Congee, a comforting and versatile rice porridge, serves as a warm canvas for an array of flavors. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it pairs beautifully with various side dishes that can add texture, protein, and zest.
Here you can find 14 tasty side dishes and toppings that elevate the simple goodness of congee, making each spoonful a discovery of tastes and textures.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with congee are ground beef, shredded chicken, creamed corn, crispy tofu, pork floss, century eggs, bacon, Chinese fried dough, hard-boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, pickled vegetables, fried shallots, and steamed greens.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
1. Ground Beef
Seasoned ground beef, cooked with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger, offers a savory and hearty addition to congee. Its rich flavor and tender texture blend seamlessly with the creamy porridge, providing a satisfying protein boost. This simple yet flavorful side can be prepared quickly, making it a convenient option for a fulfilling meal.
2. Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken, lightly seasoned and tossed with sesame oil and soy sauce, brings a delicate yet impactful flavor to congee. Its soft texture and lean protein make it an ideal companion, enhancing the porridge without overwhelming it. This addition is not only nutritious but also adds a layer of comfort to the dish.
3. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn, with its sweet flavor and creamy texture, adds a delightful contrast to the savory congee. It introduces a gentle sweetness and a pop of color, making the porridge more appealing and satisfying. This side dish is incredibly easy to prepare, offering a quick way to enrich the meal with both taste and nutrition.
4. Crispy Tofu
Crispy tofu, marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of maple syrup, then fried until golden, provides a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor to congee. Its crispy exterior and soft interior offer a pleasant textural contrast, while the savory marinade complements the mildness of the porridge beautifully.
5. Pork Floss
Pork floss, with its unique fluffy texture and sweet-savory taste, is an exquisite topping for congee. It melts slightly when placed on the hot porridge, enriching it with its meaty flavor and slight sweetness. This side dish adds an interesting textural element and a burst of flavor that's both unexpected and delightful.
6. Century Eggs
Century eggs, also known as preserved or thousand-year eggs, bring a complex flavor profile to congee. Their creamy, custard-like yolks and jelly-like whites contrast with the porridge's simplicity, adding an umami depth and a touch of sophistication. Sliced or quartered, century eggs turn congee into a delicacy, offering a blend of traditional tastes and textures.
7. Bacon
Crispy bacon, with its smoky and salty flavors, adds a decadent and crunchy element to congee. Chopped into small bits and sprinkled over the porridge, it infuses each bite with its rich taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Bacon not only complements the creamy texture of congee but also introduces a satisfying contrast that's irresistible.
8. Chinese Fried Dough
Chinese fried dough, known as youtiao, is a light and airy breadstick that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for dipping into congee, it adds a delightful crunch and a mild, doughy flavor that absorbs the porridge beautifully. This traditional side enhances the breakfast experience, offering a satisfying contrast in textures.
9. Hard Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs, with their firm whites and creamy yolks, serve as a simple, protein-packed accompaniment to congee. Slicing them up and adding them to the bowl introduces a soft texture and a comforting, familiar taste that pairs well with the porridge’s subtlety, making the meal more wholesome.
10. Roasted Peanuts
Roasted peanuts contribute a nutty crunch and a rich flavor to the creamy consistency of congee. Their saltiness and crunch offer a contrast that enhances the porridge's mild taste. Sprinkle them on top just before serving to keep their texture intact and to add a layer of complexity to the dish.
11. Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables, with their bright acidity and crunch, provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting bowl of congee. Their tangy flavor cuts through the richness, adding a burst of freshness that balances the meal. Serve a variety of pickled radishes, cucumbers, or carrots on the side for a colorful and flavorful addition.
12. Fried Shallots
Fried shallots add a crispy, savory element to congee, infusing the dish with their sweet, aromatic flavor. Their golden, crunchy bits scattered on top bring a delightful texture contrast and a hint of oniony sweetness that complements the creamy porridge perfectly, elevating the dish with minimal effort.
13. Steamed Greens
Steamed greens, such as bok choy, spinach, or kale, seasoned lightly with soy sauce and sesame oil, offer a healthful and vibrant side to congee. Their slight bitterness and tender texture introduce a nutritious and colorful element, making the meal more balanced and visually appealing.
14. Soy Sauce Chicken
Soy sauce chicken, with its savory and slightly sweet glaze, offers a flavorful and tender meat option that pairs excellently with congee. The chicken's rich, umami-packed taste and succulent texture complement the blandness of the porridge, adding depth and a meaty component to round out the meal.
What To Serve With Congee
Ingredients
- 1 congee
Instructions
- Make the best congee using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat congee with ground beef, shredded chicken, creamed corn, crispy tofu, pork floss, century eggs, bacon, Chinese fried dough, hard-boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, pickled vegetables, fried shallots, and steamed greens.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂