Silky rice porridge with preserved egg and pork
Century Egg Congee
Century Egg Congee
1h 10mEasy
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 min
Servings
4
4 bowls
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Century Egg Congee
Silky rice porridge with preserved egg and pork
Ultra-creamy rice porridge studded with cubes of century egg and tender shredded pork. Pi dan shou rou zhou is the most popular congee in Cantonese cuisine, beloved for its rich, savory depth.
10m
Prep Time
60m
Cook Time
70m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Century egg congee is pure comfort in a bowl. The preserved eggs melt into the porridge as it cooks, adding a creamy, slightly sulfuric richness that is utterly unique and addictive.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 2 century eggs (preserved duck eggs), diced
- 1/2 lb lean pork, sliced thin
- 8 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 scallions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Bring rice and broth to a boil in a large pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally.
- 2
After 30 minutes, add pork slices and one diced century egg. Continue simmering and stirring.
- 3
Cook for another 25 minutes until the congee is thick and creamy and pork is tender.
- 4
Stir in soy sauce and white pepper. Fold in the remaining diced century egg.
- 5
Ladle into bowls and top with sliced scallions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and crispy fried shallots.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage
Substitutions
Century eggsSalted duck eggs
Different flavor but similarly traditional in congee
Lean porkGround pork or shredded chicken
Both cook quickly and add savory depth
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Soy Sauce
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the soy sauce matters
This is doing more than adding salt. The right soy sauce gives the recipe a rounder, more savory base than a thin generic bottle.
This pantry choice affects depth more than most seasonings here.
- Builds savory backbone quickly
- Useful across stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces
A better soy sauce is one of the easiest pantry upgrades for Asian cooking.
Shop soy sauce for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Freeze the rinsed rice overnight to help the grains break down faster during cooking.
Stir the congee frequently in the last 20 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure creaminess.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Congee will thicken; thin with broth when reheating.
Reheating
Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly and adding broth or water to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (55mg) · 4 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein20g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat42g
Fiber680mg
Sugar0g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do century eggs taste like?
- They have a rich, creamy, slightly sulfuric flavor with an umami depth similar to aged cheese.
- Where can I buy century eggs?
- Most Asian grocery stores carry them, usually near the fresh eggs or in the preserved foods aisle.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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