0 reviews

Savory Asian Oat Porridge

Name: Savory Asian Oat Porridge
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 3 cloves Garlic, chopped; 1 Onion, sliced; 1 cup Instant Oats; 1/2 cup Green Beans, finely chopped; 1/2 cup Green Peas, frozen; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 4 cups Water, or use Vegetable Stock; 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce; 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar; 1/2 cup Green Onion; Toasted Black Sesame Seeds; Toasted White Sesame Seeds; Toasted Sesame Oil; Chili Oil

Oats, veggies, and seasonings are simmered until creamy, then garnished before serving hot.

Breakfast

Asian

Sugar-Free

Nut-Free

Introduction

Growing up, a warm bowl of oatmeal usually meant brown sugar, cinnamon, and maybe some berries on top. But what if we took those same comforting oats and gave them a delicious savory twist? This Asian-inspired oat porridge does exactly that, transforming your breakfast routine with aromatic garlic, soy sauce, and perfectly tender vegetables.

You might be familiar with congee, the classic Asian rice porridge that's served at dim sum spots and cozy home kitchens. This recipe takes that same cozy feeling but uses pantry-friendly oats instead. The best part? It comes together in just one pot (hello, easier cleanup!) and takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Don't let the ingredient list intimidate you - most of these items are probably already hanging out in your kitchen. The magic happens when the oats slowly simmer with garlic and onions, soaking up all that savory goodness. A splash of soy sauce and rice vinegar adds depth, while green beans and peas bring color and freshness to every spoonful.

What we love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. Feeling extra hungry? Add a fried and crumbled tofu on top. Want more vegetables? Toss in some mushrooms or spinach. The toppings are where you can really make it your own - a drizzle of chili oil for heat lovers, extra green onions for freshness, or a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that perfect crunch.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
3 cloves Garlic, chopped
1 Onion, sliced
1 cup Instant Oats
1/2 cup Green Beans, finely chopped
1/2 cup Green Peas, frozen
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
4 cups Water, or use Vegetable Stock
3 tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
1/2 cup Green Onion
Toasted Black Sesame Seeds
Toasted White Sesame Seeds
Toasted Sesame Oil
Chili Oil

Instructions

Heat Pan: Set a thick-bottom pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Sauté Aromatics: Once oil is hot, add 3 chopped garlic cloves and 1 sliced onion. Stir-sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent.
Combine Ingredients: Add 1 cup instant oats, 1/2 cup finely chopped green beans, 1/2 cup frozen green peas, salt and pepper to taste, 4 cups water (or veggie stock), 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar.
Cook Porridge: Mix well and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the porridge starts to bubble and turns thick and creamy.
Finish Cooking: Turn off the heat and transfer to serving bowls.
Final Garnish: Top with 1/2 cup green onions, a sprinkle of toasted black and white sesame seeds, and drizzle with toasted sesame oil and chili oil to taste. Serve hot.

Recipe Video

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel if you haven’t already.

Recipe Notes

Oats Type: This recipe uses instant oats for a quicker cooking time, but you can substitute with rolled oats or steel-cut oats. Just note that steel-cut oats will require a longer cooking time (about 20-25 minutes), and you may need to adjust the liquid accordingly.
Soy Sauce: If you’re avoiding gluten, be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep this dish gluten-free.
Vegetable Stock: If you want to enhance the flavor, feel free to substitute water with vegetable stock for a richer taste.
Adjust Spice Level: The chili oil adds a bit of heat, but you can adjust the amount to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili oil or omit it altogether.
Make It Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but you can make it even heartier by adding tofu (to the side) or other plant-based protein options for extra protein.
Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! In addition to green onions and sesame seeds, try adding a fried egg on top for extra richness or a drizzle of more sesame oil for additional flavor.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or vegetable stock to bring back the creamy texture.
Customizable: This recipe is highly customizable—feel free to swap in or add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or spinach to make it your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to prevent the oats from sticking to the pot?

Using a thick-bottomed pot or non-stick pan can help prevent sticking, as it distributes heat more evenly. Stir frequently while cooking, especially as the porridge thickens, to keep the oats from sticking to the bottom.

Can I make this recipe without garlic or onion?

Yes! If you’re avoiding garlic or onion, you can omit them, and the dish will still be tasty. Consider adding other flavor boosters like ginger or a pinch of ground turmeric for depth.

Can I freeze this oat porridge?

Yes, you can freeze this porridge for up to 1 month. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to restore creaminess.

How can I make this porridge thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker porridge, reduce the liquid slightly or cook a bit longer. For a thinner consistency, add more water or vegetable stock a little at a time until you reach your desired texture.

How do I know when the porridge is done?

The porridge is ready when it reaches a creamy consistency and the oats are fully cooked. Instant oats will thicken in about 8-10 minutes, but feel free to cook it longer if you prefer a thicker texture. Adjust seasoning at the end before serving.

Can I use a broth other than vegetable stock?

Yes, you can use any light broth like mushroom broth. This will add even more depth (and rich umami flavor) to the flavor.