Savory Beef and Vegetable Congee
Savory Beef and Vegetable Congee
Baby Food Friendly! Nutritious Beef & Veggie Congee Recipe That Kids and Adults Will Love
Did you accidentally cook your rice too wet, turning it into a mushy, almost sticky mess? Don’t worry! Even overly wet rice can be transformed into a delicious and nourishing congee. This ‘Beef and Vegetable Congee’ is a perfect example of how to rescue less-than-perfectly cooked rice into a wonderful meal. The combination of savory beef and fresh vegetables makes it ideal for baby food, and it’s hearty enough for an adult’s satisfying meal. This magical congee recipe, praised by my husband, is sure to impress. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients- 400g cooked rice (preferably slightly sticky)
- 80g ground beef or finely chopped beef
- 50g carrots
- 50g zucchini
Broth and Seasoning- 900ml water
- 2 pieces dried kelp (kombu)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp mirin
- 900ml water
- 2 pieces dried kelp (kombu)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp soup soy sauce (guk-ganjang)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce (jin-ganjang)
- 0.5 Tbsp mirin
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s make the base for our delicious congee: the kelp broth. Soak 2 pieces of dried kelp in 900ml of cold water for about 10 minutes to extract its umami flavor. After 10 minutes, remove the kelp.
Step 2
Pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove excess blood. In a small bowl, mix the beef with minced garlic, soy sauce, and mirin. This marinating step helps remove any gamey smell from the beef and adds a deeper flavor.
Step 3
Wash the carrots and zucchini thoroughly. Dice them into very small cubes or mince them so they blend smoothly into the congee. If preparing for a baby, mince them even finer.
Step 4
Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and stir with a spatula, breaking up any clumps. Sauté until the beef changes color to a light brown. Searing the beef first enhances its savory taste.
Step 5
Once the beef is somewhat browned, add the diced carrots and zucchini. Stir-fry together for about 1 minute, just until the vegetables begin to soften slightly.
Step 6
Now, add the stir-fried ingredients to a pot. Pour in the 400g of cooked rice and the 900ml of prepared kelp broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, rather than high heat.
Step 7
While the congee is simmering, use your spatula to gently break apart any clumps of rice. This will ensure a smoother, more consistent texture for your congee.
Step 8
Once the congee starts to boil, add 1 tablespoon of soup soy sauce to season it. If you are making this for a baby’s food, you can omit the seasoning or use a very small amount.
Step 9
Finally, continue to simmer over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the congee reaches your desired consistency. It’s crucial to stir often to prevent the bottom from sticking. You can adjust the thickness to your preference. Your delicious and creamy Beef and Vegetable Congee is ready!
