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    MJ & Hungryman ยป Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes ยป Breakfast ยป Rice Porridge for Babies

    Rice Porridge for Babies

    By Min On October 19, 2021, Updated February 11, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    a close up shot of the porridge for babies in a brown bowl with a spoon

    Super easy to make, this beef and vegetable rice porridge for babies is easy-to-digest, nutritious, and suitable for 6 months and up. Itโ€™s also a great meal to serve when your child is feeling sick or teething.  

    a close up shot of the porridge for babies in a brown bowl with a spoon
    Table of Contents
    • Is rice safe for babies?
    • How to cook rice for baby 6 months and up
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Expert tips
    • Storage Suggestions
    • How to freeze baby porridge
    • rice porridge for babies

    While Iโ€™m calling it baby porridge, this dish is for all ages! Rice porridge is commonly enjoyed in Asian cultures as a hearty savory breakfast. Itโ€™s also our โ€œchicken soup.โ€ Warm and comforting, itโ€™s the perfect meal during an illness. 

    If your child is running a fever, teething, having diarrhea, etc., make this porridge ASAP!

    Porridge is such a great way to invite variety into your babyโ€™s diet! It can be made with any types meat, seafood, vegetables, and other flavorful toppings.

    Here Iโ€™m sharing a veggie-loaded version with beef!

    Is rice safe for babies?

    Being Korean, we eat a lot of rice. Thatโ€™s why when the report about rice containing about 10 times as much inorganic arsenic as other cereal crop came out, my anxiety initially skyrocketed. Perhaps you can relate.

    Why so much in rice? It's due to the way they're grown and rice tend to absorb more heavy metals from the soil in which they are grown.

    Arsenic is especially concerning for babies and young children as their bodies are so small and therefore getting much higher exposure than the adults. Arsenic is also a neurotoxic compound and thus can lead to impaired brain development. I know. Scary.

    BUT! don't let fear get the best of you. I share this information because knowledge is important. It helps us to learn and make informed decisions.

    What this knowledge further motivated me to do, and I hope it does for you, is to focus on offering a wide variety of grains instead of relying heavily on rice.

    Overall, oatmeal (we make variations of this ALL the time for a quick breakfast), barley, buckwheat, quinoa, and wheat contain much lower amounts of inorganic arsenic. 

    Related post: Instant Pot Multigrain rice with lentils

    How to cook rice for baby 6 months and up

    an infographic of how to parboil rice

    Resource

    Here's a simple way you can significantly reduce arsenic from rice while preserving its nutrients.

    According to the research, parboiling rice removes about 54 percent of arsenic in brown rice and about 73 percent in white rice, while retaining the most amount of the nutrients potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, and manganese.

    parboiled and strained rice placed in a colander

    For this recipe, not only will this extra step remove the arsenic content considerably, it also shortens the cooking time.

    Ingredients

    all the ingredients for the rice porridge laid out on a large wooden board

    Rice - Sushi or jasmine rice will work best. I donโ€™t recommend basmati as it doesnโ€™t break down into a creamy, โ€œglueyโ€ consistency. 

    Vegetables

    zucchini finely chopped in a mini manual food chopper with carrots and kale in the background

    Feel free to use whatever vegetables you wish - bell pepper, broccoli, asparagus, spinach...endless possibilities!

    You can finely chop using a knife or a food processor. I like to prep a lot while the baby is napping so this manual food chopper is my go-to (affiliate link). Itโ€™s super quiet, lightweight, and powerful.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    two image collage. On the left cooked ground beef and onion and garlic added on the right
    1. cook beef in sesame oil
    2. add onion and garlic
    two image collage. On the left rice mixed in with beef and onion and the rest of the vegetables added on the right

    3. add parboiled rice

    4. add the rest of the vegetables

    a two image collage. Water added to the porridge mixture and simmering and on the right shows what porridge looks like once done cooking

    5. Add water and cook for 15-20 minutes

    6. Add a drizzle of sesame oil before serving

    Expert tips

    It's important that you stir frequently. The more you do so, the more the rice will break down and become silky.

    While water is used in this recipe, you can use stock for more depth of flavor. Just be sure to use low-sodium or no-salt-added variety.

    baby porridge placed in a baby bowl and adult-sized bowl with kimchi

    Storage Suggestions

    Leftover porridge can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The longer it sits, the thicker it gets. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir in a little water, breastmilk, or formula to loosen it up, if necessary.

    How to freeze baby porridge

    If intending to freeze, be sure to cool first. Do NOT leave the porridge in the large pot at room temperature to cool. Instead, transfer to shallow containers (I like to divide into single-serving portions) in the fridge before transferring to the freezer. Here's an in-depth post on how to store leftovers safely and effectively.

    This baby porridge can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

    Do you want to minimize picky eating and set a solid foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits?

    Check out this 3 month mastering self-feeding program! Itโ€™s the closest thing to me being in your kitchen

    Find out more!
    a close up shot of the porridge for babies in a brown bowl with a spoon

    rice porridge for babies

    Super easy to make, this beef and vegetable rice porridge for babies is easy-to-digest, nutritious, and suitable for 6 months and up.
    4.96 from 23 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (220g) sushi or jasmine rice
    • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    • ยฝ pound lean ground beef
    • ยฝ cup (70g) finely chopped yellow onion
    • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    • ยฝ cup (70g) finely chopped zucchini
    • ยฝ cup (70g) finely chopped carrots
    • ยฝ cup (15g) finely chopped kale
    • 4 cups water or low-sodium broth of choice

    Instructions

    First, parboil rice

    • Rinse rice in a strainer. Add 4 cups of water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Add rice and boil for 5 minutes. Strain the rice. Discard the water.

    For the porridge

    • In a large pot add 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add beef and cook over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes, breaking up large clumps, until no longer pink.
    • Add onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.ย 
    • Add strained rice and cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the rest of the vegetables and stir for about a minute or so.
    • Pour 4 cups of water into pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to keep scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent rice from sticking.ย 
    • At this point, you can add more water if thinner consistency is desired. Before serving, add a drizzle of sesame oil. For older child and adults, can season to taste with salt and pepper, or add a splash of soy sauce.ย 

    Notes

    It's important that you stir frequently. The more you do so, the more the rice will break down and become silky.
    While water is used in this recipe, you can use stock for more depth of flavor. Just be sure to use low-sodium or no-salt-added variety.
    Leftover porridge can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The longer it sits, the thicker it gets. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir in a little water, breastmilk, or formula to loosen it up, if necessary.
    Can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 278mg | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg
    Course breakfast, lunch, dinner
    Cuisine Asian
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!
    « What to do when baby won't eat solids
    The Ultimate Guide to Nuts for Babies (and Seeds) »

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, Iโ€™m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda says

      January 29, 2023 at 6:05 am

      Can you use quinoa instead of rice? Iโ€™ve been feeding my 14 month old the porridge. I was wondering since she eats variations of the porridge often, should I be concerned about arsenic levels. I do parboil the rice first. Just curious if quinoa would work well either alone or mixed with the rice.

      Reply
      • Min says

        January 30, 2023 at 7:52 am

        Hi! Yes rice does have arsenic so it's best to not eliminate completely but vary it up with other grains so quinoa would be a great alternative! Check out my quinoa baby cereal for ideas!

        Reply
    2. Lam says

      November 12, 2022 at 2:25 pm

      Hello, my baby has potential nut allergy. I'm worried she has sesame allergy too. Do you have any substitute for the sesame oil? Thank you

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 13, 2022 at 6:56 pm

        You can just leave it out as it's mainly for flavor. Or you can try perilla oil if you can find it!

        Reply
    3. Cheka says

      December 03, 2021 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for the first time for my 10 month old and he absolutely loved it! My 4 year old also tried and I was surprised she actually finished her bowl. Thank you for recipes, Iโ€™m coming here from now on. I was struggling finding food recipes for my little man, but with your blog I have no fear.

      Reply
      • Min says

        December 03, 2021 at 7:19 pm

        So so happy to hear that both of your children enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for such sweet, encouraging words!

        Reply
    4. Christina says

      November 15, 2021 at 11:34 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious. My husband, myself and my baby love it. So simply and freezer friendly!

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 16, 2021 at 6:51 am

        Yay!! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    5. Candela says

      November 15, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      Hi Min! Can this be made with brown sushi rice?

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 15, 2021 at 7:33 pm

        sure! may need to cook longer

        Reply
    6. Rebecca says

      November 13, 2021 at 9:12 pm

      Can I use oatmeal (or another grain) instead of rice for this recipe?

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 15, 2021 at 7:36 pm

        I haven't tried but I'm sure it will work. Will need to adjust the amount of liquid added as well as cooking time

        Reply
    7. Dora Bozga says

      November 10, 2021 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      Easy, fast, nutritious, yummy, just like all your recipes! Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 10, 2021 at 7:48 pm

        You're welcome!

        Reply
      • Nicole says

        May 02, 2022 at 12:52 pm

        5 stars
        Hi Min,

        Your recipes are a favourite in my household, especially my (almost) 1 year old son! We always stock our freezer with this rice porridge and it's all my little one will eat when he's not feeling well.

        Thank you so much for pouring your heart and soul into these amazing recipes and tips! xxx

        Reply
        • Min says

          May 02, 2022 at 7:34 pm

          Knowing that this meal is keeping your son nourished during hard times brings me so much joy! Thank you for sharing with me!

          Reply
    8. Kristina says

      November 10, 2021 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      Great bowl of comforting soup reminiscent of my old childhood! I love giving this to my baby, especially when she is teething or feeling under the weather. For my own bowl, I add a dash of fish sauce, cracked black pepper, and sliced green onions. Delicious recipe that our whole family enjoys!

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 10, 2021 at 3:15 pm

        Love it! This was all my daughter ate last week...her molars are cutting through...Lord help us

        Reply
    9. BB says

      November 10, 2021 at 11:52 am

      4 stars
      i love this recipe! itโ€™s easy to make and having tried a few variations with different vegetables, can say my 11 month old enjoys it every time. thank you!

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 10, 2021 at 3:13 pm

        Yay!!

        Reply
    10. Kathrin says

      November 10, 2021 at 11:26 am

      5 stars
      I made this when the whole family was poorly a few weeks ago and we all loved it!

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 10, 2021 at 11:38 am

        Woohoo!!

        Reply
    11. Onon says

      October 21, 2021 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy! I make rice porridge often for my family and recently using my instant pot and itโ€™s the easiest method to cook.

      Reply
    12. Stephanie says

      October 20, 2021 at 3:09 pm

      Vegetarian alternative suggestions?

      Reply
      • Min says

        October 20, 2021 at 4:06 pm

        just leave out the beef!

        Reply
      • Christine says

        December 22, 2021 at 2:18 pm

        5 stars
        I made it with impossible meat and it turned out great!

        Reply
        • Min says

          December 22, 2021 at 3:56 pm

          Ooh! I haven't tried that yet. Thanks for sharing!

          Reply
      • Tina says

        February 21, 2022 at 2:28 pm

        Hi Min! Could this be made in an instant pot?

        Reply
        • Min says

          February 21, 2022 at 8:05 pm

          I'm sure you can, but I haven't tried so am unable to provide you with the specific instructions. I will try in the future!

          Reply

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope youโ€™ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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