MEAL PREP: Instant Pot Salmon Congee

My sister is currently going through post partum and I flew down to Los Angeles to take care of her in the best way I know - through cooking! Through extensive research, I discovered that warm soups and stews with high protein is ideal for a brand new mother who is breastfeeding multiple times a day. Here is an easy recipe that I learned from someone in the past but simplified, more delicious, and in the instant pot. This recipe would also be perfect for anyone who is sick, or doesn’t know how to cook well and needs to make a large batch of food to last throughout the week.

Cook time: 1 hour | Makes: 10 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of white rice

  • 14 cups of water

  • 2 lbs of fresh or frozen salmon

  • 2 tbsp mushroom seasoning or salt

  • 1 peeled knob of ginger

  • 1 peeled onion

  • 1 bag of baby bok choy

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

  • 1 tsp of Chinese five spice powder

  • 1/2 tsp of salt

  • TOPPINGS: sliced ginger, crispy garlic, chili oil, sliced green onions, roasted peanuts, soft-boiled egg, more salmon, etc.

Instructions:

  1. Wash your rice thoroughly then add 14 cups of water, salmon, peeled onion, peeled ginger, and mushroom seasoning to the instant pot. Cook manually on high for 30 minutes.

  2. In the meantime, wash and cut off the ends of your bok choy and slice into 1-inch size pieces. In a pan on medium heat, add sesame oil then saute the bok choy for around two minutes before adding the soy sauce, five spice, and salt. Saute for another minute then remove from heat.

  3. Prep your toppings by slicing the ginger, slicing the green onions, and shallow frying your garlic if you can’t find the store-bought version.

  4. When the 30 minutes are up on the instant pot, allow to release naturally for 30 minutes more, then press the knob on the lid to release any more pressure inside. Use a spoon to fish out the ginger and softened onion from the congee.

  5. Turn the instant pot on the saute setting and mix around until the congee achieves a thicker texture. Add more mushroom seasoning if needed.

  6. Lastly, add your toppings of choice and enjoy!

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