Steaming Potatoes In A Rice Cooker: Is It Possible?

Rice cookers are a convenient appliance for those who cook rice regularly or seldom. They are also versatile and can be used to prepare a range of foods, including baked potatoes. While rice cookers cannot make crispy potatoes, they can be used to steam or boil potatoes. To steam potatoes in a rice cooker, add water to the pot, place the potatoes on the steamer basket, and let them cook. The water level should be below the steamer basket to prevent the potatoes from getting soggy or overcooked. Set the rice cooker to the Steam setting and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Once done, remove the potatoes from the cooker and serve.

Steaming potatoes in a rice cooker is simple and easy

Rice cookers are a convenient appliance, and they can be used for a surprising range of foods from oatmeal to baked potatoes. They are also relatively simple to use. They consist of a base unit with an On-Off switch and a cooking pot, which rests inside the base unit. When the On button is pressed, the pot brings the rice to a boil and then reduces the temperature, steaming the grain gently until it's done.

Steaming potatoes in a rice cooker is a quick, easy, and hands-off method that allows you to make dinner while attending to other things. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing when these potatoes are done cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming potatoes in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Add Water to the Pot and Place the Potatoes on the Steamer Basket

Add water to the pot, place potatoes on the steamer basket, and let them cook until they become delightfully soft. You can even sprinkle some herbs or spices on your potatoes before placing them in the steamer basket, allowing you to create delicious flavour combinations.

Step 2: Ensure the Water Level is Below the Steamer Basket

When steaming potatoes, it is important to ensure that the water level is below the steamer basket so that the potatoes don’t get soggy or overcooked. This is a key step that is often overlooked.

Step 3: Set Your Rice Cooker to the “Steam” Setting

Set your rice cooker to the 'steam' setting and let it work its magic for about 15 minutes. Don’t worry if you forget about them for a bit – it might take a little longer, but they should still turn out just fine!

Step 4: Once Done, Remove Them From the Cooker

After the perfect cooking time is up, grab your steamer basket and remove the potatoes. They should be ready to eat as soon as they come out of the steamer! Don’t wait too long to add a light sprinkle of salt or your favourite seasoning.

Tips

• Choose russets or other starchy potatoes and keep their size as uniform as possible so they'll bake evenly.
• Pierce the potatoes and arrange them in the bottom of your rice cooker.
• Depending on your rice cooker and the size of your potatoes, you might need to put them through a second cooking cycle. If so, rotate the potatoes so the top of each one becomes the bottom. This helps ensure even cooking.
• If you favour crispy potatoes, place them in an oven or toaster oven for a few minutes at 400 F after steaming.
• You can also make mashed potatoes in the rice cooker by mashing the steamed potatoes and adding milk, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper.

You can make baked potatoes in a rice cooker

Yes, you can make baked potatoes in a rice cooker. Rice cookers are simple appliances with a base unit and an On-Off switch, and they can be used for a wide range of foods, including baked potatoes.

To "bake" potatoes in your rice cooker, choose starchy potatoes like russets and keep their size uniform so they cook evenly. Pierce the potatoes and place them in the bottom of the rice cooker. Close the lid and press the On button, allowing the cycle to complete. Depending on your rice cooker and potato size, you may need to run it through a second cycle, rotating the potatoes so that all sides cook evenly. Once the potatoes are fully cooked, remove the lid to let the steam dissipate and the skin dry. If you like your potatoes with a soft skin, serve them immediately. For a crispy skin, place them in an oven or toaster oven for a few minutes at 400°F.

You can also steam potatoes in a rice cooker. Cut the potatoes into cubes, season them, and place them in the steamer basket with water. Set the rice cooker to the steam or multi-cook setting for 15-20 minutes.

Rice cookers can be used for a range of foods

Rice cookers are incredibly versatile kitchen appliances. While they are designed to make cooking rice a "set-it-and-forget-it" process, they can be used for a wide range of foods. For example, you can steam vegetables in the steamer basket that often comes as an accessory with rice cookers.

But what about potatoes? Can you cook them in a rice cooker? The answer is yes! You can steam, bake, or even make mashed potatoes in a rice cooker. Here's how:

Steaming Potatoes

To steam potatoes in a rice cooker, start by adding water to the inner pot. The water level should be about an inch or two high, and make sure it's below the steamer basket. Cut the potatoes into cubes and place them in the steamer basket. You can season the potatoes with herbs or spices before cooking. Close the lid and turn on the cooker, setting it to the "steam" setting. Let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, and then remove them from the cooker when they're done.

Baking Potatoes

Rice cooker "baked" potatoes won't have crispy skins, but they're still a convenient option. Choose starchy potatoes like russets and keep their size uniform for even cooking. Pierce the potatoes and place them in the rice cooker. Close the lid and press the "on" button, running the cooker through two cycles if needed. Once they're cooked, remove the lid to let the steam escape and the skins dry. If you prefer softer skins, serve immediately. For crispier skins, place the potatoes in an oven or toaster oven at 400°F for a few minutes.

Making Mashed Potatoes

Rice cookers can also be used to make mashed potatoes. Simply peel and place the potatoes in the rice cooker with water, using the "steam" preset and setting the timer for 45 minutes. Once they're soft, add milk, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper, and mash away!

So, the next time you're looking for a convenient way to cook potatoes, don't be afraid to reach for your rice cooker. It's a versatile appliance that can handle more than just rice!

You can make mashed potatoes in a rice cooker

Yes, you can make mashed potatoes in a rice cooker! It's an easy, hands-off way to make a delicious potato dish. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, peel your potatoes. You'll want to use a starchy variety, like russets, and keep their size as uniform as possible so they cook evenly. Then, cut them into cubes or quarters. You'll need around four potatoes, or five if they're small.

Place the potatoes in the rice cooker's inner pot with water. You'll want the water level to be about an inch deep, or two inches if your potatoes are cut into smaller pieces. Make sure the water level is below the steamer basket. You can add a sprinkle of herbs or spices at this point if you like.

Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker. Set it to the ''Steam' setting and let it cook for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft. If your rice cooker doesn't have a steamer setting, you can use the ''multi-cook' setting.

Once the potatoes are cooked, grab a rice paddle or plastic masher and mash them inside the inner pot. Add milk, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper, and mix until they're fluffy and smooth.

And that's it! You can also add roasted garlic or other ingredients to suit your taste. It's a simple, versatile way to make mashed potatoes with minimal effort and cleanup.

You can't make crispy potatoes in a rice cooker

While rice cookers can be used for a variety of foods, they are not ideal for making crispy potatoes. Rice cookers are designed to retain moisture, which is essential for cooking rice, but this feature is not conducive to achieving the dryness and crispiness required for crispy potatoes.

Rice cookers typically have a steamer basket, which can be used to steam vegetables and potatoes. However, the resulting potatoes will be soft and fluffy, not crispy. To achieve the desired crispiness, other cooking methods and appliances, such as an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer, are more suitable.

When steaming potatoes in a rice cooker, it is important to ensure that the water level is below the steamer basket to prevent the potatoes from becoming soggy or overcooked. Additionally, the amount of water used should be carefully measured, as too much water can cause a mess and affect the cooking process.

While it is possible to steam or boil potatoes in a rice cooker, it is important to manage expectations regarding the final texture. The potatoes will be soft and suitable for dishes like mashed potatoes, but they will not have the crispy texture that can be achieved through other cooking methods.

If a crispy texture is desired, it is recommended to use alternative cooking appliances, such as an air fryer or oven, which are designed to dry out the surface of the potatoes and create the desired crispiness.

Frequently asked questions