Rice Cooker Steaming: Beyond Rice, What Else Can You Steam?

Rice cookers are a handy kitchen appliance for cooking rice, but did you know they can also be used as steamers? Whether you're looking to cook vegetables, meat, or even fish, your rice cooker can be a versatile tool for creating delicious and healthy meals. In this article, we'll explore the different ways you can use your rice cooker as a steamer, the types of food you can prepare, and the benefits of steaming your meals. So, get ready to unlock the full potential of your rice cooker and discover a whole new world of cooking possibilities!

Rice cookers can steam vegetables

To steam vegetables in a rice cooker, first add the recommended amount of water – usually 2 or 3 cups – to the cooker. Place your chosen vegetables in the steam basket and position it over the water. Close the lid and start the cooking cycle. If you have a one-button rice cooker, just press it and check the vegetables periodically for doneness. If you have a more advanced rice cooker, there might be a steaming function that can be set for certain increments of time. Depending on the vegetables, this should take about 5 to 15 minutes.

You can also steam vegetables over the rice as it cooks. This works best when you’re making a small batch of rice, as cookers often won’t have room for both a full batch of rice and the steamer basket. Some vegetables steam more quickly than others, so be selective. For example, you can steam cauliflower with white rice if the florets are reasonably large. But brown rice takes twice as long, so if you want to "set and forget", choose denser veggies like carrots.

You can also take out the steamer when the vegetables are done or put it in when the rice is partly cooked. This gives you more flexibility in the vegetables you cook, but you’ll have to be careful of the hot steam.

If your rice cooker didn't come with a steam basket, you can use a small trivet that fits into your cooker, placing the vegetables in a small bowl or plate, or even on a sheet of foil, and steaming them on that. Alternatively, you can roll foil into balls, set a plate on top, and use that as a platform for your steamed vegetables.

You can also place a bowl or a colander inside the cooker, along with the water, and steam your vegetables in that. Or, you could put a small wire-mesh strainer over the pot with your vegetables in it, then cover that with the lid. You’ll need to also drape the top of the rice cooker with a clean kitchen towel, because otherwise, the strainer will prop the lid open, and steam won't be trapped inside.

Finally, if you’re cooking rice anyway, greens and other delicate vegetables can just go on top of the rice once it’s done cooking. Put the lid back on right away, and the steam rising from the rice as it cools will delicately steam the vegetables.

Rice cookers can tenderize meat

Rice cookers can be used for steaming vegetables and cooking meat. If your rice cooker has a steam basket, you can use it to steam tender and flavourful vegetables simultaneously as your rice. This saves time and counter space.

Rice cookers can also be used to tenderize meat. The steamer function can be used to tenderize meat for pulled beef or pork. When cooking meat or fish in the steamer, use foil to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice.

It is safe to cook uncooked meat in a rice cooker. However, the size of the meat chunks will determine how long it takes to cook. Larger pieces of meat will take longer to steam. It is recommended to cube the meat and sear it before placing it in the cooker for better texture.

You can also wrap meat in foil and place it on top of the rice while it cooks. This allows you to cook the meat without it coming into direct contact with the rice.

Rice cookers can cook soups and stews

Rice cookers are not just for cooking rice. They can be used to make a variety of dishes, including soups and stews. Here are some tips and recipes to help you get started:

Tips for Using a Rice Cooker to Make Soups and Stews:

• Most rice cookers have a "Soup" or "Slow Cook" function. Use the appropriate setting for your recipe.
• It is important to sauté any vegetables or meat in a separate pan before adding them to the rice cooker to enhance the flavors and create a richer taste.
• Do not overload the rice cooker with too many ingredients as it may cause uneven cooking or overflow. Cook in smaller batches if necessary.
• You can adjust the recipe to your preference by adding more liquid for a thinner soup or reducing the liquid for a thicker stew.
• Always refer to your rice cooker's manual for specific instructions, cooking times, and measurements.

Recipes for Soups and Stews in a Rice Cooker:

• Chicken Noodle Soup: Add the noodles later so they don't get soggy.
• Carrot Ginger Soup: A sweet and savory soup with a hint of heat from the ginger.
• Yellow Split Pea Soup: Filling, low in fat and calories, high in protein, and packed with nutritious ingredients.
• Fish Soup: A mild and satisfying soup with flavors from Southeast Asia, requiring only 7 ingredients.
• Indian Coconut Soup: A unique soup with green radish, corn, sliced coconut, dried figs, and Chinese dates.
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: A citrusy and bright soup served with a baguette or topped with a poached egg.
• Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup: A classic and hearty soup with tender chicken, sweet corn, and flavorful broth.
• Pork and Vegetable Stew: A satisfying and nutritious stew with tender pork and flavorful vegetables.
• Chicken and Vegetable Soup: A hearty soup with tender chicken and vegetables slow-cooked to perfection.
• Tomato and Vegetable Soup: A flavorful soup packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.
• Mushroom and Barley Soup: A hearty soup with flavorful mushrooms and nutritious barley.
• Spicy Chicken Soup: A flavorful and spicy soup with tender chicken and aromatic spices.
• Vegetable Stew: A hearty and nutritious stew with a variety of colorful vegetables.
• Taco Soup: A healthy and tasty soup with chicken, beans, carrots, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and rice.

Rice cookers can cook breakfast foods like porridge

Rice cookers are versatile appliances that can be used for more than just cooking rice. They can also be used as steamers, allowing you to cook a variety of foods without rice. If your rice cooker has a steam basket, you can use it to prepare tender and flavourful vegetables, meat, or fish. This is a convenient way to save time and counter space in the kitchen.

Now, let's talk about using your rice cooker to make breakfast foods like porridge. Rice porridge, also known as congee, is a popular breakfast dish in many Asian countries and is known for its comforting and nourishing qualities. Here's a step-by-step guide to making rice cooker porridge:

• Rinse the Rice: Start by briefly rinsing the rice to remove any impurities. You can do this by placing the rice in a mesh strainer and running it under water a few times. The amount of rinsing will depend on the type of rice you use. For example, pre-washed rice may not need any rinsing at all.
• Choose the Rice-to-Liquid Ratio: The consistency of your porridge depends on the ratio of rice to liquid. For a thicker porridge, use less liquid, and for a thinner porridge, use more. A common ratio for a medium-thick porridge is 1:9 or 1:10 (rice to liquid).
• Bring the Liquid to a Boil: Measure out the desired amount of water or stock and bring it to a boil in your rice cooker.
• Add the Rice: Once the liquid is boiling, add the rinsed rice to the cooker.
• Stir Occasionally: It's important to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking or burning at the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust Consistency: The porridge will continue to thicken as it sits, so if it becomes too thick, you can add more liquid to thin it out.
• Add Protein or Seasonings (Optional): If you want to add protein like chicken, beef, or fish, it's best to do so after the porridge has thickened. You can also season with salt, soy sauce, or other spices to taste.
• Serve and Enjoy: Once your porridge is cooked to your desired consistency, it's ready to serve! You can garnish it with green onions, cilantro, or other herbs, and serve it with your favourite sides.

Using a rice cooker to make porridge is a convenient and hands-off approach that allows you to walk away and come back to a warm and satisfying breakfast. So, the next time you're looking for a comforting breakfast option, consider giving rice cooker porridge a try!

Rice cookers can steam fish

Yes, rice cookers can steam fish! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

First, scale and wash the fish. Rub some fine salt all over, including the head, stomach, and tail. Let the fish sit for about 15 minutes. You can use this time to shred some celery leaves, cut ginger into fine strips, and chop some garlic.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Place the fish on a plate that fits the upper level of the rice cooker. Transfer the plate into the rice cooker and cook the rice underneath in the pot at the same time to save energy.

Step 3: Steam the Fish

When steam appears inside the rice pot, add the chopped garlic and ginger strips onto the fish, spreading them evenly. You can also shake some sesame oil and soy sauce on top.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Let the fish steam until the rice is cooked. When the steam subsides, let the rice rest inside the pot for about 10 minutes. Finally, add the celery leaves on top of the fish and serve with hot rice.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use tin foil instead of a plate.
• If your rice cooker has a steamer basket, you can use that instead of a plate or rack.
• You can marinate the fish before steaming, just as you would for a steamer or wok.
• You can add other vegetables like sugar snap peas, bok choy, or broccoli.
• For a Chinese-style steamed fish, try using soybean paste, chili bean paste, or miso paste.

Frequently asked questions