Steaming Fish In A Rice Cooker: How Long?

Rice cookers are a convenient way to cook rice and steam fish simultaneously. The duration for steaming fish in a rice cooker depends on the type and thickness of the fish. For instance, a fillet of frozen halibut that is slightly thinner than an inch at its thickest part may take about 6 minutes to cook. In contrast, thicker fillets may follow the 10-minute-per-inch rule. It is important to avoid overcooking the fish by frequently checking its doneness and removing it from the rice cooker before it is perfectly cooked, as the fish will continue to cook due to carryover cooking.

How to prepare the fish before steaming

Preparing the fish before steaming is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here are some detailed instructions on how to prepare your fish before steaming it in a rice cooker:

Firstly, ensure you start with fresh fish. The fish should have bright and clear eyes, shiny and clean skin, and bright red gills. It should also be free from any unpleasant odours. Rinse the fish under running water to clean it thoroughly.

Next, if you're using frozen fish, make sure to thaw it completely before proceeding. To eliminate any fishy odour, pour hot water over the fish. This step can be skipped if your fish is fresh. Pat the fish dry with paper towels after rinsing or pouring hot water over it.

Now, it's time to season the fish. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, ground white pepper, ginger, garlic, scallions, or soy sauce. You can also marinate the fish with a combination of these ingredients. For example, you can rub salt all over the fish, including the head, stomach, and tail, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.

After seasoning, place the fish on a plate that fits inside your rice cooker. If you're using a whole fish, cut three half-inch clefts on each side of the fish. If you're using fish fillets, use a sharp knife to create three to four quarter- to half-inch slits on both sides of each fillet.

Finally, if desired, you can add a sauce to the fish. The sauce should have at least one cup of liquid to ensure the fish cooks properly. You can create a simple sauce by blending ginger, shallots, spring onions, and bird's eye chilli. Alternatively, you can make an Italian fish sauce with tomato sauce, basil, oregano, garlic, thyme, and olive oil. Place the sauce directly onto the fish or in the rice cooker, depending on your preference.

How long to steam fish

Steaming fish in a rice cooker is a convenient way to prepare a healthy meal. It is important to note that not all rice cookers are the same, so you may need to experiment with the timing. However, on average, it takes around 10 minutes to steam a salmon fillet in a rice cooker.

Preparing the Fish:

Firstly, ensure you have a fresh salmon fillet by checking its appearance and colour. Look out for any bruises, brown spots, or discolouration. It should be firm, smooth, and shiny, with a fresh smell. Do not remove the skin; instead, soak the salmon in brine.

Steaming Time:

The steaming time for fish in a rice cooker depends on the thickness of the fillet. For fish fillets thinner than an inch, around 6 minutes of steaming is sufficient. For thicker fillets, follow the 10-minute-per-inch rule. It is better to slightly undercook the fish and let it rest in the covered cooker for a minute or two to prevent overcooking.

Checking for Doneness:

To check if your fish is cooked, open the lid and insert a chopstick or a knife into the thickest part of the fillet. If the fish is done, the utensil should pass through easily, and the meat should be opaque both on the outside and at the centre.

Avoiding Overcooking:

To avoid overcooking, take the fish out of the rice cooker just before it looks perfectly cooked. Keep in mind that the fish will continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the heat source.

Using Seasoning and Sauces:

It is recommended to season the fish before placing it in the rice cooker. Adding salt after steaming may break down the proteins and cause the fish to release moisture. The steaming process will lock in the flavours, resulting in a clean and fresh-tasting dish.

Cooking Rice and Fish Together:

You can also cook the rice and steam the fish simultaneously in the rice cooker. Place the fish on a plate that fits in the upper level of the cooker. When steam appears in the rice pot, add your choice of seasonings and sauces to the fish. Allow the fish to cook with the steam from the rice pot below. Once the steam subsides, let the rice rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

How to avoid overcooking the fish

To avoid overcooking your fish in a rice cooker, there are several methods you can use. Firstly, it is important to note that fish cooks quicker than meats such as beef, chicken or pork, so it needs to be checked often.

One way to prevent overcooking is to use a timer. This will help you keep track of the cooking time and prevent overcooking. Set the timer for the recommended cooking time and check the fish using one of the following techniques. If it needs more time, set the timer for an additional minute or two and check again.

You can test for doneness by using a wooden skewer. Insert the flat end of the skewer through the thickest part of the fish, and if it goes through with no resistance, the fish is fully cooked. If you feel any resistance, cook the fish for another minute and test again.

Another way to test for doneness is to use a food thermometer. The internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C). Keep in mind that the fish will continue to cook for another 10 degrees or so after being removed from the heat, so remove it from the heat when the temperature is slightly below 145°F.

Additionally, you can look for visual cues. The flesh of the fish should be opaque and easily flake apart with a fork when it is fully cooked. You can also tell by looking at the colour; for example, salmon should be light pink when cooked, while cod or haddock should be white or off-white. You can also gently press down on the fish with a fork; if it feels firm to the touch, it is done. If it feels soft or mushy, it needs to be cooked longer.

If you are cooking rice and fish together, the best time to add the fish to the rice is after the rice has been cooking for most of its cook time. For example, if your rice takes 30 minutes and your fish takes 10 minutes, add the fish after 20 minutes.

Finally, if you are cooking a whole fish, check for doneness after 12 minutes, then recheck every 2 minutes or until the flesh near the top fin easily flakes with a fork. If using fish fillets, check after 10 minutes or until the fish easily flakes. For fillets less than 1 inch thick, check after 5 minutes and recheck every 2 minutes.

How to use seasoning and sauces

There are many ways to season and flavour your fish when steaming it in a rice cooker. Firstly, it is important to note that the seasoning should be done before the fish is placed in the rice cooker, as adding salt during the steaming process can cause the fish to release moisture.

You can use a variety of spices and herbs to create a flavourful spice mixture. This can include garlic, ginger, hot chilli, or any other flavours you prefer. Cook these spices in a little olive oil on low heat for a minute or two until they are slightly brown. You can then rub this mixture onto the fish pieces.

For a Chinese-inspired dish, you can use seasonings like soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, cilantro, and scallions. If you want a Cajun-style fish, try using cayenne pepper, chopped onions, celery, green peppers, garlic, fish stock, lemon juice, and diced tomatoes with green chillies. Alternatively, for an Italian fish sauce, combine tomato sauce, basil, oregano, garlic, thyme, and olive oil.

If you are cooking rice with your fish, you can place the fish and seasonings directly on top of the rice when the rice is almost tender. This will allow the fish to cook with the steam from the rice. You can also add sauces to the fish, ensuring there is at least one cup of liquid to cook the fish thoroughly.

After cooking, you can garnish your fish with fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano, cilantro, or ginger, and serve it with freshly baked bread or steamed vegetables.

• Lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper
• Rosemary and thyme
• Paprika, cumin powder, or chipotle powder
• Soy sauce, onion, and garlic

How to steam other foods

Steaming food in a rice cooker is a great way to cook rice and steam another dish simultaneously, saving time and counter space. Here is a guide on how to steam various foods in a rice cooker:

Steaming Vegetables

To steam vegetables in a rice cooker, add an inch or two of water to the cooker and insert a steamer basket. Place the vegetables in a single layer in the basket, close the lid, and start the cooker. Depending on the type of vegetable, steaming will take around 5 to 15 minutes. For larger vegetables like squash or pumpkin, cut them into sections to fit in the basket and steam in batches.

Steaming Meat

The steamer function can also be used to tenderize meat for pulled beef or pork. When steaming meat or fish, use foil to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice. Experiment with cooking times and temperatures, and use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat reaches a safe cooking temperature. Chicken and poultry should reach 165°F, while beef and pork should be cooked to at least 145°F.

Steaming Fish

To steam fish in a rice cooker, start by scaling and washing the fish. Rub salt all over the fish and let it sit for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, shred some celery leaves and slice or chop ginger and garlic. Place the fish on a plate that fits in the upper level of the rice cooker. When steam appears in the rice pot, place the garlic and ginger on the fish, spreading them evenly. Drizzle sesame oil and soy sauce over the fish and let it steam. When the steam subsides, let the rice rest for 10 minutes, then add the celery leaves on top of the fish and serve with hot rice.

General Tips

• If your rice cooker has a steam basket, you can use it for more than just cooking rice.
• Always refer to your rice cooker's instruction manual for specific steaming times and settings.
• The size of your rice cooker will dictate how much food you can steam at once.

Frequently asked questions