Rice Cooker Steam Basket: Essential Or Unnecessary?

Rice cookers are a handy appliance to have in the kitchen, but do you need a steam basket? The short answer is no, you don't*need* one. But if you want to use your rice cooker for more than just cooking rice, a steam basket can be a great accessory to have. With a steam basket, you can cook a variety of foods, from vegetables to meats, all while your rice cooks below. This can save you time, counter space, and even make your rice more nutritious and flavorful.

So, does your rice cooker come with a steam basket? Check the instruction manual or look for a separate steam tray or basket that may have come with your appliance. The size of your cooker will dictate how much food you can steam, so keep that in mind when choosing a model. If you're looking to steam food without cooking rice, simply add water to the pot and follow the instructions in your manual for specific steaming guidelines.

What types of food can be cooked in a rice cooker with a steam basket?

A rice cooker with a steam basket is a great way to cook rice and steam vegetables simultaneously, saving time and counter space. The steam basket can be used to steam tender and flavourful vegetables, enhancing the nutrients and flavour of your rice. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, baby carrots, yellow squash, and zucchini are all suitable for steaming in the basket.

Rice cookers with steam baskets can also be used to steam proteins such as chicken, fish, and other seafood. It is a convenient way to cook an entire meal in one cycle. For instance, you can steam chicken and rice together. The steam function can also be used to tenderise meat for pulled beef or pork. When cooking meat or fish, it is important to use foil to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice.

Additionally, rice cookers with steam baskets can be used for more than just steaming. Some models have a "synchro" setting, allowing you to cook rice and steam food simultaneously. You can also use the steam basket to cook frozen goyza or make a hot, hearty breakfast of steel-cut oats.

What are the benefits of using a steam basket with a rice cooker?

Using a steam basket with a rice cooker has several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to cook multiple things at once, saving time and counter space. For example, you can steam vegetables while cooking rice, and the steam from the vegetables can enhance the nutrients and flavour of the rice.

Steaming is a great way to cook vegetables, as it helps retain their tenderness and flavour. It is also a quick cooking method, with vegetables taking only 5 to 15 minutes to steam, depending on the type. This means that you can add the vegetables to the steam basket part-way through the rice cooking cycle, and both will be done at the same time.

Rice cookers with steam baskets are also versatile, as they can be used to cook things other than rice. For example, you can steam meat, poultry, or fish in the basket, and some models even have a special setting for this. When cooking meat or fish, it is important to use foil to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice.

Overall, using a steam basket with a rice cooker is a convenient way to prepare multiple dishes at once, saving time and effort in the kitchen.

What is the best material for a steam basket?

The best material for a steam basket depends on your preferences and needs. Two of the most popular options are flexible silicone and durable stainless steel.

Silicone steam baskets are easy to clean and can fit a wide range of pot sizes due to their flexibility. They are also excellent for use in pressure cookers as they can withstand high temperatures. However, their floppy nature may cause food to shift during cooking.

On the other hand, stainless steel steamers are more durable and have a flat bottom that provides ample space for various food items. They can also fold flat for convenient storage. Nonetheless, food is more likely to stick to stainless steel, and the tiny holes can be tedious to scrub clean.

Other factors to consider when choosing a steam basket include size, ease of cleaning, durability, and compatibility with your cookware. Size is crucial, as you want a basket that fits properly inside your pot to ensure efficient steaming. Some baskets are designed with protective features, like silicone feet, to prevent scratching on non-stick cookware. Additionally, consider the ease of cleaning, especially if you plan to use your basket frequently.

How do you steam rice without a rice cooker?

How to Steam Rice Without a Rice Cooker

Steaming rice is a great way to cook rice without a rice cooker. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by measuring out the desired amount of rice. It's important to note that the amount of rice you use will determine the cooking time, so consider how much rice you need before starting. Rinse the rice with room-temperature water two to three times until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

Step 2: Soak the Rice

Soaking the rice is an important step as it helps the rice cook more evenly and reduces the chances of burning. Place the rice in a pot or container and cover it with about two inches of water. Let the rice soak for 15 to 20 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can soak it for a minimum of 10 minutes. For even better results, you can soak the rice for up to an hour.

Step 3: Drain and Measure

After soaking, drain the rice and get rid of the soaking water. Now, measure out the same amount of fresh water as you have rice and pour it into the pot. If you're cooking brown rice, you may want to add a little extra water.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. Once the water starts boiling, cover the pot and let it cook for 10 minutes. This step is important to ensure that the rice cooks evenly. After 10 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Steam the Rice

After the rice has been cooking for a total of 15 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the pot covered. Let the rice steam for an additional 5 minutes. This final step ensures that the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

Tips for Perfect Rice

• Keep the pot closed during the cooking and steaming process to lock in the steam and ensure even cooking.
• If you prefer less sticky and drier rice, simply use less water.
• For short-grain rice, use a 1:1.1 ratio of rice to water. For medium-grain rice, a 1:1.3 ratio is ideal, but you can increase it to 1:1.5 if you like softer rice.
• If you're cooking in high altitudes, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
• Experiment with different types of water or broth, such as chicken or vegetable broth, to add extra flavor to your rice.

What foods can be steamed with rice?

Many rice cookers come with a steam basket, and this handy feature allows you to steam vegetables, meat, and fish at the same time as your rice. This saves time and counter space and can also enhance the nutrients and flavour of your rice.

If you want to steam vegetables, clean and cut them beforehand, and place them in the basket. Vegetables with stiff skin, such as squash or pumpkin, should be placed in the basket with the flesh side down. You can steam vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.

You can also steam meat and fish in your rice cooker. When cooking meat or fish, use foil to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice. You can steam chicken, and other poultry, as well as beef and pork. It is important to monitor the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe cooking temperature.

You can also steam rice without using a rice cooker. To do this, you will need a steamer filled with cold water, a heat-proof container, and a lid. First, pre-soak your rice for at least 10 minutes, then drain and transfer it to the heat-proof container with the water. Place the container in the steamer, turn the heat to high, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for at least another 5 minutes.

So, if you have a rice cooker with a steam basket, you can easily steam vegetables, meat, and fish alongside your rice.

Frequently asked questions