Steaming Sausages: Rice Cooker Timing And Techniques

Chinese sausage, or lap cheong, is a popular ingredient in many dishes, including fried rice and lotus leaf wraps. It is also a common pantry meal, as it can be cooked in a rice cooker with minimal preparation. To cook Chinese sausage in a rice cooker, simply place the links on a heatproof plate and steam, covered, over boiling water, or place them directly into the rice cooker with water. If cooking with rice, the rice will absorb the flavours and fat from the sausage, making for a tasty dish. The sausage can be cooked alongside the rice or added during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The rice cooker will switch itself off when the meal is ready, which should take around 20-30 minutes.

How to steam sausage in a rice cooker

Steaming sausage in a rice cooker is a quick and easy way to cook a tasty meal. It is also a common method in Asia. You can steam the sausage with or without rice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Start by removing the interior pot from the rice cooker. Rinse the desired amount of rice with water several times until the water runs clear. Then, fill the pot with water according to the rice cooker instructions. You can use the finger trick to measure the water: simply stick your finger into the rice and add water until it reaches the same height as the rice. Alternatively, fill the water up to the line that corresponds with the number of rice cups added.

Step 2: Add the Sausage

Place the links of sausage on top of the rice. You can use Chinese sausage (lap cheong) or any other type of sausage. If you are using Chinese sausage, you can slice the links in half to make them fit better. You can also add other ingredients such as chopped green onions, shiitake mushrooms, or tofu.

Step 3: Cook

Close the lid of the rice cooker and press the "cook" button or the button you usually press to start cooking the rice. The rice cooker will cook the rice and steam the sausage at the same time. Depending on your rice cooker, the cooking time may vary, but it usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Once the rice cooker beeps or switches off, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before opening. Carefully remove the sausage links as they will be hot. Slice the sausages and serve them over the rice. You can also mix the sliced sausage back into the rice cooker and gently mix before serving. Enjoy your delicious and easy meal!

Tips:

• If you are using raw sausage, you may want to prick holes in the sausage to prevent it from exploding due to steam buildup.
• If you want to steam the sausage without rice, place the links on a heatproof plate and steam for 20-30 minutes or until the sausages are translucent.
• For extra flavour, you can add spices, chicken broth or onion soup mix to the rice cooker.

How to steam rice in a rice cooker

Preparing the Rice

Rinse the rice a few times with water until the water runs clear. Then, add the rice to the rice cooker. You can use the finger trick to measure the amount of water needed—simply even out the top of the rice and stick your finger into the rice. Take note of where the rice level is on your finger, and then add water until it reaches the same level. Alternatively, you can fill the rice cooker with water up to the line that corresponds with the number of cups of rice added.

Cooking the Rice

Place the interior rice pot back into the rice cooker and press the cook button or follow the manufacturer's directions. The rice cooker will automatically stop when the rice is cooked. Let the rice sit for 5-10 minutes before opening the rice cooker.

Serving the Rice

Fluff up the rice with a fork and scoop it into bowls. You can estimate 1/2 cup of uncooked rice per person. Enjoy!

How long to steam sausage and rice together

Steaming sausage and rice together in a rice cooker is a quick and easy way to cook a tasty meal. The process is simple: put the rice and water in the rice cooker, layer the sausages on top, and turn on the cooker. The cooker will automatically switch off when the food is ready. The whole process should take around 20-30 minutes.

Preparing the Rice

First, you need to prepare the rice. Measure out the desired amount of rice using the rice cooker cup. Rinse the rice with water several times until the water runs clear. Then, fill the rice cooker with water. You can either fill it to the line that corresponds with the number of cups of rice, or use the ""finger trick"" to measure the water. To do this, even out the top of the rice and stick your finger into it. Take note of where the rice level is on your finger, and add water to the pot until it reaches the same level.

Adding the Sausage

Now it's time to add the sausages. Place the sausages on top of the rice. You can cut the sausages in half if you like, but this is optional. Try to use one link of sausage per person.

Cooking Time

Once the rice and sausages are in the cooker, it's time to turn it on. The cooker will steam both the rice and the sausages at the same time. The cooking time will depend on your rice cooker, but it usually takes around 20-30 minutes. The cooker will automatically switch off when the food is ready.

Serving

Once the cooker has switched off, remove the sausages from the rice and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Fluff up the rice and scoop it into bowls. Top the rice with the sliced sausages and enjoy! You can also add some chopped green onions for a bit of colour.

How to steam sausage without rice

While it is common to cook sausages with rice in a rice cooker, it is also possible to steam sausages without rice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, prepare your sausages by placing them on a heatproof plate. You can slice the sausages into pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference. If you are using a rice cooker, simply place the plate inside the cooker, cover it, and set the timer. The sausages will take around 20 to 30 minutes to steam, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Alternatively, if you do not have a rice cooker, you can use a stovetop method. Place the heatproof plate with the sausages over a pot of boiling water. Make sure the plate is elevated above the water and covered, creating a steaming effect. This method will also take around 20 to 30 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of sausage you are using. For example, Chinese sausages, or "lap cheong," are typically cooked for a shorter duration, while thicker sausages may require a longer steaming time.

Once the sausages are cooked, you can serve them as is or incorporate them into other dishes. Some serving suggestions include slicing the sausages and adding them to sandwiches, rice, or pasta, or simply eating them straight-up. You can also sear the sausages in a hot pan after steaming to add some colour and crispness to the exterior.

By following these steps, you can easily steam sausages without rice, using either a rice cooker or a stovetop method.

How to steam sausage with vegetables

Steaming sausages with vegetables in a rice cooker is a convenient and tasty meal option. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

Ingredients and Preparation:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Sausages of your choice (pre-cooked or raw)
• Vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini, green beans, onion, paprika, etc.)
• Rice (optional)
• Water
• Seasonings (optional)

Wash and cut your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. If using rice, rinse the desired amount of rice and place it in the rice cooker pot. If you are cooking rice, use the finger trick to measure the water level: stick your finger into the rice and add water until it reaches the same height as the rice. Alternatively, fill the rice cooker with water up to the marked line, corresponding to the number of rice cups added.

Cooking Process:

Place a steaming basket or tray inside the rice cooker if it has one. If not, you can use a separate steaming basket placed on top of the rice or water. Add the chopped vegetables to the steaming basket and sprinkle with seasonings if desired.

If cooking sausages and rice, layer the sausages on top of the rice. If cooking only sausages and vegetables, place them in the steaming basket with the vegetables. Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on.

Let the sausages and vegetables steam for the recommended time, usually around 8-15 minutes for vegetables and 15-20 minutes for sausages and rice. Avoid opening the lid unnecessarily to trap the steam inside.

Serving:

Once the food is cooked to your desired level of tenderness, carefully remove the steaming tray and transfer the sausages and vegetables to a serving dish. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy!

Tips:

• If using pre-cooked sausages, prick holes in them to prevent them from exploding due to steam buildup.
• You can experiment with different types of sausages, vegetables, and seasonings to find your favorite combinations.
• For extra flavor, try substituting chicken stock or broth for water when cooking rice.
• To enhance the taste of steamed vegetables, drizzle a little olive oil or lemon juice over them before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal, made easy with the help of your rice cooker!

Frequently asked questions