Steaming Tofu: Using Your Rice Cooker For A Healthy Dish

Tofu is a staple in Asian cuisine and is loved for its taste, nutritional value, and versatility. It is vegan-friendly and rich in protein. Tofu can be used in a variety of dishes, from sides to mains, and can be prepared in multiple ways. One common question that arises is whether tofu can be steamed or cooked in a rice cooker. The answer is yes! Tofu can be easily steamed in a rice cooker, and there are various recipes available that utilize this convenient cooking method.

How to steam tofu in a rice cooker

Steaming tofu in a rice cooker is a convenient way to prepare a healthy, vegan-friendly meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly steamed tofu.

Preparation:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need firm or extra-firm tofu, garlic, spring onions or green onions, and your choice of seasonings. You can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavour and nutrition.

Next, rinse the tofu and cut it into cubes or your desired shape. Chop the garlic and spring onions. If using other vegetables, prepare them by slicing or chopping.

Cooking Process:

Place a steamer rack inside your rice cooker and add water to the cooker. The amount of water will depend on the type of rice cooker you have, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the bowl of tofu on top of the steamer rack.

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. Allow the tofu to steam for several minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the tofu and the power of your rice cooker, but it should take around 5-10 minutes.

While the tofu is steaming, you can prepare any additional ingredients or sauces. For example, you could sauté the garlic with some olive oil in a separate pan or in the microwave, as mentioned in one source.

Once the tofu is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the rice cooker. If desired, top the tofu with the sautéed garlic, spring onions, and any other seasonings or sauces of your choice.

Tips and Variations:

• You can also steam tofu in the rice cooker while cooking rice simultaneously, as demonstrated in some of the recipes found. Simply place the tofu on a cooking plate or bowl above the rice and let the steam cook both together.
• Experiment with different types of tofu, such as silken or fried tofu, to find your preferred texture and taste.
• For a heartier meal, consider adding proteins like chicken or shrimp, or other plant-based sources like dry lentils or cooked beans.
• Get creative with seasonings and sauces to suit your taste preferences. You can try soy sauce, chilli oil, coconut aminos, chilli crisp, or a squeeze of lime juice.

By following these steps and adapting the recipe to your liking, you can easily steam tofu in a rice cooker and enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal.

What ingredients to use

Tofu is a staple in Asian cuisine and can be easily prepared as a side dish or a main course. Here are some ingredients you can use to steam tofu in a rice cooker:

Rice Cooker Steamed Tofu

For this recipe, you will need firm tofu, which you should cut into cubes. You can also use extra firm or super firm tofu, which has the highest protein content and comes pre-pressed. Drain the tofu and set it aside.

Aromatics

Aromatics like garlic and ginger will add a savoury base to your dish. Mince or grate some garlic and ginger, or use their dried or powdered versions. Spring onions, sliced or chopped, can also be added for a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour.

Vegetables

You can add vegetables like sliced shiitake mushrooms, oyster, cremini, or white mushrooms, and sliced red bell peppers. Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious and can cut down on prep time.

Seasoning and Condiments

For seasoning, you can use soy sauce, light soy sauce, or tamari. You can also add rice vinegar, maple syrup, sriracha, and white pepper for a touch of sweetness and spice. If you want to add some heat, include Sichuan pepper or red curry paste.

Broth and Oil

Vegetable broth or mushroom broth will add flavour and moisture to your dish. You can also use coconut milk or toasted sesame oil for a creamy, nutty flavour.

Optional Ingredients

For a crunchy texture, add bamboo shoots. You can also include Chinese dried mushrooms, which need to be rehydrated in warm water before use. If you want to add some citrus flavour, squeeze in some fresh lime juice.

Rice

Finally, you will need rice, preferably Jasmine rice, for your rice cooker. Rinse the rice before adding it to the cooker.

With these ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy steamed tofu dish in your rice cooker!

How to prepare tofu for steaming

Yes, you can steam tofu in a rice cooker. Here is a guide on how to prepare tofu for steaming:

Firstly, drain any excess water from the tofu package. Carefully remove the tofu from its packaging by flipping it onto a plate. It is recommended to use a footed heatproof plate or dish that can withstand high temperatures.

Next, slice the tofu into 1/2 to 1-inch thick pieces. Allow the tofu to sit while you prepare the sauce or any other ingredients.

If you are using a rice cooker, place a steamer rack inside and put the plate of tofu on top. If you are using a steamer, place the tofu in a steam-proof plate and put it inside.

Steam the tofu for 5-10 minutes. The tofu is now ready to be served with your choice of sauce or other ingredients.

• Silken tofu is a popular choice for steaming due to its soft and smooth texture. However, soft tofu can also be used if silken tofu is unavailable.
• Experiment with different toppings and sauces to find your favourite combinations.
• For a more flavourful dish, marinate the tofu in your chosen sauce before steaming.
• If using a rice cooker, you can also put the tofu in a small stainless-steel bowl and place it on top of the rice.

How to prepare rice and tofu together

Rice and tofu is a great, healthy meal option that can be cooked in a rice cooker. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare rice and tofu together.

Ingredients:

• Rice (Jasmine rice is most commonly used for fried rice, but short, medium, or long grain rice also works)
• Tofu (extra firm or super firm tofu is best)
• Vegetables (fresh or frozen)
• Mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, cremini, or white)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, ginger, green onion, soy sauce, etc.)
• Broth (vegetable, mushroom, or chicken)

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes any excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly. For every cup of rice, you will need one cup of water (or broth) when cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Tofu and Vegetables

If using frozen vegetables, there is no need to chop them. If using fresh vegetables, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Press and grate the tofu directly into the rice cooker, using the largest holes on a box grater. You can also cut the tofu into cubes or small pieces, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Place the rinsed rice, vegetables, and tofu into the rice cooker. Add your desired seasonings and broth. Use a rice paddle to gently combine the ingredients.

Step 4: Cook

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. The cooking time will depend on the type of rice you are using. White rice typically takes around 15-20 minutes to cook, while brown rice may take up to 45 minutes.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice cooker turns off, or switches to the warming function, use a spatula to gently fluff the rice and distribute any remaining moisture. You can add more seasonings, such as soy sauce or tamari, to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Tips:

• For a more authentic Asian flavour, try adding garlic, ginger, and green onions to your rice and tofu dish.
• If you want a heartier meal, you can also add other proteins, such as chicken or shrimp.
• For a vegan option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the shrimp or chicken.

Preparing rice and tofu together in a rice cooker is a convenient and easy way to make a healthy and delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings to find your perfect rice and tofu dish!

What to serve with tofu and rice

Tofu is a versatile plant-based protein source that can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with tofu and rice:

Grains

Rice is a classic side dish for tofu, and you can also try other grains such as quinoa, barley, or buckwheat soba noodles. For a simple dish, try serving tofu and rice with a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil.

Vegetables

Tofu and rice can be served with a variety of vegetables, including stir-fried, roasted, or air-fried options. Some great vegetable sides include roasted zucchini, broccoli, carrots, and asparagus, or crispy Thai Brussels sprouts. You can also add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or red peppers to your tofu and rice dish.

Salads

Tofu is a great addition to salads, and it can be mixed into a refreshing pasta or quinoa salad. Try a strawberry balsamic tofu pasta salad or a bright spring mix salad.

Buddha Bowls

Buddha bowls are balanced dishes that often include a grain, vegetable, and protein. Tofu is a versatile addition to Buddha bowls and can be transformed into many different flavors. Try a Korean tofu noodle bowl or a crispy Asian tofu Buddha bowl.

Spices and Sauces

You can also experiment with adding spices and sauces to your tofu and rice dish. For example, try adding curry powder, cumin, or coriander to your dish for extra flavor. A simple sauce of peanut butter, ginger, garlic, and sesame is also a delicious option for tofu and rice.

One-Pot Dishes

You can also create a one-pot mixed rice dish with tofu. For example, Mapo Tofu Rice includes tofu, mushrooms, spring onions, wine, soy sauce, and Sichuan pepper cooked together in a rice cooker.

With its versatility and ability to absorb flavors, tofu makes a great addition to a variety of dishes, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations!

Frequently asked questions