garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt, stir well, then ladle the congee into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot for comforting enjoyment.

Notes

  • Stir frequently to achieve a smooth, creamy texture and prevent the rice from sticking to the pot bottom.
  • Adjust the water quantity depending on your preferred congee thickness; less water for thicker porridge, more for a thinner consistency.
  • For extra warmth and aroma, add a pinch of white pepper during seasoning.
  • Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer, more savory flavor.
  • Ensure century eggs are chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution without overpowering the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cantonese