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Simple Tuna Rice Porridge Recipe – Comfort Food with Pantry Staples
- MyFreshDash
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
There are days when your stomach feels off—maybe from a late-night drink, maybe just out of nowhere. On those days, dry rice doesn’t appeal, but you still want something warm, filling, and gentle on your system. That’s when Tuna Rice Porridge saves the day.
It sounds fancy, but all you need are a few veggies, a can of tuna, and leftover rice from the fridge. In fact, you’ll be surprised how quick and hearty this can be. No long simmering times, no fancy stock, just pure comfort in under 15 minutes.
Why This Tuna Porridge Works
Most porridge recipes start with raw rice, which is great if you have an hour to spare. But when you're tired or under the weather, you need something faster. Using cooked rice speeds everything up without sacrificing flavor.
Tuna might not be the first protein you think of for porridge, but don’t underestimate it. It’s pre-cooked, has a rich umami flavor, and blends beautifully into the porridge base. Plus, it’s already sitting in your pantry, ready to be used.
Ingredients
1 can tuna (100g)
1 bowl of cooked rice
1/2 onion
3 cm piece of zucchini
2 cm piece of carrot
A small amount of paprika (optional)
1 tbsp sesame oil
Water
Salt to taste
(Optional add-ins: mushrooms, leeks, or whatever leftover veggies you need to use up.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Veggies
Finely chop the onion, zucchini, carrot, and paprika. Don’t stress about perfection—rough chops are fine as everything will soften while cooking.
2. Drain the Tuna
Open the can and drain out the oil or water. You want just the tuna meat.
3. Sauté Aromatics
Heat sesame oil in a pot. Add the chopped onions and carrots first, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant.
4. Add Remaining Veggies
Once the onions turn translucent, toss in the zucchini and paprika. Give it a quick stir-fry so they start to soften too.
5. Stir-Fry the Rice
Add one bowl of cooked rice into the pot and stir-fry it with the vegetables, just like you’re making fried rice. Warm rice works best because it breaks down faster.
6. Add Water & Simmer
Pour water into the pot until it barely covers the rice—about 1 cm above. Bring it to a gentle boil. Stir frequently to prevent the bottom from sticking.
7. Add Tuna
When the rice grains begin to puff up and soften, add in the drained tuna. If you prefer a silky porridge texture, you can mash the tuna as it simmers. If you like small tuna chunks for texture, just stir it in gently.
8. Season to Taste
Add salt little by little, tasting as you go. For one bowl of rice and a can of tuna, start with a pinch, and adjust. You can also add a dash of pepper if you like.
9. Simmer Until Perfect
Keep simmering on low heat until the porridge thickens to your liking. If it gets too thick, simply add more water and stir until creamy. Once you reach that perfect, soft consistency, turn off the heat.
A Few Tips
If you want a clean, smooth porridge, you can mash or blend the tuna.
Slightly bigger veggie chunks give nice texture but still melt in your mouth.
This porridge tastes great reheated—just add a splash of water and simmer again.
Why You’ll Love This
What makes this recipe a winner is how quick and effortless it is. You’re not slow-cooking anything from scratch. You’re using pantry items and leftovers to whip up something that tastes like a hug in a bowl.
Tuna porridge is also a perfect meal when you’re feeling under the weather but want real food—not instant noodles. It’s filling, gentle, and recharges you with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you never made it sooner.
Pro Tip from MyFreshDash:
When you're too tired to cook but want something nourishing, having a stash of quality canned foods is a game-changer. Check out our Canned Food Category for premium tuna, hearty broths, and other essentials to stock up your pantry the smart way.
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