How to cook porridge in the microwave - my tried and tested 5 minute microwave porridge recipe makes the perfect quick and easy healthy breakfast!
Do you find yourself falling back on cereal (or having no breakfast at all!) during the week because there's no time for anything else? You might be surprised to learn that you can prepare and cook a bowl of porridge for yourself in less than 5 minutes, with no expensive packet mixes needed, just simple, good, real ingredients!
Today I'm sharing my tried and tested foolproof recipe for easy microwave porridge, one of the quickest and easiest breakfast recipes around! This recipe is free from refined sugar, and I'm sharing a dairy free alternative too.
Since taking up the Sugar Free February challenge, cereal and toast have been out of bounds for me, so my breakfast habits have had to change, fast!
Given the freezing cold weather at the moment, a warm breakfast is the perfect way to start the day, so I've been making porridge for breakfast and thoroughly enjoying it. I have a feeling that this is a habit that will outlast my sugar-free challenge, until the hot summer weather comes back at least!
I make my porridge with unsweetened almond milk. It's dairy free, sugar free, low in calories and works perfectly in porridge. You can substitute the almond milk for cows milk if you prefer though, they both work equally well.
I also like to add a splash of vanilla extract to my porridge, it gives a hint of sweetness without adding sugar. I usually top my porridge with chopped banana and chia seeds, but you can use any fruits, nuts or seeds that you like.
5 Minute Microwave Porridge
Ingredients (serves 1):
- 40g rolled oats
- 200ml unsweetened almond milk (or dairy milk)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
To serve:
- 1 banana
- 1 tsp chia seeds
Method:
Measure out the oats and milk into a microwave safe bowl, then add the vanilla extract if using.
Stir, then cook on high in the microwave for 2 ½ minutes.
Remove from the microwave and stir again then place back in the microwave.
Continue to cook at 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the porridge is at your desired consistency.
Serve with chopped or sliced banana and a sprinkling of chia seeds or top with other fresh fruits of your choice.
Enjoy!
Note: This recipe is easily doubled, just cook for a minute or so longer when doubling the quantities.
Top Tips for Making Porridge
What oats should you use for porridge?
I prefer to use rolled oats for my porridge, but you can use any type of oats - it's really down to personal preference. Steel cut oats, rolled oats, porridge oats and jumbo oats are all great for making porridge, they just produce slightly different textures and their cooking times may vary a little.
What type of milk should you use for porridge?
You can make porridge with any type of milk. Full fat cows milk makes a deliciously creamy porridge, but semi-skimmed or skimmed is fine as well. Non-dairy milks such as soya milk, rice milk or almond milk also make great porridge.
Should porridge be thick or runny?
I like to cook my porridge until it is thick, but again, it's really down to personal preference so if you prefer your porridge runny, just cook it for a little less time. Be aware that porridge will thicken as it cools, so bear that in mind when deciding when to finish cooking it.
Why does my porridge boil over in the microwave?
Porridge rises during the cooking process, so if your bowl is too small, your porridge is very likely to boil over. Make sure you cook it in a large bowl with plenty of room for the porridge to rise - you can always spoon it into a smaller bowl for serving afterwards.
I don't have a microwave - how do I cook porridge in a pan?
If you don't have a microwave, don't worry, it's just as easy to cook porridge on the stove top! Use the same quantities as the recipe above, heat the milk in a saucepan and bring it the the boil. Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the oats and cook for a few minutes until the porridge starts to thicken. Continue to cook, stirring from time to time, until the porridge is at your desired consistency.
What toppings can you put on porridge?
For a healthy breakfast, top porridge with fresh fruit such as sliced banana, chopped peaches or mango, grated apple or berries. Dried fruit, nuts, seeds and sugar free nut butters are also delicious, or try my easy berry compote recipe.
Less healthy (but totally yummy!) toppings include a sprinkle of sugar, drizzle of maple syrup, honey or golden syrup, small handful of chocolate chips or a dollop of Nutella or jam.
Enjoy this recipe? Why not try one of these healthy breakfast ideas too:
Porridge with Summer Berries Topping
Or for more delicious breakfast ideas, check out the Healthy Breakfast Recipes section here on the Eats Amazing blog or follow my Healthy Breakfast Ideas Pinterest board for fresh and seasonal inspiration all the year around.
Grace
5 Minute Microwave Porridge
Ingredients
- 40 g rolled oats
- 200 ml unsweetened almond milk or dairy milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract optional
To serve:
- 1 banana
- 1 tsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Measure out the oats and milk into a microwave safe bowl, then add the vanilla extract if using.
- Stir, then cook on high in the microwave for 2 ½ minutes.
- Remove from the microwave and stir again then place back in the microwave.
- Continue to cook at 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the porridge is at your desired consistency.
- Serve with chopped or sliced banana and a sprinkling of chia seeds.
Video
Notes
Want to try this recipe? Why not save it to Pinterest so you can easily find it again!
Abby says
Thankyou . That’s just what I needed this morning. It’s just like my Dad made when we were growing up. I added a little cinnamon which helps spread the carbohydrate spike or something like that. My dietician said to was very good for me and it tastes awesome.
Rose says
I made this his morning and it is very quick and easy. i added blueberries raisins glacier cherries cinnamon and dried coconut into mine because I didn't have any banana or chai seeds and that tasted delish. I added more oats though than it says in the recipe because there didn't seem to be enough.
Dobby says
Perfect!
Lauren Haywards says
Super quick recipe! Tasty, healthy, easy and quick to make. A perfect recipe to prepare when running out of time. Thank you for sharing. Please please keep sharing such super quick recipes. Very helpful for working moms!
Dopeycat says
Can't wait to try this! Quick question - you've written 200g of milk...is it meant to be 200ml or should I be weighing the milk? x
Grace Hall says
Apologies, it should have been 200ml - I've corrected it now!