Vegan Congee (Instant Pot option)

This Vegan Congee is a simple, savory rice porridge that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Made with aromatic ginger, garlic, and a vegan chicken broth, this comforting dish can be prepared on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot. It’s a great choice for meal prep and is freezer-friendly, offering a warming, flavorful dish with endless topping options!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Nutritious: Congee is a satisfying meal full of plant-based goodness, and the ginger and garlic add depth of flavor.

• Flexible: You can adjust the consistency by adding more water for a thinner porridge or cooking longer for a thicker dish.

• Vegan and Gluten-Free: It’s the perfect dish for those following vegan or gluten-free diets, without sacrificing flavor or comfort.

• Instant Pot Option: Quick and easy, you can have a bowl of congee ready in less than 30 minutes with the Instant Pot method.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1⅓ cup Jasmine rice (see note 1)

• 6 cups vegan chicken broth (or vegetable broth, see note 2)

• 5 cups water (more as needed)

• 5 cloves garlic, finely grated (or minced)

• 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger (or minced)

• ½ to 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (more as needed, see note 3)

Toppings (optional)

• Homemade Chili Garlic Oil

• Sliced scallions (green onions)

• Minced fresh ginger

• White pepper

directions

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold running water for 1 minute using your fingers to swirl the rice. Drain well.

2. Combine and Cook: In a large pot, add the rinsed rice, vegan chicken broth, water, garlic, ginger, and salt. Cover the pot slightly ajar and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until the rice is soft, about 30 minutes.

3. Cook until Smooth: Uncover the pot and continue cooking for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice starts to fall apart and the congee is smooth. Add more water if needed to adjust the consistency. If the congee is too runny, cook for longer until thickened.

4. Season and Serve: Taste the congee and add more salt if needed. Top with your choice of toppings, such as chili garlic oil, sliced scallions, minced ginger, and white pepper. Serve hot.

Instant Pot Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In the Instant Pot, combine 1⅓ cups rinsed jasmine rice, 3 cups water (instead of 5 cups), vegan chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and salt.

2. Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high-pressure for 25 minutes. Let the Instant Pot naturally release the pressure.

3. Adjust Consistency: Once the Instant Pot has released pressure, stir the congee. The porridge will thicken as it cools, so if it’s too thick, add more water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with toppings like chili garlic oil, scallions, ginger, and white pepper.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 5

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Add Tofu: For added protein, stir in some crispy tofu cubes or silken tofu just before serving.

• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or spinach for more texture and nutrients.

• Add a Spicy Kick: Top with a drizzle of homemade chili garlic oil for an extra kick of spice and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover congee in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It will thicken as it cools, so add extra water or stock when reheating.

• Freezing: Congee freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, add more water and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make congee ahead of time?

Yes! Congee is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use. Just reheat and add water or stock as needed.

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and may result in a different texture. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time to 50 minutes in the Instant Pot or 45 minutes on the stovetop.

How do I make congee spicier?

You can add more chili garlic oil, minced fresh chili, or red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick.

Can I make this congee in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally until the rice is soft and porridge-like.

Conclusion

This Vegan Congee is the ultimate comfort food, offering a soothing, savory bowl of rice porridge that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you cook it on the stove or in the Instant Pot, this vegan version of congee is the perfect dish for a cozy meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Top with chili garlic oil and your favorite garnishes for a perfect finish!