Imagine a warm, creamy bowl of pure culinary comfort that combines the hearty richness of minced beef, the sweet burst of corn, and the silky smoothness of traditional Chinese congee. This Minced Beef Corn Congee is not just a meal—it's a journey through flavor and tradition that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Chinese home cooking. Whether you're seeking a soul-warming breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner, this recipe promises to become your new go-to dish that delivers both nutrition and incredible taste in every single spoonful.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 6 cups water or broth
- 1 lb minced beef
- 1 can corn, drained
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch. Drain well.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the rice with water or broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the rice cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- In a separate pan, brown the minced beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef and set aside.
- Once the rice has started to break down and become creamy, add the drained corn kernels to the congee.
- Stir in the cooked minced beef and soy sauce, mixing thoroughly.
- Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the congee reaches a thick, porridge-like consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot.
Tips
- Rice Quality Matters: Use medium-grain or short-grain rice for the best creamy texture. Rinsing thoroughly removes excess starch and prevents a gummy consistency.
- Liquid Ratio is Key: The 6 cups of liquid to 1 cup of rice creates the ideal congee consistency, but feel free to adjust slightly based on your preferred thickness.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking congee. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning at the bottom of the pot.
- Beef Browning Technique: When cooking minced beef, ensure you get a nice golden-brown color for deeper flavor. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Seasoning Tip: Add soy sauce gradually and taste as you go. Different brands have varying salt levels, so adjust to your preference.
- Garnish Freshness: Add chopped green onions just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and bright flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This congee reheats beautifully. If it thickens too much, simply stir in a little hot water or broth to restore the perfect consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
