Steaming Rice: Can You Use A Norpro Steamer In A Rice Cooker?

Rice cookers can be used for steaming food, which is a healthy cooking method that helps retain nutrients. Most rice cookers come with a steaming basket or tray that fits inside the cooking pot. The Norpro 1-Quart Stainless Steel Mini Steamer Cooker is a 3-piece set that includes a base pot, steamer, and vented, tempered glass lid. It is perfect for steaming small portions of vegetables, seafood, or meat dishes. The Norpro brand also offers a silicone steamer with an insert that can be used in the microwave or oven and is dishwasher-safe. Another option is the Norpro Microwave Rice Cooker, which comes with a cooker, lid, measuring cup, and spoon. It is made of BPA-free plastic and is easy to clean.

Norpro Microwave Rice Cooker

The Norpro Microwave Rice Cooker is a convenient kitchen appliance designed to cook rice in a short span of time without burning or sticking. It combines the power of a microwave with steam cooking, resulting in perfectly cooked rice. The rice cooker is made of durable, heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic and is heat resistant and easy to clean.

The set includes a cooker, lid, measuring cup, and spoon. It is important to note that the rice should be measured using the cup that comes with the product. Recipes and instructions are also included with the rice cooker.

The Norpro Microwave Rice Cooker has received mixed reviews from customers. Some customers have praised its quality, ease of use, and value, stating that it produces perfectly cooked rice and is a time saver. However, there have been complaints about the lid and sturdiness, with some mentioning that the inner lid does not fit correctly and the plastic gets extremely hot.

In addition to the rice cooker, Norpro also offers a range of other kitchen products, including a stainless steel vegetable steamer, a red silicone steamer with an insert, and a Grip-Ez Offset Cupcake Spatula.

Norpro Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer

The Norpro Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer is a durable and versatile kitchen tool that can be used to cook vegetables, seafood, and sauces. It is made of stainless steel with a classic mirrored finish, giving it a sleek and modern look. The steamer is designed to fit a variety of pot sizes, with an adjustable diameter that expands from 5.5 inches to 9.5 inches, making it suitable for both small and large pots. This steamer is an excellent choice for those who want to prepare healthy and delicious meals as steaming helps retain the nutritional value of food.

One of the key advantages of using the Norpro Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer is its ability to keep food above the water level, ensuring that your vegetables are cooked just right without getting soggy. The steamer also doubles as a colander, making it a versatile tool for preparing fruits and vegetables. Its collapsible design makes it easy to store, even in small kitchens.

The Norpro Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer is a popular choice among customers, with many praising its steaming capacity, ease of cleaning, and value for money. It fits well in most saucepans and is simple to set up and use. The compact design makes it convenient for those with limited kitchen space. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the build quality, mentioning that it feels flimsy and that the metal flaps can fall off. Despite this, the Norpro Stainless Steel Vegetable Steamer is a good option for those seeking an affordable and functional steamer for their kitchen.

Norpro Red Silicone Steamer

The Norpro Red Silicone Steamer is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used in the microwave or oven to steam cook a variety of foods in minutes. It is made of food-safe silicone that is non-porous, odour-resistant, and heat resistant up to 460°F/240°C. The steamer has a capacity of 32 ounces and measures 9 x 6.5 x 2.25 inches. It comes with firm, easy-grip handles and includes a steamer insert, making it perfect for preparing healthy meals at home, work, or school. The Norpro Red Silicone Steamer is also dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleanup.

Customer reviews for the Norpro Red Silicone Steamer are generally positive, with many praising its quality, ease of cleaning, and heat retention. Some customers appreciate its versatility, finding it perfect for steaming vegetables, reheating leftovers, and cooking fish or meat. However, there are mixed opinions on the size, with some saying it is great for single or double servings, while others wish it were larger to accommodate family-sized portions. Additionally, some customers have mentioned that the steamer can be too flexible when loaded with food, making it challenging to remove from the microwave without spilling. Overall, the Norpro Red Silicone Steamer is a well-liked product that offers a convenient and healthy way to prepare meals.

Norpro 1-Quart Stainless Steel Mini Steamer Cooker

The Norpro 1-Quart Stainless Steel Mini Steamer Cooker is a 3-piece set that includes a base pot, steamer, and vented, tempered glass lid. It is the perfect size for steaming small portions of vegetables, seafood, or meat dishes. The TRI-PLY ENCAPSULATED base ensures uniform cooking with no hot spots and efficient heat conductivity. The steamer can also be used without the steamer basket to cook pasta, heat soups, sauces, milk, or boil eggs and water. The stainless steel construction with a mirror finish is recommended to be hand-washed.

The Norpro 1-Quart Stainless Steel Mini Steamer Cooker is highly rated by customers for its size, quality, and functionality. They appreciate that it is the perfect size for their needs, works well for minimalist lifestyles, and looks good. Some customers also mention that it is easy to clean. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the heat level, stating that the top handle gets very hot and the grip handles are not heat-resistant as advertised.

Overall, the Norpro 1-Quart Stainless Steel Mini Steamer Cooker is a well-reviewed product that is suitable for those seeking a compact and functional steamer for small portions of food.

Rice cooker steaming tips

Before using your rice cooker to steam food, check your instruction manual to see if your appliance has a separate steam tray or basket and a preset steam setting. If it does, you're good to go!

Steaming Food

When steaming vegetables, make sure they are cleaned and cut before placing them in the basket. Vegetables with stiff skin, such as squash or pumpkin, should be turned flesh-down. You can also steam meat and fish, but always use foil to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice.

Timing

White rice usually takes around 35 minutes to cook in a rice cooker. Vegetables will take much less time—somewhere between five to 15 minutes, depending on the type. To have your rice and vegetables ready at the same time, add the vegetables part-way through the rice cooking cycle.

Experimenting with Flavours

To add some extra flavour to your rice, you can replace the water with tea or coconut milk, or use chicken, pork, vegetable, or mushroom stock. You can also add salt, a splash of oil, fried onions, tomatoes, spices, or other flavour agents, depending on the cuisine you're preparing.

Steaming Rice on the Stove

If you're steaming rice on the stove, the rice-to-water ratio should be 1:1.3 for separate grains of rice, or 1:1.5 if you prefer softer rice. For short-grain rice, you can reduce the ratio to 1:1.1. Pre-soak the rice for at least 10 minutes, then drain and transfer it to a heat-proof container that will fit in your steamer. Add the water to the rice and place it in the steamer, ensuring that the water is cold (not boiling) when you put the rice in. Turn the heat to high, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for at least another five minutes before serving.

Tips for Steaming Vegetables

Harsh cooking methods like boiling can cause a loss of nutrients, but steaming preserves the nutritional value of vegetables. You can steam vegetables in the microwave, on the stove, in a bamboo steamer, or in an Instant Pot, as well as in a rice cooker. When steaming on the stove, use a heat-proof colander in place of a steamer basket if you don't have one.

Frequently asked questions