Steaming Eggs: Using Your Rice Cooker For Breakfast

It is possible to steam eggs in a rice cooker, and it's a great way to get perfectly cooked eggs every time with minimal effort. The rice cooker's gentle cooking method prevents the eggs from cracking and the yolks from becoming grainy. The desired level of doneness is easily achieved by adjusting the cooking time. To steam eggs in a rice cooker, simply add water to the inner pot, place the eggs in a steam tray or basket, close the lid, and set the timer. For soft-cooked eggs, steam for 13-15 minutes, and for hard-cooked eggs, steam for 20 minutes.

How to steam eggs in a rice cooker

Steaming eggs in a rice cooker is a great way to cook them with less effort and achieve perfect results every time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Fill the inner pot of your rice cooker with water. The amount of water you need will depend on the type of rice cooker you have and the desired doneness of your eggs. For a soft boil, use 3-4 tablespoons or about 1 cup of water. For a medium boil, use 4-6 tablespoons. If you want a hard boil, add around 2 cups of water or fill the inner pot until it reaches the level indicated for steaming.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

Place the desired number of eggs into the steam tray or steamer basket of your rice cooker. If your rice cooker did not come with a steam tray, you can use a small bowl that fits inside the inner pot, above the water level. Make sure the eggs are cold from the fridge, as room-temperature eggs may affect the cooking time.

Step 3: Start Cooking

Close the lid of the rice cooker. If your rice cooker has a steam function, select this setting. Otherwise, select the 'COOK' or 'White Rice' function. Set a separate timer for the desired doneness:

• Soft-boiled: 13-15 minutes (or 8-11 minutes, according to another source)
• Medium-boiled: 11 minutes (or 11-13 minutes, according to another source)
• Hard-boiled: 13-20 minutes (or 13 minutes, according to another source)

Note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your rice cooker, so you may need to adjust the timing based on your first results.

Step 4: Cool the Eggs

Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking process. Allow the eggs to cool in the ice bath for 1-3 minutes before peeling and enjoying!

The benefits of steaming eggs in a rice cooker

Steaming eggs in a rice cooker has many benefits. Firstly, it is a simple and efficient way to cook eggs, requiring minimal effort and less time compared to boiling them on the stove. The rice cooker creates the perfect environment for evenly cooked eggs, eliminating the issue of cracked shells and messy pots associated with traditional boiling methods. The gentle cooking process also prevents overcooking, resulting in aesthetically pleasing eggs without the unsightly grey colour around the yolks.

Another advantage of using a rice cooker is its versatility. It can accommodate various egg textures, from soft-cooked to hard-cooked, by simply adjusting the cooking time. This level of control ensures that you can achieve your desired level of doneness consistently. The steaming method also produces easy-to-peel eggs, making it convenient for preparing dishes like devilled eggs or egg salads.

Additionally, the rice cooker's separate timer allows for precise cooking, ensuring that your eggs are not undercooked or overcooked. This feature is especially useful if your rice cooker does not have an automatic shut-off function. By setting a separate timer, you can achieve the desired cooking time for your eggs without worrying about overcooking or burning.

Using a rice cooker to steam eggs is also a convenient way to prepare a large batch of eggs at once. You can make several eggs at the same time and store them in the fridge for later consumption, ensuring you always have perfectly cooked eggs ready to go. This method is ideal for meal prep or for those who enjoy having warm and fresh eggs regularly.

How to peel hard-boiled eggs

Yes, you can steam eggs in a rice cooker! But how do you peel them once they're cooked? Peeling hard-boiled eggs can be frustrating and time-consuming, but there are a few tips and tricks to make it easier. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to peel hard-boiled eggs:

• Start with cold eggs: Use eggs that have been in the fridge for a few days as they are easier to peel than fresh eggs. The egg whites of older eggs have a higher pH level, which makes them separate more easily from the inner shell membrane.
• Prepare an ice bath: As soon as your eggs are cooked, place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to peel. Let them cool for about 2-4 minutes.
• Tap and crack the shell: Gently tap the egg all over on your counter or a hard surface to crack the shell. Start with the fatter end of the egg, as there is often an air bubble there, which is a good place to start peeling.
• Roll the egg: Gently roll the egg between your hands to loosen the shell further. You should feel the shell starting to pull away from the egg.
• Peel under running water: Start peeling from the cracked bottom and work your way up. Peeling the egg under running water or dipping it in a bowl of water can help remove the shell and clear away tiny bits.

Some other tips to make peeling easier include adding a teaspoon of vinegar, salt, or baking soda to the water before boiling. These methods can help soften the eggshells and make them easier to remove. However, some people also recommend not cooling the eggs before peeling, using a spoon to help slip off the shell, or shaking the egg in a jar with a little water to loosen the shell.

How long to steam eggs for different yolk textures

Steaming eggs in a rice cooker is an easy and effective way to cook eggs with different yolk textures. The cooking time will depend on the type of yolk texture you want to achieve, as well as the specifics of your rice cooker. Here is a general guide to help you steam eggs to your desired yolk texture:

Hard-cooked eggs:

For hard-cooked eggs with fully cooked yolks, it is recommended to steam the eggs for 13 to 20 minutes. This longer cooking time ensures that the yolks are fully cooked and have a firm texture.

Medium-cooked eggs:

If you prefer your yolks to be slightly softer and less dry, steaming for 11 to 13 minutes will give you medium-cooked eggs. This will result in yolks that are partially cooked but still have some softness and moisture.

Soft-cooked eggs:

For soft-cooked eggs with runny yolks, steam the eggs for 8 to 13 minutes. This shorter cooking time will leave the yolks partially or mostly raw, resulting in a soft and creamy texture.

It is important to note that the cooking times may vary depending on your rice cooker and the number of eggs you are preparing. It is always a good idea to experiment with your rice cooker to find the perfect cooking time for your desired yolk texture. Additionally, remember to place the eggs in an ice bath after steaming to stop the cooking process and make the eggs easier to peel.

Other foods you can cook in a rice cooker

Rice cookers are incredibly versatile and can be used to cook a wide range of foods. Here are some ideas for what you can cook in a rice cooker besides rice:

Non-rice grains

Almost all grains, such as barley, oats, polenta, quinoa, farro, and grits, can be cooked in a rice cooker. Simply use the same water ratio that you would use if cooking them on a stovetop. For tougher grains like brown rice or farro, it is best to soak them overnight before cooking.

Beans

You can cook a big batch of beans in your rice cooker. Just cover dried beans with water and cook until tender. If your cooker switches off before the beans are done, simply turn it back on. You can also add your own herbs and seasonings, and freeze individual portions to use in recipes later.

Steamed foods

Many rice cookers come with fitted steamer baskets, which can be used to effortlessly steam vegetables, tofu, fish, or chicken for a quick and healthy meal. Even if your rice cooker doesn't have a steamer basket, you can still steam foods by placing them in a separate steam basket while cooking rice.

Eggs

You can make perfect "boiled" eggs in a rice cooker by using the steam function. Add about a cup of water to the rice cooker, place the eggs in the steamer basket, and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on how runny or firm you like your yolks. For soft-boiled eggs, try 13-15 minutes, and for hard-boiled eggs, try 18-20 minutes.

Pancakes and cakes

You can also use your rice cooker to make sweet treats like pancakes and cakes. Fill the rice cooker bowl one-third to half-way with pancake batter, add your favourite mix-ins like fruits or chocolate chips, and cook until set. For cakes, simply pour your cake batter into the rice cooker and cook until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Newer models may even have a dedicated cake setting.

Frequently asked questions