Emilie Meyer
Clay pots have been used for centuries to cook rice, with the clay offering unparalleled flavors and health benefits. Clay pots can be used on a stovetop or in an oven, and they come in multiple styles. Clay pot rice has a unique end effect of making the rice touching the pot golden-brown and crispy, while rice cooked in a standard rice cooker should be soft and fluffy throughout. Some people prefer to use a clay pot instead of an electric rice cooker to reduce the number of kitchen gadgets they own. There are also rice cookers with clay pots available on the market.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clay pot usage in rice cooker | Clay pots can be used in rice cookers to make dishes like Malaysian clay pot chicken rice |
| Taste | Clay pots impart a nuttier taste to the rice and make the rice touching the pot golden-brown and crispy |
| Advantages | Clay pots are free from aluminium or non-stick chemicals, and are said to offer unparalleled flavours and superior health benefits |
| Clay pot alternatives | Donabe clay pots are a Japanese alternative to rice cookers, and can be used on a stovetop or in the oven |
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What You'll Learn
Clay pot chicken rice in a rice cooker
Clay pot chicken rice is a popular dish in Malaysia and Singapore. It is traditionally cooked and served in a clay pot, resulting in a crunchy burnt rice crust at the bottom, which is considered tasty. However, it is also possible to make this dish in a rice cooker if you don't have a clay pot. The taste will be similar, but you won't get the crunchy rice crust unless your rice cooker is old and the non-stick coating is damaged.
To make clay pot chicken rice in a rice cooker, you will first need to prepare the ingredients. For the chicken, you will need about 450 grams of bite-sized pieces. You should marinate the chicken with a sauce that includes ingredients like sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. For the rice, you will need medium-grain rice, such as Nishiki or Kokuho brands. You will also need dried shiitake mushrooms, scallions, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, and additional sesame oil.
Once you have gathered your ingredients, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan. Add the garlic, ginger, shiitake mushrooms, chicken (with the marinating sauce), salt, sugar, and pepper to the pan. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink. Then, add the rice to the pan and stir until it is well combined. Note that the rice will not be fully cooked at this stage.
Next, transfer the contents of the wok or frying pan into your rice cooker. Add the required amount of water to cook the rice, following the instructions for your specific rice cooker model. Drizzle with sesame oil and stir well. Close the lid of the rice cooker and select the "cook rice" or "white rice" function. Allow the rice cooker to cook the dish until it automatically switches to the "keep warm" function.
Once the rice cooker indicates it is in "keep warm" mode, let the dish rest for about 15 minutes. Then, open the lid and add the sliced scallions. Use a rice paddle or spatula to fluff the rice and mix in the scallions. Finally, serve the clay pot chicken rice immediately.
Some people like to add extra ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. For example, you can soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water until they are soft, then slice them thinly and use the soaking water as part of the water for cooking the rice. You can also add fried salted fish, Chinese sausage, or make a side of scallion oil and vinegar pickled green chillies. Experiment with different ingredients and find the combination that suits your taste!
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Clay pot vs. electric rice cooker
Clay pots and electric rice cookers are two different types of cookware that can be used to cook rice. Clay pots are traditional cookware made from natural clay, while electric rice cookers are modern appliances made from materials like aluminum and coated with non-stick substances.
One of the key differences between clay pots and electric rice cookers is the cooking method and the resulting texture and taste of the rice. Clay pot rice, a traditional dish in Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, and Hong Kong, is known for creating a golden-brown and crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pot due to the pot's direct contact with the heat source. This layer adds a unique textural contrast and a nuttier flavour to the dish. In contrast, electric rice cookers produce soft and fluffy rice throughout due to their non-stick coatings and indirect heating methods.
Clay pots have better thermal properties than electric rice cookers with metal pots. Clay is a natural insulator that retains heat for longer, resulting in even and thorough cooking. Additionally, clay pots are free from non-stick chemical coatings, making them a healthier alternative for those concerned about potential contaminants in their food. However, clay pots require special care as they are more susceptible to cracking or breaking if not handled properly, especially when exposed to sudden temperature changes.
Electric rice cookers, on the other hand, offer convenience and ease of use. They often come with various menu settings, allowing users to cook different types of rice and other dishes with the press of a button. Some electric rice cookers, like the VitaClay VM7900 and VF7700-6, have incorporated the benefits of clay by using clay cooking bowls or pots. These clay inner pots enhance the aroma and flavour of the food while providing natural minerals for added health benefits. However, electric rice cookers with clay inner pots are quite rare in the market.
In conclusion, both clay pots and electric rice cookers have their advantages and disadvantages. Clay pots offer a traditional cooking experience with unique textural and flavour profiles, better heat retention, and a natural, toxin-free cooking surface. Electric rice cookers, on the other hand, provide convenience, versatility, and consistent results. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the user's preferences, availability, and specific cooking requirements.
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Clay pot rice cooker health benefits
Clay pots have been used for cooking rice for centuries, and they are still popular today. Clay pot rice cookers offer a range of health benefits, which is why Ayurveda suggests cooking in a clay pot.
Firstly, clay pots are alkaline, which helps to neutralise the pH balance of the food. This makes the rice healthier and easier to digest. The porosity and natural insulation properties of clay allow heat and moisture to circulate, making the cooking process slower. This prevents burning and reduces moisture and nutrient loss. Clay pots also require less oil, reducing the amount of added fat in your food.
Secondly, clay is a natural material that does not contain the chemicals and metals found in other types of cookware. This means that food cooked in clay pots is free from these toxins. Clay also adds important nutrients to food, including calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, and sulfur.
Finally, the unique properties of clay result in a different texture and taste compared to rice cooked in other types of rice cookers. Clay pot rice has a golden-brown and crispy texture, whereas rice cooked in a standard rice cooker is soft and fluffy throughout. This textural difference adds a nuttier taste to the dish.
While some people prefer the convenience of a standard rice cooker, cooking rice in a clay pot offers several health benefits and can improve the taste and texture of the final dish.
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Clay pot rice cooker alternatives
Clay pots are used in many Asian cuisines, such as Malaysian, Korean, Cantonese, and Singaporean, to cook rice. The rice cooked in clay pots gets golden-brown and crispy at the bottom, adding a textural difference and a nuttier taste.
If you are looking for alternatives to cooking rice in a clay pot, you can use a rice cooker. Rice cookers are available in many variants, from simple ones with a "cook rice" function to fancier ones with a "white rice" function. The rice cooked in these appliances should be soft and fluffy throughout.
Another clay pot alternative is the Japanese Donabe clay pot, which has been used for centuries as a rice cooker, stock pot, smoker, and roaster. The Donabe clay pot can be used on a stovetop or in an oven and comes in multiple styles. The clay pot can also be used as a steamer to steam vegetables while you cook rice or soup beneath.
If you are looking for a high-end rice cooker, VitaClay Chef offers a 7-in-1 smart organic multi-cooker that includes a rice cooker, a slow cooker, a digital steamer, and a bonus yoghurt maker. The VitaClay pots are made of all-natural clay with no lead, aluminium, or toxins.
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Clay pot rice cooker recipes
Clay pot chicken rice is a popular dish in Malaysia and Singapore. It is traditionally cooked and served in a clay pot, straight from the stove, with a burnt, crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pot.
If you don't have a clay pot, you can still make this dish in a rice cooker. The taste will be very similar, but you won't get the crunchy, burnt crust at the bottom. To make clay pot chicken rice in a rice cooker, first prepare about 450 grams of bite-sized chicken meat. Next, add the rice into a pan or wok and stir until well combined with the other ingredients. Transfer the mixture into your rice cooker, adding the required amount of water to cook the rice, and drizzle with sesame oil. Use the cook rice or white rice function on your rice cooker and wait until it switches to keep warm. After 15 minutes, open the lid and add sliced scallions. Fluff the rice with a paddle and serve immediately.
You can also make a Hong Kong-style clay pot rice bowl in a rice cooker. This dish features Chinese sausage and cured pork belly, with a layer of crispy rice at the bottom. To make this dish, simply add the rice, water, and meat to your rice cooker and cook as normal. When the rice is done, remove the meat, slice it, and add it back into the rice cooker along with the sauce and scallions.
Some people choose to add extra ingredients to their clay pot rice. For example, one person added deep-fried salted fish for a distinct umami flavour, while another added homemade cured pork belly.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, clay pots can be used in other rice cookers. Clay pots like the Japanese Donabe can be used on a stovetop or in the oven.
Clay pot rice has a golden-brown and crispy texture, whereas rice cooker rice is soft and fluffy throughout. Clay pot rice is also said to have a nuttier taste.
Clay pots have been used for centuries to cook rice and are prized for the unparalleled flavours and superior health benefits they offer. Clay pots are free of chemical or aluminium coatings, which are commonly found in rice cooker liners.
Yes, clay pots like the Donabe are incredibly versatile and can be used as a stock pot, smoker, and roaster.
Clay pot chicken rice is a popular dish in Malaysia, Singapore, Korea and Hong Kong.
