Rice Congee with Ginger, Scallions, and Poached Egg

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A gentle, warm rice porridge flavored with fresh ginger and scallions, topped with a silky poached egg to soothe cold symptoms and provide nourishing comfort. This chinese-inspired soups ready in about 80 minutes pairs jasmine rice, water, fresh ginger, julienned for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 70 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 230 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and add 1 tbsp julienned fresh ginger. Simmer gently uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 1 hour until the rice breaks down and the porridge thickens to a creamy consistency.
  3. Step 3: Season the congee with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp white pepper, stirring thoroughly.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, bring a small pot of water to a gentle simmer. Crack 2 large eggs one at a time into a small bowl, then gently slide each into the simmering water to poach for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but yolks remain runny.
  5. Step 5: Ladle the congee into bowls, top each with 1 poached egg, 3 thinly sliced scallion stalks, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and drizzle 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Serve immediately while warm.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rice Congee with Ginger, Scallions, and Poached Egg take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (10 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rice Congee with Ginger, Scallions, and Poached Egg?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep jasmine rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rice Congee with Ginger, Scallions, and Poached Egg?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rice Congee with Ginger, Scallions, and Poached Egg for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Rice Congee with Ginger, Scallions, and Poached Egg?

Chinese soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.