Steaming Flounder: Using Your Rice Cooker For A Quick Meal

Rice cookers are not just for cooking rice – they can be used to steam a variety of dishes, including fish. So, can you steam flounder in a rice cooker? The answer is yes! You can steam flounder in a rice cooker by following similar steps to steaming other types of fish. First, scale and wash the fish, then rub it with fine salt and let it sit for 15 minutes. Next, place the fish on a plate that fits in the upper level of the rice cooker. Add chopped garlic and ginger strips on top of the fish, then drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce. Finally, let the fish steam using the steam from the rice pot below.

Steps to steam fish in a rice cooker

Firstly, check your rice cooker's instruction manual to see if it has a steaming function. If it does, you're good to go!

Preparation

• Scale and wash the fish.
• Rub some fine salt all over, including the head, stomach, and tail.
• Let the fish sit for 15 minutes.
• Shred some celery leaves, cut fine strips of ginger, and chop some garlic.
• Put the fish onto a plate that fits the upper level of the rice cooker.
• Throw away any excess salty water.

Cooking

• Transfer the fish plate to the upper level of the rice cooker.
• Add rice to the pot and cook it at the same time to save gas.
• When steam appears inside the rice pot, put the chopped garlic and ginger strips onto the fish, spreading them all over.
• Shake some sesame oil and soy sauce on top of the fish.
• Let the fish steam with the steam from the rice pot below.
• When the steam subsides, let the rice rest inside the pot for 10 minutes.
• Add celery leaves on top of the fish and serve with hot rice.

Note: It is recommended to use foil to keep the flavours of the fish from seeping into the rice during the steaming process.

Preparing the flounder for steaming

It is important to note that when steaming fish in a rice cooker, it is recommended to use foil to prevent the flavours of the fish from affecting the rice. Therefore, after the fish has been seasoned, place it onto a plate that fits the upper level of the rice cooker, and ensure any excess salty water is discarded. You can then transfer the fish plate to the upper level of the rice cooker and cook the rice simultaneously in the pot below.

Seasoning and flavouring the flounder

When it comes to seasoning and flavouring the flounder, there are several options to consider. Here are some detailed instructions and suggestions:

• Salt: Start by rubbing a fine layer of salt all over the fish, including the head, stomach, and tail. Let the fish rest for about 15 minutes to allow the salt to absorb any excess moisture and season the fish.
• Aromatics: Cut scallions and ginger into thin strips. Place them underneath, over, and inside the cavity of the fish. These aromatics will lend a subtle and beautiful aroma to the fish during steaming. You can also add fresh garlic cloves or chop them and spread them over the fish.
• Oil: Drizzle olive oil or sesame oil over the fish. This will add a layer of flavour and help to keep the fish moist during cooking.
• Citrus: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over the cooked fish. This will brighten up the flavours and add a tangy twist to the dish.
• Spices: If you want to add a hint of spiciness, heat up some neutral-flavoured cooking oil with sliced dried chilli and a pinch of Sichuan peppercorns. As the oil starts to smoke, pour it over the fish for an elevated taste experience.
• Sauce: Create a simple sauce by mixing soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine (or dry sherry, sake, or regular white wine), a pinch of white pepper, and a touch of sugar. Heat this mixture until it bubbles, and then pour it over the fish for an extra flavour boost.
• Herbs: Use fresh herbs such as thyme, cilantro, or spring onions to garnish the fish. These herbs will add a pop of colour and a refreshing flavour to the dish.
• Vegetables: Steam vegetables like hot peppers, green onions, or scallions along with the fish. Add them towards the end of the cooking process so they retain their texture and flavour.

Remember, the key to seasoning and flavouring the flounder is to enhance its natural taste and texture. You can experiment with different combinations of the above ingredients and adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

Cooking the flounder and rice

Preparing the Flounder

First, scale and wash the flounder. Rub fine salt all over the fish, including the head, stomach, and tail, and let it sit for 15 minutes. While you wait, shred some celery leaves, cut ginger into fine strips, and chop some garlic. Put the fish onto a plate that fits the upper level of the rice cooker and throw away any excess salty water.

Preparing the Rice

Rinse the rice and add the right amount of water. You can experiment with the rice-to-water ratio to find your preferred texture: 1:1.3 for firmer rice, 1:1.5 for softer rice, and 1:1.1 for short-grain rice. Pre-soak the rice for at least 10 minutes, then drain and transfer it to a shallow, heat-proof container that fits in your steamer.

Cooking

Place the rice in the steamer basket and add the plate of flounder to the upper level of the rice cooker. When steam appears inside the rice pot, add the garlic and ginger to the fish, spreading them evenly. You can also add sesame oil and soy sauce. Let the fish cook in the steam from the rice pot below. When the steam subsides, let the rice rest inside the pot for 10 minutes, then add the celery leaves to the fish and serve with the hot rice.

Serving the steamed flounder

Once you have successfully steamed your flounder in a rice cooker, it is time to serve it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Firstly, prepare the rice that has been cooked in the rice cooker. If you have cooked the rice alongside steaming the flounder, it should be ready to serve. Use a fork or spoon to fluff up the rice and mix in any flavourings or seasonings you desire. You could add a splash of soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, or a sprinkle of chopped spring onions or herbs.

Step 2: Plate the Flounder

Next, carefully remove the flounder from the rice cooker. Use a spatula to lift the fish from the plate or foil it was cooked on, and place it on a serving dish. You could line the serving dish with some fresh herbs or sliced lemon to add a pop of colour and flavour.

Step 3: Add Accompaniments

Now, add any side dishes or accompaniments to the plate. The steamed flounder will be delicious served with the rice, but you could also include some steamed vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, and asparagus all work well in a rice cooker and would make tasty, healthy sides.

Step 4: Garnish and Season

Before serving, add a final flourish to the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice over the fish will add a nice freshness, or you could sprinkle over some chopped nuts or seeds for added texture. A drizzle of olive oil, a scattering of chilli flakes, or a dash of hot sauce will also enhance the flavours of the dish.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Finally, it's time to savour your delicious creation! Enjoy the steamed flounder with all the trimmings, and don't forget to share with your dinner companions. Bon appétit!

By following these simple steps, you can serve a delicious and visually appealing steamed flounder dish, all cooked in the convenience of your rice cooker.

Frequently asked questions