Congee

All Foods • Singapore

180

kcal

Protein

28g

Carbs

Fat

✓ Verified by Singapore Calorie

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About Congee

Rice porridge with various toppings

How to Make Singaporean Congee (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

easy

Congee, known locally as 'chok' or 'zhou', is a beloved breakfast staple across Singapore, found in bustling hawker centres and traditional kopitiams. This comforting rice porridge is cherished for its silky texture, subtle savoury notes, and versatility, often enjoyed from morning to late lunch. Singaporean congee stands out for its fusion influences—melding Cantonese, Teochew, and local Malay-Chinese flavors, reflecting the nation’s multicultural food tapestry. A steaming bowl of congee makes for a nourishing start to the day, offering gentle flavors that soothe the palate. Typically garnished with shredded chicken, spring onions, and a drizzle of sesame oil, Singaporean congee is both satisfying and easy to digest. Its popularity at hawker stalls is a testament to how it brings comfort to people of all ages, while its adaptable base allows for healthier ingredients and modern twists. Whether enjoyed plain or with protein-rich toppings, congee remains a timeless dish in the Singapore breakfast scene, perfect for those seeking a wholesome, lower-calorie meal.

Diabetic-Friendly Weight Loss Kid-Friendly Vegan Adaptable

Allergens: soy

Ingredients(for 1 large kopitiam bowl)

1/2 cup Jasmine rice (short grain preferred for creaminess)
5 cups Water (for a smooth porridge texture)
100g Skinless chicken breast (shredded, lean protein)
4 slices Fresh ginger (adds fragrance)
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 cup Low-sodium chicken stock (optional, for richer flavor) - optional
2 stalks Spring onion (chopped, for garnish)
1 tbsp Light soy sauce (reduced sodium)
1/4 tsp White pepper (to taste)
1 tsp Sesame oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

1
Rinse the rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and ensures a smooth, creamy congee.
3 minutes
Use your hands to gently swirl the rice for best results.
2
In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice, water, and ginger slices. Bring to a boil over high heat.
5 minutes
Add chicken stock at this stage for extra depth of flavor if desired.
3
Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice breaks down and the mixture thickens.
18 minutes
Stir more frequently towards the end for extra creaminess.
4
While the congee cooks, poach the chicken breast in a separate saucepan until fully cooked (about 8 minutes), then shred finely.
8 minutes
Use the poaching liquid in your congee for richer flavor.

Why This Dish is Healthy

Congee is a smart, healthy breakfast option as it is easily digestible, low in calories, and filling without being heavy. The use of lean chicken breast ensures higher protein and lower fat, ideal for weight management. With minimal oil and the option to control sodium, this recipe aligns well with balanced eating habits recommended in Singapore. Its customizable nature means you can add more vegetables or switch to brown rice for extra fiber, making it suitable for health-conscious eaters.

Singaporean congee is a nutritious choice, providing complex carbohydrates from rice for sustained energy. Lean chicken breast boosts protein content, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. Sesame oil and spring onions add heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, while ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory properties. The dish is low in saturated fat and can be made lower in sodium by using reduced-salt soy sauce and homemade stock. This congee supplies essential vitamins like B6 and minerals such as iron and magnesium.

Pro Tips

💡Tip 1: Use day-old rice for a quicker, smoother porridge texture.
💡Tip 2: Stir frequently towards the end to prevent sticking and achieve a silkier consistency.
💡Tip 3: Adjust water-to-rice ratio for your preferred thickness—more water for a lighter congee.