13 Best Congee Toppings and Accompaniments

Thanks to these terrific congee toppings and accompaniments, your morning bowl of rice porridge has never tasted so good.

My go-to is crispy shallots. Yum!

Congee is a classic Chinese breakfast dish made from boiled rice.

It’s an incredibly versatile and filling meal that you can use as a base for endless yummy toppings.

And did you know that congee can be served sweet or savory? It’s true! It’s delicious with everything from eggs and meat to veggies and berries.

So, get the most out of your breakfast with these fantastic congee toppings!

10+ Congee Topping Ideas You’ll Love

1. Salted Duck Eggs 

Nothing beats a big bowl of warm porridge in the morning. But have you ever tried it with salted duck eggs?

In fact, the most common way of serving congee is topped with salted duck eggs. It adds an extra layer of texture and rich flavor to the dish.

Whether you prefer homemade or store-bought, salted duck eggs are sure to make your breakfast hearty.

2. Crispy Shallots

I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to eat congee without this topping.

Ginger and crispy shallots make this a meal you’ll never forget. It’s satisfying and 100% flavor-packed.

The extra crunch adds a fantastic texture to the warm, soft congee, too. This bowl of soup will absolutely warm your soul and delight your taste buds!

3. Coriander

Looking for a fresh new addition to your breakfast bowl? Try this yummy congee topping!

Coriander (cilantro) is a citrusy herb with floral notes that really lift this dish.

Plus, it’s rich in antioxidants, helps lower blood sugar, and is excellent for your gut health!

It’s a simple addition that can totally brighten up your plain ol’ bowl of porridge.

4. Kimchi (or other Pickled Vegetables)

I love congee because it’s warm, comforting, and filling. But sometimes, I want something extra to make my taste buds jump.

And if you’re like me, you’ll love a little extra spice and crunch. So why not add something with both?

The addition of kimchi brings a tangy, fiery kick to the otherwise bland soup. It’s a terrific Korean breakfast twist I can’t get enough of.

The bite of crunchy veggies perfectly contrasts the silky congee. It’s just plain delish!

5. Dried Shrimp

Searching for a new way to enjoy congee? Try topping it with dried shrimp!

The dried shrimp adds an extra crunch that wonderfully contrasts the soft porridge.

It also adds an element of saltiness and umami goodness to make every flavor shine through.

This dish is typically served for breakfast, but you’ll love it any time of the day.

The crisp, flaky topping with the mild soup is a flavor combination that’s hard to beat.

6. Goji Berries

A bowl of congee topped with goji berries is the perfect way to start the day.

These vibrant berries boast sweet, tart flavors that make every dish pop. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they’re packed with excellent health benefits.

These babies contain immune-boosting antioxidants and are good for stabilizing blood sugar and more!

Goji berries add just the right amount of sweetness, while the congee keeps things mild.

It’s ideal for when you need a little boost in the morning.

7. Garlic Chives 

Congee is just what you need when you’re feeling a little under the weather.

And the addition of garlic chives brings a pop of strong, bright flavor to blast through any runny nose.

It’s light with a hint of freshness to make your taste buds dance. The delicate herb adds an oniony, garlicky flavor giving a zing to the creamy congee.

Whether you’re looking to feel better or want something delicious, this is a must-try!

8. Chicken, Mushrooms, and Edamame

When it’s drizzling outside and the air is chilly, this hearty dish is what you need!

Every spoonful of this congee feels like a heartwarming hug in a bowl.

This rich, creamy congee will keep you warm and cozy during the cold winter months.

And it’s packed with chicken, edamame, and crispy mushrooms to give it character.

The edamame brings a hint of sweetness and nuttiness to the plain congee. It’s also good if you need a little extra protein in your diet.

9. Ginger Scallion Oil

Scallions are a classic congee topping. They’re readily available, and all you need to do is chop them up and add them to your bowl.

Fresh scallions offer a burst of flavor that’s a little sharp but just what the rice porridge needs.

But if you want to take things up a notch, this ginger and scallion oil is a must-make.

It’s aromatic, spicy, tangy, and to die for! It’s the perfect topping for a nourishing and delicious meal. 

10. Celery

It’s time to go back to basics.

Sometimes, you just want to eat something simple, wholesome, and delicious. That’s why I included the classic pairing of congee and celery.

This hearty dish features a subtle crunch, and if you need some protein, you can throw lean pork into the mix!

11. Dried Tangerine Peel

Tangerine is a sweet, aromatic fruit that brightens up any dish it’s paired with. Its peel retains the sweet scent with a slightly bitter edge when dried.

Including it into your bowl of congee will bring an incredible depth of flavor to the otherwise savory porridge.

It’s ideal if you’re looking to add some a twist. I also like this with goji berries for a colorful and fruity finish.

12. Century Eggs

Get ready to fall in love with congee even more.

You’ll love this pairing if you’re a fan of century eggs – those intense, deep brown boiled eggs with the dark yolk.

These preserved eggs add a layer of unique flavors that you can’t find anywhere else.

It rounds out the subtle sweetness of congee with its robust and sulfuric taste.

13. Fresh Ginger

Congee topped with ginger is a beautiful way to start the day. It’s a little spicy, peppery kick that’ll give you a boost.

For years, the classic combo of creamy congee with sharp ginger has been my go-to for busy mornings.

It’s a surprisingly simple pairing that will leave you feeling satisfied.