Pork rice porridge, also known as Hsan Pyok, is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender slices of pork with creamy rice porridge. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal, offering a blend of savory flavors and a soothing texture.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Fish sauce is a staple in many Asian cuisines and adds a unique umami flavor to the dish. If you don't have it, you can find it in the Asian section of most supermarkets. Fresh ginger and cilantro might also be less common but are essential for the authentic taste of this porridge.

Ingredients for Pork Rice Porridge (Hsan Pyok Variation)
Rice: The base of the porridge, providing a creamy and comforting texture.
Pork: Thinly sliced to cook quickly and evenly, adding protein and flavor.
Water: Used to cook the rice and create the porridge consistency.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Fish sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor that is characteristic of many Asian dishes.
Garlic: Provides a fragrant and savory note to the porridge.
Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor that complements the pork.
Green onions: Used as a garnish, adding a fresh and mild onion flavor.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy note to the dish, balancing the richness of the porridge.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve a silky and smooth texture in your rice porridge, make sure to stir the rice frequently while it simmers. This helps to release the starch from the rice, giving the porridge its characteristic creamy consistency. Additionally, slicing the pork thinly ensures it cooks evenly and remains tender throughout the process.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
rinsed rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a good source of protein and fiber.
thinly sliced pork - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can easily absorb the flavors of the dish.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth and richness to the porridge.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can enhance the overall taste.
fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar salty and umami flavor profile.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent.
sliced ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can offer a similar spicy and aromatic flavor.
chopped green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish.
chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and can be used as a garnish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the pork rice porridge to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
- Transfer the cooled porridge into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
- Label each container with the date to keep track of freshness. Porridge can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. Porridge can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of flavor or texture.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen porridge in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the consistency.
- Reheat the porridge on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the porridge is too thick.
- Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Again, add a bit of water or broth if needed.
- Garnish with fresh green onions and cilantro after reheating to maintain their vibrant flavor and texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Pour the leftover pork rice porridge into a saucepan.
- Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency if it has thickened too much.
- Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once heated through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh green onions and cilantro before serving.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the porridge to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add a little water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent.
- Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Ensure it is heated evenly and garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
Double Boiler Method:
- Place the porridge in a heatproof bowl.
- Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water).
- Stir occasionally until the porridge is heated through.
- Add a bit of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Garnish with fresh green onions and cilantro before serving.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Place the leftover pork rice porridge in the slow cooker.
- Add a small amount of water or broth to loosen it up.
- Set the slow cooker to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once heated, garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: To cook the rice and pork together, allowing the ingredients to meld and the porridge to thicken.
Measuring cup: To measure the rice and water accurately for the recipe.
Knife: To slice the pork thinly and chop the green onions and cilantro.
Cutting board: To provide a stable surface for slicing and chopping ingredients.
Wooden spoon: To stir the porridge occasionally as it cooks, ensuring even consistency.
Garlic press: To mince the garlic cloves efficiently.
Peeler: To slice the ginger thinly, if needed.
Serving bowls: To serve the finished pork rice porridge.
Ladle: To portion out the porridge into serving bowls.
Measuring spoons: To measure the salt and fish sauce accurately.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-slice the pork: Buy pre-sliced pork or ask your butcher to slice it thinly to save prep time.
Use a rice cooker: If you have a rice cooker with a porridge setting, use it to cook the rice and water while you prepare other ingredients.
Minced garlic and ginger: Purchase pre-minced garlic and ginger to cut down on chopping time.
Batch prep: Chop green onions and cilantro in advance and store them in the fridge for quick garnishing.
Quick rinse: Use a fine-mesh strainer to rinse the rice quickly and efficiently.

Pork Rice Porridge (Hsan Pyok Variation) Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Rice rinsed
- 200 grams Pork thinly sliced
- 6 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 inch Ginger sliced
- 2 stalks Green Onions chopped
- 1 handful Cilantro chopped
Instructions
- 1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- 2. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- 3. Add the pork, garlic, ginger, and salt to the pot. Stir occasionally.
- 4. Cook for about 30-40 minutes until the rice is broken down and the porridge is thickened.
- 5. Stir in the fish sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and cilantro.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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