Quick & Easy Congee with Meatballs

Step 1

If the rice is chilled, microwave it for a minute so it’s hot, which will help it absorb liquid more readily.

Step 2

Add rice to blender along with just enough of the stock to blend. Blend the rice briefly (several seconds) until you have your desired consistency—this could be coarser or finer depending on your preference, but make sure not to over-blend it cuz you do not want a smooth puree!

Step 3

Pour blended rice into a heavy-bottomed pot, then use the remaining stock to rinse out the blender so you get everything out and add to the pot.

Step 4

Add soy sauce and fish sauce and bring rice to a simmer.

Step 5

Simmer for at least 10 minutes, or up to 20 minutes. The longer you simmer, the softer and smoother the texture will be, but for a “quick” version, I find that 10 minutes will do just fine. Once the rice starts to thicken up, stir frequently with a rubber spatula to prevent the bottom from sticking to the pot.

Step 6

While the rice is cooking, make meatballs simply by combining all ingredients in a mixing bowl and knead everything together with your hands until smooth (wear gloves if you have them).

Step 7

When rice is done, add meatballs in chunks directly into the rice using 2 teaspoons. Cook the meatballs for about 3 minutes until done.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 9

Stir in julienned ginger if you want, or you can leave it for each person to add to their own bowl when serving.

Step 10

Serve with green onions and extra white pepper if desired. Enjoy!