Sweet Rice Porridge : Recipe with Pro Tips

ByJennifer Relyea Hours
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Sweet Rice Porridge draws its inspiration from Chinese Congee and has won hearts in cultures of all types – from Norwegian holiday celebrations to Caribbean breakfast tables. This versatile dish holds a special place in my heart because it tastes amazing and sits well with sensitive stomachs.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can whip it up with leftover rice and customize it to your heart’s content. A splash of coconut milk adds creaminess, while dried fruits and nuts make perfect toppings. The best part? You’ll have this comforting bowl ready in just 30 minutes, whether you choose the stovetop or Instant Pot method.

Let me share my tested recipe and expert tips to help you create the perfect sweet rice porridge. This timeless dish works great as a breakfast option to keep people fed or as a cozy dessert that you can enjoy any time of year.

make Sweet Rice Porridge
Sweet Rice Porridge

Before You Get Starte:

Let me share some preparation tips that will help you make perfect sweet rice porridge. Getting your ingredients and equipment ready makes the cooking process easier and more fun.

Key Tips:

My experience has taught me these steps make the most important difference:

  • Rice Selection and Washing: The rice needs a good rinse until you see clear water. This step removes excess starch and prevents your porridge from getting too sticky.
  • Liquid Ratio: You’ll need a 1:4 rice-to-liquid ratio on the stovetop to achieve the ideal sweet rice porridge consistency.
  • Temperature Control: A gentle simmer creates the creamiest texture, not rapid boiling.
  • Stirring Technique: Give it an occasional stir in the last 10 minutes to keep the rice from sticking to the bottom.
  • Rest Time: The porridge needs 5-10 minutes of rest after cooking to reach its perfect thickness.

Your ingredient’s quality is a vital part of success. Fresh, high-quality rice stored in an airtight container works best. Precise measurements and careful attention to cooking time will give you amazing results – this dish needs your attention throughout the process.

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

I’ve found that this sweet rice porridge recipe stands out, and there are several good reasons why. The recipe needs just a handful of simple ingredients – rice, water, milk, and your choice of sweetener.

The sort of thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot based on what works best for you. It’s like a blank canvas that lets you get creative with different toppings and mix-ins.

Here’s what makes this sweet rice porridge special:

  • One bowl keeps people fed and satisfied through the morning
  • You can use leftover rice, which helps cut down on food waste
  • The recipe is naturally gluten-free and works well for vegan diets

The porridge helps with digestion and gives you energy that lasts all day. Rice creates the perfect consistency, and you can adjust the milk-to-rice ratio to match your nutritional needs.

This recipe delivers great results whether you want a quick breakfast or something comforting. The creamy texture combined with warm vanilla and spice notes makes every bowl satisfying. I keep coming back to this recipe, especially when I need a reliable, comforting meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Why I Love This Sweet Rice Porridge Recipe:

Rice pudding holds a special place in my heart, and this sweet rice porridge recipe has changed the way I cook completely. The best part about this dish is how versatile it is, and it gives me comfort whenever I’m under the weather.

This recipe has become my breakfast favorite, and I have good reasons. The porridge fills me up and keeps my hunger at bay for hours. It’s just perfect for those mornings when I need something healthy but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.

Let me share why this recipe means so much to me:

  • It settles well and helps with digestion
  • I can cook a large batch to last the whole week
  • It’s a great switch from usual breakfast foods

Unlike other breakfast options, this sweet rice porridge warms up my stomach and my whole body. It soothes my stomach especially when my digestion isn’t right. The carbs release slowly to keep my energy levels steady all morning, which helps me power through busy days.

This recipe stands out because it fits so many different diets. It’s naturally free from gluten and can be made vegan without losing its taste or texture. I love that I can use leftover rice to make tomorrow’s breakfast – it’s both smart and tasty.

Recipe Variations

Want to customize your sweet rice porridge? Let me share some exciting variations I found during my kitchen experiments. This versatile dish adapts beautifully to different ingredients based on your priorities.

Oats make an excellent base grain if you need an alternative to rice. You can try different sweeteners – honey, maple syrup, or stevia for a sugar-free option.

These are my favorite topping combinations:

  • Fresh fruits: strawberries, bananas, apples, peaches
  • Dried fruits: cherries, dates, raisins, apricots
  • Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, cashews, chia seeds

Your choice of milk alternatives can create unique flavor profiles. Coconut milk adds a delightful tropical note for a vegan version. You might also enjoy using vegetable or chicken broth for a savory twist.

You can adjust the cooking method to fit your schedule. This porridge turns out great in both a pressure cooker and slow cooker. Just adjust the cooking time to match your chosen method.

Rice varieties offer interesting cultural twists. While jasmine rice is my go-to choice, any long-grain rice works well. Arborio rice creates an extra creamy, luxurious texture. Brown rice works too, but needs more cooking time.

Equipment

Sweet rice porridge needs minimal equipment to prepare. I use three different cooking methods that need simple kitchen tools you probably have at home.

A large, heavy-bottomed pot works best for traditional stovetop cooking. This method lets me control the consistency and adjust the heat whenever needed. My Instant Pot has become my go-to tool for making sweet rice porridge. It works great especially when you have busy mornings and want the cooking to happen on its own.

My rice cooker serves as another excellent option to prepare this comforting dish. Notwithstanding that, different rice cooker sizes can affect cooking times and liquid ratios, so I adjust them.

Here’s my typical equipment setup for each method:

  • Stovetop Method:
    • Large heavy-bottomed pot
    • Long-handled wooden spoon
    • Measuring cups
  • Pressure Cooker Method:
    • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
    • Measuring cups
    • Heat-resistant spatula

A rice cooker needs enough capacity for the porridge to expand during cooking. Sweet rice porridge offers amazing versatility – you can create delicious results whatever cooking method you pick.

Ingredients

You’ll need these ingredients to make this comforting sweet rice porridge. The base ingredients are the foundations of this recipe.

The base porridge requires:

  • Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • Milk: 1¼ cups whole milk
  • Water: 2 cups, to cook the rice
  • Salt: A pinch to boost flavors

These core ingredients blend perfectly together. Long-grain rice works best because it releases starches gradually and creates ideal texture.

Your choice of sweeteners and spices:

  • Dates: 2 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
  • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground
  • Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor
  • Cardamom: 8 whole pods (seeds only)

These toppings make each bowl special:

  • Fresh berries
  • Chopped apple
  • Toasted sliced almonds
  • Honey

The liquid base adapts to your taste. Coconut milk makes a great dairy-free version, while almond milk adds a nutty twist. This recipe’s magic comes from its flexibility – you can adjust sweetness and consistency by changing the liquid-to-rice ratio.

These additions create extra creaminess:

  • Evaporated milk
  • Powdered milk
  • Coconut milk from a carton (not canned)
make Sweet Rice Porridge

Sweet Rice Porridge

This simple yet delicious dessert is perfect for breakfast or as a light treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Long-handled wooden spoon
  • Measuring Cups:

Ingredients
  

The base porridge requires:

  • Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • Milk: 1¼ cups whole milk
  • Water: 2 cups to cook the rice
  • Salt: A pinch to boost flavors

Your choice of sweeteners and spices:

  • Dates: 2 Medjool dates pitted and chopped
  • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground
  • Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor
  • Cardamom: 8 whole pods seeds only

Instructions
 

  • Here’s how to make perfect sweet rice porridge. We focused on the stovetop method that gives us the most control over texture and consistency.
    1- Cook the Rice
    – Bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
    – Add 1 cup of rice and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    – Reduce heat to low and simmer until rice becomes soft.
    Create the Porridge :
    – Once rice is tender, stir in 3 cups of milk.
    – Cook on low heat and stir frequently until mixture thickens.
    – Add butter to make it richer and let it melt into the porridge.
    Final Touches :
    – Stir in your chosen sweetener .
    – Cook for an additional 15 minutes until desired thickness .
    – Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
    This creates a creamy, comforting porridge. Scoop the warm porridge into serving bowls right away. Add your favorite toppings – fresh berries, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and sliced almonds work great. A generous drizzle of honey will improve the sweetness.
    Stir the porridge throughout the cooking process to prevent it from sticking to the pot’s bottom. This will give you that perfect, creamy consistency every time.

Notes

Let me share some helpful tips I’ve learned about storing and reheating this delightful sweet rice porridge. You can keep leftovers fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
My tested storage and reheating tips make the process simple. The porridge reheats better in smaller portions, so I split it into separate containers. A splash of milk or water helps restore its creamy texture. The key is to stir the mixture as it warms up and watch the consistency carefully.
My experience shows that starchy rice creates the perfect texture. Japanese short-grain or Thai Jasmine rice give excellent results in this recipe.
Leftover rice needs extra attention because it softens quickly. I check the pot frequently to get just the right consistency.
The recipe becomes lighter and more digestible with more milk than rice. This change creates a silkier texture and reduces calories.
This versatile recipe lets me play with different combinations. I love trying new toppings and spices. To name just one example, dried fruits like cherries, dates, or raisins add wonderful sweetness and texture. A sprinkle of chopped almonds gives that extra crunch and nutty flavor I love.

Q1. How can I enhance the flavor of my sweet rice porridge? 

To make your sweet rice porridge more flavorful, try using stock instead of water as the cooking liquid. You can also add ingredients like ginger, garlic, or a dash of soy sauce at the beginning of cooking. For a sweeter touch, consider adding cinnamon, vanilla extract, or chopped dates. Fresh toppings like berries, sliced almonds, or a drizzle of honey can also elevate the taste.

Q2. What’s the key to achieving a smooth texture in rice porridge?

For a silky smooth rice porridge, break up the rice grains slightly before cooking. You can do this by pulsing the drained rice in a blender or food processor. The long cooking process will further soften the grains, resulting in a creamy consistency. Additionally, stirring occasionally during cooking and allowing the porridge to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps achieve the perfect thickness.

Q3. Is it necessary to soak sweet rice before cooking it for porridge?

While soaking isn’t always necessary, it can be beneficial. Rinsing the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear helps remove excess starch and prevents the porridge from becoming too sticky. If you choose to soak, it can help ensure even cooking. However, the recipe can still turn out well without soaking, especially if you’re using a long cooking method.

Q4. What are some nutritious ways to customize sweet rice porridge?

Sweet rice porridge is highly versatile and can be customized with various nutritious additions. Try adding fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, or apples for vitamins and fiber. Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds can provide healthy fats and extra protein. For a dairy-free version, use alternatives like coconut or almond milk. You can also experiment with different grains or even use brown rice for added fiber.

Q5. How long can I store leftover sweet rice porridge, and what’s the best way to reheat it?

Leftover sweet rice porridge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy consistency. Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming. It’s best to reheat only the portion you plan to eat, as repeated reheating can affect the texture and quality of the porridge.

Jennifer Relyea