Rice Pudding Recipe
Make Rice Pudding Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pudding Base
Flavor & Finish
Method
Pudding Base
- 1
Prep rice
Rinse the rice under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess surface starch and prevents overly gluey texture.
- 2
- 3
Simmer gently
Reduce heat to low so the milk is at a bare simmer. Add 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Cook uncovered, stirring every 3–5 minutes, until the rice is tender and mixture is thick and creamy, about 25–35 minutes. If the mixture reduces too quickly and rice is not tender, add up to 1/2 cup additional milk, a few tablespoons at a time.
- 4
Temper egg and sugar
While the rice cooks, whisk 1 large egg and 1 cup granulated sugar together in a small bowl until combined. When the rice is soft and creamy, ladle 1/2 cup of the hot rice-milk into the egg-sugar mixture while whisking constantly to temper the egg and avoid scrambling.
- 5
Flavor & Finish
- 6
Add butter and vanilla
Stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest (if using) until the butter is melted and fully incorporated.
- 7
Add optional mix-ins
If using raisins or currants, stir in 1 cup (soaked ahead in warm water or rum for 10–15 minutes if you prefer plumper fruit) now so they heat through and soften.
- 8
Adjust texture and sweetness
Taste and adjust sweetness or salt to preference. If the pudding is thicker than you like once slightly cooled, stir in additional milk a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- 9
Serve or chill
For warm serving: spoon into bowls, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon across servings, and serve immediately. For chilled serving: transfer pudding to a shallow airtight container or individual ramekins, press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days). Before serving chilled, stir gently and sprinkle with cinnamon.

