Fish rice porridge, also known as hsan pyok, is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines the delicate flavors of fish with the creamy texture of rice porridge. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal and is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light dinner.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Fish fillet is the main protein and should be fresh and boneless. Fish sauce is a staple in many Asian cuisines and adds a unique umami flavor. Make sure to check the Asian section of your supermarket for this ingredient.

Ingredients For Fish Rice Porridge (Hsan Pyok Variation)
Rice: The base of the porridge, providing a creamy texture when cooked.
Water: Used to cook the rice and create the porridge consistency.
Fish fillet: Boneless pieces of fish that add protein and flavor to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the porridge.
Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note to the dish.
Garlic: Provides a savory depth to the porridge.
Fish sauce: Adds umami and a distinct savory flavor.
White pepper: Adds a mild heat and peppery flavor.
Green onions: Used as a fresh garnish, adding a mild onion flavor.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the finished dish.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve a smoother texture in your fish rice porridge, consider soaking the rice for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the grains break down more easily, resulting in a creamier consistency. Additionally, when adding the fish fillet, make sure to cut it into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Stir the porridge gently to prevent the fish from breaking apart too much, preserving its delicate texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a good source of protein and fiber.
Water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more flavor to the porridge compared to plain water.
Fish fillet - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can be easily shredded and incorporated into the porridge.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a depth of umami flavor along with the necessary saltiness.
Ginger - Substitute with galangal: Galangal has a similar spicy and aromatic profile to ginger, making it a good alternative.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.
Fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor without the fishy undertone.
White pepper - Substitute with black pepper: Black pepper has a slightly stronger flavor but can be used in the same quantity.
Green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.
Cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace cilantro in most dishes.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the fish rice porridge to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the porridge watery.
Transfer the cooled porridge into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the porridge within a safe timeframe.
Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the porridge within 3-4 days. Make sure the refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below.
For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The fish rice porridge can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure your freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
When ready to reheat, thaw the porridge in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
Reheat the porridge on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the porridge is too thick.
Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Transfer the porridge to a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Garnish with fresh green onions and cilantro after reheating to restore the vibrant flavors and add a touch of freshness.
Avoid reheating the porridge more than once to maintain food safety and quality.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Pour the leftover fish rice porridge into a pot.
- Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency, as it tends to thicken when cooled.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once it reaches your desired temperature, serve hot and garnish with fresh green onions and cilantro.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the porridge to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add a bit of water or broth to achieve the right consistency.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional minute if necessary.
- Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
Double Boiler Method:
- Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place the porridge in the top pot.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Heat until the porridge is warmed through.
- Serve with fresh green onions and cilantro.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Transfer the leftover porridge to a slow cooker.
- Add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
- Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once heated, serve with a garnish of green onions and cilantro.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the porridge in an oven-safe dish.
- Add a little water or broth to maintain the creamy texture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the water and cooking the rice and fish together.
Measuring cups: Use measuring cups to accurately measure the rice and water.
Knife: A sharp knife is needed to finely chop the ginger, garlic, green onions, and cilantro, as well as to cut the fish fillet into pieces.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping and cutting ingredients.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the porridge as it cooks.
Ladle: A ladle helps in serving the hot porridge into bowls.
Bowls: Use bowls for serving the finished fish rice porridge.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are necessary for measuring out the salt, fish sauce, and white pepper accurately.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Wash and chop green onions, cilantro, ginger, and garlic before starting to cook.
Use a rice cooker: Cook the rice in a rice cooker to save time and ensure even cooking.
Pre-cut fish fillet: Buy pre-cut fish fillet to reduce prep time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of porridge and store portions in the fridge for quick reheating.
Instant pot method: Use an Instant Pot to cook the porridge faster and more efficiently.

Fish Rice Porridge (Hsan Pyok Variation) Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice washed
- 6 cups Water
- 200 grams Fish Fillet boneless, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ginger finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
- 1 teaspoon White Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Chopped Green Onions
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Cilantro
Instructions
- 1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- 2. Once the rice starts to soften, add the fish pieces, ginger, garlic, and salt. Continue to cook until the rice is fully cooked and the porridge thickens.
- 3. Stir in the fish sauce and white pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and cilantro.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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