Oatmeal, but make it homie congee 🍲✨🔥

A Warm, Nourishing Bowl (Vegetarian-Friendly!)

This time of year is all about Lunar New Year celebrations. And this year comes with a chilly breeze, perfect weather for something warm and comforting. Growing up, I always saw congee as one of the most comforting Chinese dishes that I often had before school. 🖤✨🎶

Nothing feels better on a chill day like this than a hot bowl of congee. It feels right for the season. This time, I figured, why not switch things up and try something healthier? So I went with oatmeal. It’s filling but not heavy like rice, packed with fiber to keep the Wykoffs full longer. 🍲😋

At first, I wasn’t sure if oatmeal would work in a savory dish, but it actually turned out surprisingly good! My trick is to blend the oats first before cooking them in broth. This gives the congee that smooth, creamy texture, just like real congee!

I simmered mine in a pan with shiitake mushrooms, ginger, and a soft-poached egg on top, and let me tell you—it’s so satisfying. I topped it with crispy spicy tofu bites for that perfect crispy touch—so good!✨🔥

How to Make Vegetarian Oatmeal Congee

This recipe is so easy, quick, and great for vegetarians who still enjoy eggs.

Ingredients (Serves 2):

● 1 cup instant or rolled oats (blended into fine bits)

● 4 cups vegetable broth

● 2 eggs (soft-poached)

● ½ cup shiitake mushrooms (thinly sliced)

● 2 tsp ginger (julienned)

● 2 tsp scallions (chopped)

● 1 tsp sesame oil

● 1 tbsp light soy sauce

● White pepper to taste

● Nori (seaweed) & crispy tofu bites for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Simmer the broth with ginger and mushrooms until fragrant.

2️⃣ Blend the oats into fine bits, then slowly stir them into the broth.

3️⃣ Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.

4️⃣ Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper to taste.

5️⃣ Poach the eggs separately and place them on top.

6️⃣ Serve with nori, scallions, ginger, and crispy tofu bites for extra texture.

I paired it with a spicy cucumber salad—cool, crunchy, and just the right amount of heat. So good with congee! 🥒🌶️

Spicy meets soothing. Crispy meets creamy. A perfect balance. 😌

Final Thoughts 💭📸📝

This oatmeal congee is warm, nourishing, and 100% vegetarian-friendly. It proves that comfort food can be simple, healthy, and satisfying! 🍜🥚🌼

Plus, oatmeal is easy to digest and packed with fiber. Mushrooms are rich in prebiotics, great for gut health, and bring umami flavor with a meaty texture. Ginger helps digestion and keeps you warm, making this bowl perfect for chilly days or when your tummy just wants a warm hug. 🥹💛

If you're craving something warm and nourishing, even on days you’re not feeling well, try this. You might fall in love with savory oatmeal!