Rice and oats might sound like an unusual combination, but they work brilliantly together — especially for savoury bowls, porridge‑style breakfasts, and high‑fibre meal prep. Oats cook much faster than rice, so the trick is using the right ratio and letting the rice cooker handle the steaming.
This guide gives you the exact water measurements, settings, and timing that work in any rice cooker.
⭐ Why Mix Rice and Oats?
- Higher fibre and nutrients
- Creamy, hearty texture
- Works for savoury or sweet dishes
- Great for breakfast bowls
- One‑pot convenience
- Oats soften quickly and blend into the rice
🥣 Ingredients
For a standard batch:
- 1 cup white rice (Jasmine or Basmati both work)
- ½ cup rolled oats (NOT instant oats)
- 2 cups water
- Optional:
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter or oil
- For sweet versions: cinnamon, honey, raisins
- For savoury versions: stock, herbs, garlic
📏 Perfect Ratio
Oats absorb less water than rice but break down quickly, adding creaminess.
1 cup rice + ½ cup oats → 2 cups water
If you double the recipe, scale everything proportionally.
🍳 Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Rinse the rice
Rinse until the water runs mostly clear.
2. Do NOT rinse the oats
They will turn mushy if rinsed.
3. Add the rice to the rice cooker
Add the rinsed rice first.
4. Add water
Use 2 cups for the 1 + ½ cup mix.
5. Start the rice cooker
Use one of the following:
- White Rice (best)
- Quick Cook (works well)
6. Add the oats halfway through cooking
This is the key step.
When the cooker switches from “Cooking” to “Simmering” (or when steam reduces):
- Add the dry oats
- Stir gently
- Close the lid immediately
This prevents the oats from overcooking.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes
This allows the oats to steam and blend with the rice.
8. Fluff and serve
Use a rice paddle to gently separate the grains.
🍽️ Texture Adjustments
Creamier, porridge‑like mix
Add +¼ cup water.
Firmer, more separate grains
Reduce water by 2 tbsp.
More oat flavour
Increase oats to ¾ cup (add +2 tbsp water).
🌿 Variations
Breakfast Version
- Add cinnamon
- Add raisins or chopped apple
- Stir in honey or maple syrup after cooking
Savoury Version
- Replace water with vegetable or chicken stock
- Add garlic powder or herbs
- Serve with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken
High‑Protein Version
- Add ¼ cup quinoa (add +¼ cup water)
🍛 What to Serve It With
Sweet:
- Fruit
- Yogurt
- Nuts
- Honey
Savoury:
- Stir‑fried vegetables
- Curry dishes
- Roasted meats
- Lentil bowls
- Stews
The creamy texture works with both sweet and savoury meals.
🛠️ Troubleshooting
Rice is mushy
Reduce water by 2–3 tbsp next time.
Oats are too soft
Add oats later in the cooking cycle.
Rice is undercooked
Stir, add 2 tbsp water, and run a short cycle.
✅ Final Thoughts
Rice + oats is a surprisingly versatile mixed‑grain combination that works perfectly in a rice cooker. It can be savoury, sweet, creamy, or hearty — and it’s ideal for breakfast bowls or high‑fibre meals.