Steaming Sausages: Using Your Rice Cooker For A Quick Meal

Yes, you can steam sausage in a rice cooker. This is a common method in Asia and it's a great way to add flavour to the rice. Simply add your desired amount of rice and water to the rice cooker, throw in some sausages (Chinese sausage is a popular choice), and press the button. You can also add other ingredients like vegetables, tofu, or mushrooms. After about 20-30 minutes, your meal will be ready to eat!

How to steam Chinese sausage in a rice cooker

Steaming Chinese sausage in a rice cooker is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious meal. Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, is a sweet and salty pork-based sausage that can be found in dried or fresh form. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming Chinese sausage in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Start by removing the interior pot from your rice cooker. Rinse the desired amount of rice a few times with water until the water runs clear. Then, fill the pot with water according to the rice cooker instructions or using the "finger trick." This involves measuring the height of the rice by evening it out and sticking your finger into the rice. Add water until it reaches the same height as the rice on your finger.

Step 2: Add the Chinese Sausage

Layer the lap cheong links on top of the rice. You can cut the links into smaller pieces if you prefer, but this is optional. Close the lid of the rice cooker and select the "cook" button or the appropriate setting.

Step 3: Cook the Rice and Sausage

Let the rice cooker do its magic! The cooking time will depend on your rice cooker and the amount of rice you are preparing. For reference, a small 3-cup rice cooker may take around 20 minutes, while a larger rice cooker may take closer to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the rice cooker indicates that the cooking cycle is complete, let the rice and sausage sit for a few minutes before opening. Be careful when handling the sausage links as they will be hot. You can serve the sausage whole or slice it into bite-sized pieces. Fluff up the rice and scoop it into bowls. Top with the Chinese sausage and enjoy!

Optional Enhancements

While the Chinese sausage and rice dish is tasty on its own, you can enhance it with a few simple additions. Try adding chopped green onions or sliced shiitake mushrooms for a pop of color and extra flavor. For an even heartier meal, include a side of boiled vegetables or a fried egg.

How to steam other types of sausage in a rice cooker

Steaming sausages in a rice cooker is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare a tasty meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam different types of sausages in a rice cooker:

Preparing the Rice Cooker

Before you begin, ensure that you have a functional rice cooker and the necessary ingredients, including the sausages of your choice and rice. Also, make sure you have measured the desired amount of rice and water according to the instructions for your specific rice cooker model.

Adding the Ingredients

Start by placing the uncooked rice into the inner pot of your rice cooker. Rinse the rice a few times with water until the water runs clear. Then, fill the pot with water according to the marked line or the "finger trick," where you measure the height of the rice with your finger and add water to match that level.

Now, it's time to add your chosen sausages! You can use various types of sausages, such as Chinese sausage (lap cheong), smoked sausage, or any other variety you prefer. Place the sausages directly on top of the rice and water. You can cut the sausages into smaller pieces or slices, or leave them as links, depending on your preference.

Cooking

Once you have added the sausages, it's time to start the rice cooker. Simply press the "Cook" or "Start" button and let the rice cooker work its magic. The cooker will steam both the rice and the sausages simultaneously.

Serving

After the rice cooker has finished cooking, let the contents sit for a few minutes before opening the lid. Be careful when handling the sausages as they will be hot. You can serve the sausages whole or slice them into bite-sized pieces before serving. Fluff up the rice and scoop it into bowls, topping it with the steamed sausages.

Customization and Additional Ingredients

You can also add various ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. For example, chopped green onions or scallions are a popular choice to sprinkle on top. Additionally, you can include other ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms, tofu, or eggs to create a more substantial meal.

Tips and Variations

When steaming sausages in a rice cooker, here are some additional tips and variations to consider:

• Prick holes in the sausages before cooking to prevent them from exploding due to steam buildup.
• If you're using Chinese sausage, which tends to be sweeter, you can balance the flavors by serving it with vegetables or a side dish.
• For a heartier meal, consider adding proteins like leftover rotisserie chicken or SPAM to your rice cooker.
• If you're short on time, frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn are excellent choices as they are quick and simple to prepare.

How to make rice cooker sausage jambalaya

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 (14 oz) package beef smoked sausage, sliced in half lengthwise, then cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped or minced garlic
• 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 1 (4 oz) can mild green chillies
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons file powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 1/4 cups jasmine rice
• 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt to taste

Method:

• Set the cooker to heat/simmer. Drizzle with half of the olive oil, then add the sausage.
• Sauté the sausage in the oil for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the butter and the rest of the oil and let melt. Add the onion, peppers, celery, salt, pepper, and garlic.
• Stir it all up and allow to sauté until the vegetables are softened.
• Add the tomatoes and green chillies to the vegetables and sausage.
• Then add the sauces, seasonings, rice, and broth.
• Stir it all together and set the pot to "white rice". Close the lid and keep the pot somewhere that the steam won't come into contact with anything overhead.
• The veggies will rise to the top once it's done, but they will be cooked through and very flavorful.
• Stir it all together, then fluff up the rice a bit with the tool that comes with the cooker.
• Serve with cornbread and a garnish of parsley, with hot sauce on the side.

Tips:

• You can also add chicken or shrimp if you like. Sauté them separately and stir them in when the jambalaya is done cooking.
• If you want to reduce the sodium content of this dish, you can replace the French onion soup with water.
• If you want to make this dish less spicy, cut back on the spices, especially the cayenne pepper.

How to make lazy fried rice in a rice cooker with Chinese sausage

Ingredients:

• Rice
• Water
• Chinese sausage
• Eggs
• Vegetables (optional)
• Seasonings (optional)

Step-by-step guide:

Firstly, measure the amount of rice you want to cook. A good rule of thumb is to use 2 cups of rice for 3 people. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then put it into your rice cooker.

Next, you'll need to add water. You can either fill the rice cooker with water up to the line that corresponds with the number of cups of rice, or use the "finger trick": stick your finger into the rice and take note of the height, then add water until it reaches the same level.

Now it's time to add your Chinese sausage! Place the sausages on top of the rice and water. You can cut them in half if you prefer, or leave them whole.

If you want to add eggs to your fried rice, crack them into the rice cooker now. You can also add some frozen vegetables at this stage, such as peas, carrots, or corn.

Before you turn on the rice cooker, add your choice of seasonings. Minced garlic, Maggi seasoning, salt, chicken or mushroom bouillon powder, and ground black pepper all work well.

Finally, turn on your rice cooker! The cooker will steam the rice, sausage, and any other ingredients you've added all at the same time.

Once the rice cooker has finished, simply slice the sausages and stir all the ingredients together. And that's it—your lazy fried rice is ready to serve!

How to prevent sausages from exploding in a rice cooker

It is possible to steam sausages in a rice cooker, and it is a common method in Asia. However, it is important to take precautions to prevent the sausages from exploding due to steam buildup. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prevent sausages from exploding in a rice cooker:

Prepare the Rice Cooker:

Firstly, ensure your rice cooker is in good working condition. Check the lid to ensure it will release pressure when necessary, and inspect for any faulty wiring, a broken heating element, or a cracked bowl. These issues could lead to an explosion, so it is important to address them before using the rice cooker.

Prepare the Sausages:

Before placing the sausages in the rice cooker, use a needle or a sharp knife to prick small holes in the sausages. This will allow the steam to escape and prevent a buildup that could cause the sausages to explode. You can also try boiling the sausages first before placing them in the rice cooker to reduce the risk of explosion.

Cook the Sausages:

When cooking the sausages, do not cook them at too high a temperature. Cooking sausages slowly and evenly is recommended to prevent charring the outside while leaving the inside uncooked. Use a low setting on your rice cooker, or cook the sausages for a longer period at a lower temperature.

Additional Tips:

• Always supervise the rice cooker when it is turned on. Do not leave it unattended for extended periods.
• Be careful when filling the rice cooker with water to avoid spilling water on the electrical socket, which could be dangerous.
• Do not overfill the rice cooker with food and water to prevent spillage, which could damage the appliance and your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions