Steaming Yams: Using Your Rice Cooker For Creative Cooking

Yams are a versatile root vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, baking, and steaming. While yams are not commonly found in American kitchens, they are a staple in Chinese and Asian cuisines. In this article, we will explore whether yams can be steamed using a rice cooker, a common kitchen appliance. Rice cookers are typically used for cooking rice, but they can also be utilised for steaming various foods, offering convenience and versatility.

Yam rice can be made in a rice cooker

Yam rice is a tasty and nutritious Chinese-style dish that can be cooked in a rice cooker. It is a one-pot meal packed with amazing umami flavor and is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy dish that doesn't compromise on taste and health.

To make yam rice in a rice cooker, start by preparing the ingredients. Gather uncooked rice grains, pork belly, dried Chinese mushrooms, dried shrimps, cooking oil, and seasonings for marinade and rice. For the marinade, you can use oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Slice the pork into narrow strips and combine with the seasonings in a mixing bowl. Set this aside for about an hour to let the flavors infuse. Meanwhile, soak the dried Chinese mushrooms and shrimps in warm water until softened, then drain and dice. Peel and dice the yam and carrot, and wash and drain the rice grains.

The next step is to stir-fry the ingredients. Heat up some oil in a wok over medium heat, and add the diced yam, stir-frying until it is partially cooked. Set the yam aside and, in the same oil, fry the dried shrimps until fragrant. Next, add the marinated pork slices and stir-fry for a few minutes before adding the rice grains and stir-frying for another 30 seconds.

Now it's time to bring out your rice cooker. Place the stir-fried mixture into the rice cooker, add water, and start the cooking process. When the water starts to simmer or boil, quickly stir in the fried yam, diced carrot, and mushrooms, and close the lid of the rice cooker. Once the rice cooker indicates that the cooking is complete, let the rice settle for about 10 minutes before serving.

When ready to serve, gently fluff the rice with a rice scoop, being careful not to over-stir as the soft, cooked yam can break up easily. Garnish with chopped spring onion or green onion, fresh coriander leaves, and crispy fried shallots. Your delicious and fragrant yam rice is now ready to be enjoyed!

Yams can be steamed with a rice cooker

Yes, yams can be steamed with a rice cooker. Rice cookers are not just for cooking rice; they can also be used to steam a variety of foods, including yams.

To steam yams in a rice cooker, follow these general steps:

• Add water to the inner cooking pan: The amount of water added will depend on the model of your rice cooker. For a 1.0L model, add 540ml (or 3 cups) of water, and for a 1.8L model, add 720ml (or 4 cups) of water.
• Place the inner cooking pan into the main body: Ensure that the surfaces are clean before placing the inner cooking pan into the main body of the rice cooker.
• Prepare the yams: Peel and cut the yams into small cubes or your desired size. Do not rinse the yams with water after peeling, as this can make the surface slimy and difficult to handle.
• Place the yams in the steaming basket: Put the yams into the steaming basket, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
• Assemble the rice cooker: Place the steaming basket on top of the inner cooking pan. Attach the inner lid set and steam vent cap, and close the outer lid.
• Select the steam setting: Choose the "Steam" menu setting on your rice cooker, and adjust the cooking time if needed.
• Start steaming: Press the button to begin steaming. The display will show the remaining time until completion.
• Carefully remove the yams: Once steaming is complete, open the lid and carefully remove the yams from the steaming basket. Be cautious of the hot steam and interior of the rice cooker.

It is important to note that the specific steps may vary depending on the model of your rice cooker, so it is always a good idea to refer to the instruction manual for detailed instructions.

Additionally, yams can be cooked with rice in a rice cooker to create a delicious and hearty dish. This typically involves stir-frying the yams with other ingredients, such as meat and seasonings, before adding them to the rice cooker with the rice and allowing it to cook until fluffy and fragrant.

Rice cookers can be used to steam other foods

Rice cookers with a steam basket are especially handy as they allow you to cook rice and steam other foods simultaneously, saving time and counter space. If you are unsure whether your rice cooker can double as a steamer, check its instruction manual, or see if it has a separate steam tray, basket, or preset steam setting.

The steamer function can be used to cook a variety of foods, including vegetables, meat, and seafood. Vegetables such as broccoli, artichokes, carrots, asparagus, peas, beets, and cauliflower can be steamed in a rice cooker. It is recommended to clean and cut the vegetables before placing them in the basket, and for vegetables with stiff skin, like squash or pumpkin, turn them flesh-down. Vegetables will usually steam-cook in a much shorter time than rice, from five to fifteen minutes, depending on the type of vegetable.

Meats such as chicken, beef, and pork can also be steamed in a rice cooker. It is important to note that some meats require a hotter temperature than others, so it is recommended to experiment with cooking times and monitor the meat's temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe cooking temperature. When cooking meat or fish in the steamer, use foil to prevent the flavors from seeping into the rice.

In addition to the foods mentioned above, rice cookers can also be used to cook other grains like barley, farro, quinoa, millet, and more. They can also be used to make dishes like risotto, rice pudding, and even desserts like cheesecake and chocolate pudding.

Yams can be cooked in the oven

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (or 350°F-425°F depending on your recipe). While the oven is heating up, prepare the yams by washing and peeling them. Then, cut the yams into slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Place the yams in a baking dish or on a baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced out. Drizzle olive oil over the yams and season with salt and pepper, or other herbs and spices of your choice.

Next, put the yams in the oven and bake for around 30 minutes to an hour, or until they are tender. You may need to rotate the tray and flip the yams over halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once the yams are tender and starting to wrinkle around the edges, they are ready to be served. You can serve them with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, or other toppings of your choice.

Cooking yams in the oven is a simple and nutritious way to prepare this delicious root vegetable. They can be served as a side dish or used in other recipes, such as soups, stews, or mashed yam dishes.

Yams can be cooked in the microwave

To cook yams in the microwave, first, wash and dry them. Then, use a sharp knife to stab or pierce the yams all over. Place the yams in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave the yams on high power for 5 minutes, then rotate them and microwave for another 5 minutes. Continue microwaving in 5-minute intervals until the yams are soft. For purple yams, the paper towel may need to be rewetted halfway through the cooking process.

Once the yams are cooked, let them cool to room temperature, then peel them and store them in the fridge. It is important to note that yams should not be cooked in the microwave for a long duration all at once, as this can result in uneven cooking. Instead, break up the cooking time into shorter intervals as the yams soften.

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