Steaming Bread: Using Your Rice Cooker For A Soft Loaf

Rice cookers are a convenient way to bake bread, especially for those with limited space or who are looking to experiment with different cooking methods. The process is simple and similar to baking bread in an oven, with the key difference being that the dough is placed in a rice cooker pot instead of a loaf pan. The baking time may vary depending on the rice cooker model and settings, but the basic ingredients and preparation methods remain consistent across different recipes.

Rice cooker bread recipes

Rice cooker bread is a convenient and tasty option for those who don't have access to an oven or hot plate. The process of making bread in a rice cooker is simple and similar to baking bread in an oven. The main difference is that the dough is placed in a rice cooker pot instead of a loaf pan, and the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice cooker used. Here are some detailed recipes to help you get started:

Basic Rice Cooker Bread:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups flour
• 5 grams yeast
• 21 grams sugar (about 1.5 tablespoons)
• 6.5 grams salt (about 1.5 teaspoons)
• 21 grams butter
• 30 ml milk
• 180 ml water

Instructions:

• Mix the yeast with a pinch of sugar and a little warm water (about 1/4 cup). Let it proof for around ten minutes.
• In the bowl of your rice cooker, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
• Add the water, milk, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
• Mix and knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes. If the dough seems too wet, add a little more flour. Form it into a ball.
• Add the butter to the dough ball and knead it in. This will grease the bowl and make your bread delicious. Knead until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough forms a coherent ball again.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour. You can use the rice cooker's "warm" setting for this.
• After the first rise, degas the dough by picking it up and dropping it from a height of about 50 cm.
• Let the dough rise for another hour in a warm place.
• Place the dough back into the rice cooker and bake for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your rice cooker.
• Flip the bread and bake for another cycle.
• Repeat the flipping and baking process for one more cycle.
• Let the bread cool for a few minutes before serving.

Japanese-Style Soft & Fluffy Rice Cooker Bread:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons organic cane sugar (22 grams)
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast (3 grams)
• 2 teaspoons vegan butter or margarine (10 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon lukewarm oat milk or soy milk (136 ml)
• 1 cup bread flour
• 1/2 cup cake flour

Instructions:

• Add the bread flour, cake flour, sugar, instant yeast, vegan butter, and milk to a stand mixer.
• Knead at low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed for 5 minutes. If using a bowl, knead with your hands for 10 minutes.
• Shape the dough into a ball and place it into the rice cooker.
• Set the rice cooker to "keep warm" for 10 minutes, then turn off the setting and let the dough ferment for another 30 minutes or until it has increased to 1.5 times its original size.
• Punch the dough, knead it a few times, and roll it into a log.
• Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape them into small balls.
• Place the dough back into the rice cooker and set to "keep warm" for 10 minutes. Then turn off the setting and let the dough proof for 20-30 minutes or until it has increased to 1.5 times its original size again.
• Turn on the "quick cooking" setting and let the bread cook.
• Once the cycle is complete, flip the bread and cook for another cycle on "quick cooking".
• Your bread is now ready to be enjoyed!

Variations:

Once you have mastered the basic dough, you can customize it by adding different ingredients after the first fermentation period. Here are some suggestions:

• Maple pecan: Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans and 2-3 tablespoons of maple sugar.
• Garlic herb: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons of herbs of your choice.
• Raisin walnut: Add 1/4 cup raisins and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts.

Rice cooker bread vs. oven-baked bread

Rice cooker bread is a convenient alternative to oven-baked bread, especially for those who do not have access to an oven, such as students living in residence. It is also a fun way to experiment with a rice cooker, a common kitchen appliance, in a new way. The process of making rice cooker bread is similar to that of oven-baked bread, with the main difference being the cooking vessel and time.

Taste and Texture

Rice cooker bread has a light milky sweetness and a soft, fluffy texture. It is crusted on the outside, similar to oven-baked bread. The bread is described as pillowy and heavenly, resembling a thick, tall pancake. The taste is not very strong, making it a versatile base for various flavours.

Ingredients

The ingredients for rice cooker bread are similar to those for oven-baked bread, including flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, milk, and water. The quantities may vary slightly depending on the recipe and the size of the rice cooker. It is important to note that the yeast and salt should not be mixed directly together, as salt can affect the yeast.

Method

The process for making rice cooker bread involves mixing and kneading the dough, proofing, and baking. The dough is prepared in the rice cooker bowl, reducing the number of dishes needed. The proofing step is done by setting the rice cooker to ''keep warm'' for a certain period, and then turning it off to continue proofing. The baking step involves cooking the bread for multiple cycles, flipping it over between each cycle to ensure even cooking.

Time

Rice cooker bread typically takes between 3 to 5 hours from start to finish, including prep time, proofing, and baking. The baking time may vary depending on the rice cooker used.

In comparison, oven-baked bread usually takes a shorter amount of time, depending on the recipe and oven settings.

Advantages of Rice Cooker Bread

Rice cooker bread is a convenient option for those without access to an oven or looking for an alternative method of baking bread. It is a simple process that does not require any special skills or equipment. The rice cooker's auto-off feature also provides peace of mind, especially in residence settings.

Disadvantages of Rice Cooker Bread

One potential disadvantage of rice cooker bread is the longer cooking time compared to oven-baked bread. Additionally, the shape of the bread may be less traditional, resulting in a puffy, rounded loaf rather than a crusty sourdough loaf.

How to prevent rice cooker bread from burning

Rice cooker bread is a fun and simple way to bake bread without an oven. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to prevent your bread from burning. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfectly cooked rice cooker bread:

Use the Correct Rice Cooker Settings:

Rice cookers usually have different settings, such as "keep warm," "cook," or "quick cook." For bread baking, it is important to follow the specific instructions for your rice cooker model. Some recipes recommend using the "keep warm" setting for proofing the dough and then switching to "cook" or "quick cook" for baking. Be mindful of the timing to prevent burning.

Monitor the Baking Process:

Depending on your rice cooker, you might need to adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on your bread during the baking process and be prepared to adjust the settings if needed. If your rice cooker doesn't have a timer, set an external timer to remind you to check on your bread.

Adjust the Height:

Just like in a conventional oven, the distance between the heating element and the bread dough can impact the baking process. If your rice cooker has an adjustable rack or basket, try placing it at a different height to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

Avoid Overfilling the Rice Cooker:

Make sure you use the correct amount of dough for your rice cooker size. Overfilling the rice cooker can lead to uneven cooking and increase the risk of burning. If you have a larger rice cooker, consider making a bigger batch of bread or adjusting the recipe accordingly.

Clean the Rice Cooker Regularly:

Residual grains and starch from previous baking sessions can cause the bread to stick or burn. Clean the inner pot of your rice cooker after each use with a soft sponge and warm soapy water. Also, remember to wipe it dry before storing it away.

Avoid Lifting the Lid:

Resist the temptation to lift the lid too often during the baking process. Each time you open the lid, you release steam, which can disrupt the cooking process and alter the temperature and moisture levels inside the rice cooker. This can impact the bread's texture and increase the risk of burning.

Use a Baking Stone or Tray:

If your rice cooker allows, consider placing a baking stone, heavy-duty baking sheet, or tray at the bottom to distribute heat more evenly and prevent the bread from burning. This can help create a barrier between the heat source and the bread dough.

Adjust the Temperature:

If your rice cooker allows for temperature adjustments, you might need to experiment with different temperatures. Lowering the temperature slightly can help prevent burning, especially if your dough contains high amounts of sugar or fat.

Use the Correct Water-to-Rice Ratio:

When making rice, using the correct water-to-rice ratio is crucial to prevent burning. While this may not directly apply to bread baking, it's important to ensure that any water used in your bread dough is measured accurately to avoid issues with moisture levels.

Don't Move the Bread:

Try not to move the bread around in the rice cooker during the baking process. Allow it to stay in one place so that the heat is distributed evenly. Moving the bread can cause it to collapse or lead to uneven cooking, increasing the risk of burning.

By following these tips and adjusting your technique based on your specific rice cooker model, you can master the art of baking delicious and evenly cooked rice cooker bread without burning. Happy baking!

The best rice cookers for baking bread

Baking bread in a rice cooker is a great option for those without access to an oven, or for those who want to experiment with a new method of bread-making. The process is simple and similar to baking bread in an oven. The only differences are that the dough is placed in a rice cooker pot instead of a loaf pan, and the cooking time varies depending on the type of rice cooker used.

Zojirushi Rice Cooker

The Zojirushi rice cooker is a popular option for bread-baking. It has multiple settings, including white, sushi, porridge, and brown rice. When baking bread, users recommend using the \"brown\" setting, which provides a longer cooking time at a lower temperature, ideal for bread.

Instant Pot

An Instant Pot can also be used for baking bread. It functions similarly to a rice cooker and offers the convenience of a multi-purpose cooking appliance.

5 Cup Rice Cookers

Rice cooker bread recipes often yield a small loaf, so a 5.5-cup rice cooker is a suitable size. If using a larger rice cooker, the bread may cook faster and turn out flatter, so it is recommended to double the recipe to compensate.

Tips for Success:

• Grease the rice cooker pot: If your rice tends to stick, brush the pot with oil before adding the dough to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth release.
• Monitor the cooking process: Depending on your rice cooker, you may need to adjust the cooking time or temperature to avoid burning the bread. Stay close by and monitor the bread as it bakes to ensure even cooking.
• Allow for adequate rising time: Most rice cooker bread recipes require two one-hour rises before baking, so plan accordingly and allow the dough to double in size during each rise.
• Customize your bread: Once you master the basic dough recipe, feel free to experiment with add-ins like maple pecan, garlic herb, or raisin walnut to create unique and flavorful loaves.

Baking bread in a rice cooker is a fun and convenient way to enjoy freshly baked bread at home, especially for those without access to a traditional oven. With the right rice cooker and a few simple tips, anyone can become a bread-baking master!

Flavour variations for rice cooker bread

Rice cooker bread is a flexible bread that can easily take on other flavours. Here are some ideas for flavour variations to try with your rice cooker bread:

Maple Pecan

Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans and 2-3 tablespoons of maple sugar to your dough after the first fermentation period.

Garlic Herb

Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of herbs of your choice to your dough after the first fermentation period.

Raisin Walnut

Add 1/4 cup of raisins and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts to your dough after the first fermentation period.

Saltier Bread

Add a pinch of extra salt to your dough to make it saltier. This goes well with chilli.

Yeastier Bread

Add a pinch of extra yeast to your dough to make it yeastier. This also goes well with chilli.

Frequently asked questions