Steaming Veggies: Rice Cooker Times And Tricks

Rice cookers can be used for more than just cooking rice. They can also steam vegetables and meat! The process is simple: add water to the rice cooker, insert a steamer basket, place vegetables in a single layer in the basket, close the lid, and start the cooker. The time it takes to steam vegetables in a rice cooker depends on the type and size of the vegetables, but it typically ranges from 5 to 15 minutes.

How to steam vegetables in a rice cooker

Rice cookers are not just for cooking rice. They can also be used to steam vegetables, either on their own or at the same time as cooking rice. This is a simple process that can deliver a tasty and healthy meal with minimal prep and in a short space of time.

Step 1: Prepare the rice cooker

First, add the recommended amount of water to your rice cooker – usually 2 or 3 cups. If you are cooking rice at the same time, prepare the rice as you usually would.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

Vegetables should be cleaned and cut before they are placed in the steamer basket. Vegetables with a stiff skin, such as squash or pumpkin, should be turned flesh-down. If you are steaming vegetables with rice, you may need to be aware of space as a consideration. You can get a lot of French-cut green beans or thin-sliced carrots in the basket, but fewer bulky florets or baby potatoes.

Step 3: Steam the vegetables

Place the steamer basket on top of the inner pot, put the vegetables in the basket, and close the lid. If you are cooking rice at the same time, place the vegetables in the basket about halfway through the 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.

Step 4: Check the vegetables

After about 5 to 15 minutes, check the vegetables. If they are fork-tender, remove the steamer basket and replace the rice cooker’s lid to let your rice finish cooking. If the veggies need more time, close the lid and check on them later in the cycle.

Step 5: Serve

Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, serve them with your rice. You can add your favourite dressing or sauce.

How long to steam veggies without a steamer basket

Steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is a great way to cook rice and vegetables simultaneously with minimal mess. Rice cookers are versatile and can be used to steam vegetables with or without a steamer basket. If you don't have a steamer basket, there are several alternative methods you can use to steam vegetables in your rice cooker.

One option is to use a small trivet that fits inside your cooker. Place the vegetables on a small plate or bowl, or even a sheet of foil, and set it on the trivet. Another method is to roll foil into balls, place a plate on top, and use that as a platform for your vegetables. You can also place a bowl or colander directly into the rice cooker with the water, creating a makeshift steamer basket for your vegetables.

If you have a wire-mesh strainer that fits over the pot, you can place your vegetables in the strainer, cover it with the lid, and drape a clean kitchen towel over the rice cooker to trap the steam inside. Alternatively, if you're cooking rice anyway, you can simply place delicate greens or other vegetables on top of the rice once it's done cooking and let the steam from the rice cook them.

The amount of time it takes to steam vegetables in a rice cooker varies depending on the type of vegetable and the model of the cooker. Most vegetables will take between 5 to 15 minutes to steam. Smaller or thinly sliced vegetables, such as French-cut green beans or sliced carrots, will cook faster than bulkier vegetables like broccoli or baby potatoes.

It's important to note that the timer on your rice cooker likely starts counting from when the unit comes to a boil, so your actual cooking time may be longer than expected. Additionally, if you're cooking rice and vegetables together, you'll need to add the vegetables about halfway through the rice cooking cycle, as rice takes around 35 minutes to cook, which is longer than most vegetables.

By experimenting with different methods and timing, you can easily steam vegetables in your rice cooker without a steamer basket and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal.

How to make your own steamer basket

Steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is a great way to cook rice and veggies at the same time, saving time and mess. But what if you don't have a steamer basket? Here's how to make your own steamer basket and get perfectly steamed veggies.

The Plate and Foil Method

This method involves using a plate and some aluminium foil. First, take a few lengths of aluminium foil and form them into three golf ball-sized balls. Place these balls at the bottom of a pot, ensuring the pot is larger than the plate you plan to use for steaming. Next, add water to the pot, just enough to cover the foil balls. Place the plate with your veggies on top of the foil balls and turn on the heat. This simple hack creates a DIY steamer basket.

The Strainer or Colander Method

This method is straightforward. Simply place your vegetables in a large kitchen strainer or colander and put it on top of a pot of boiling water. This is a quick and easy way to steam your veggies without a steamer basket.

The Pie Tin Steamer Method

For this method, you'll need two reusable aluminium pie tins. Poke 12-16 holes in the base of each pie tin. Use a rolling pin to flatten one of the pie tins; it doesn't need to be perfectly flat. Place the unflattened tin upside down in a pot with a little water. Rest the flattened tin on top of the first and add your veggies. Turn on the heat, and you've got yourself a functional steamer.

The Cooling Rack Method

Place a cooling rack across the top of a pot of boiling water. Add your vegetables on top of the rack and cover them with aluminium foil. Make sure the cooling rack doesn't have large spaces, or your veggies might end up in the water.

The Splatter Screen and Bowl Method

If you're steaming a small quantity of veggies, you can use a splatter screen. Place it on top of your pot, add your veggies, and then cover them with a large bowl. You can also use aluminium foil instead of a splatter screen, ensuring it fits tightly around the pot.

There you have it! Five easy ways to make your own steamer basket and steam those veggies to perfection.

How long to steam different types of veggies

Steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is a simple and convenient way to prepare a healthy meal. The process involves adding water to the cooker, placing the vegetables in a steamer basket, and then cooking until the vegetables are tender. The cooking time will depend on the type and size of the vegetables, with denser and larger vegetables taking longer to cook. Here is a more detailed breakdown of how long to steam different types of veggies in a rice cooker:

Small and Medium-Sized Vegetables

Small and medium-sized vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, will typically take around 15 to 20 minutes to steam in a rice cooker. For example, broccoli and cauliflower florets can be steamed for around 20 minutes, while carrots, which are denser, may take a little longer. To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cut the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces.

Larger Vegetables

Larger vegetables, such as squash, pumpkin, and corn on the cob, will require a longer steaming time. Corn on the cob, for instance, may need up to 30 minutes. For vegetables like squash and pumpkin, it is advisable to cut them into bite-sized pieces before steaming, as this will reduce the cooking time. These larger vegetables may also need to be steamed in batches to fit properly in the steamer basket.

Leafy Greens and Delicate Vegetables

Leafy greens and delicate vegetables, such as spinach and Swiss chard, have shorter steaming times. It is best to add these vegetables towards the end of the cooking cycle or even after the rice is cooked. The residual steam from the cooked rice will be enough to gently cook these delicate vegetables without overdoing them.

Staggered Cooking

One of the benefits of steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is the ability to stagger the cooking process. If you are cooking rice and vegetables together, you can add the vegetables halfway through the rice cooking cycle. This allows you to cook both components in one appliance while ensuring that neither the rice nor the vegetables overcook.

In summary, the steaming time for vegetables in a rice cooker will vary depending on the type and size of the vegetable. By following the guidelines above and experimenting with different cooking times, you can easily incorporate steamed vegetables into your meals using your rice cooker.

How to steam veggies and rice simultaneously

Steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is a great way to prepare a complete meal with minimal mess and enhanced flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam veggies and rice simultaneously:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

First, ensure your rice cooker has a steam basket. Add an inch or two of water to the rice cooker, then insert the steamer basket. The amount of water added will depend on the type of rice being cooked and the instructions provided by the cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Select vegetables that work well with steaming, such as broccoli, carrots, celery, zucchini squash, onions, garlic, or dark leafy greens. Clean and cut the vegetables to the desired size. For vegetables with stiff skin, like squash or pumpkin, place them flesh-side down in the steamer basket.

Step 3: Place the Vegetables in the Steamer Basket

Arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the steamer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Follow the instructions for your specific rice cooker model regarding the amount of rice to add. Generally, you will add the desired amount of rice and water to the rice cooker according to the cooker's instructions.

Step 5: Start the Rice Cooker

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. If your rice cooker has a “Steam” setting, select that option. If it is a one-button rice cooker, simply press the button and periodically check the vegetables for doneness. More advanced rice cookers may have a steaming function that can be set for specific time increments, allowing for more precise cooking.

Step 6: Monitor the Cooking Process

Cooking white rice usually takes around 35 minutes, while vegetables will steam in a much shorter time, typically 5 to 15 minutes depending on the type of vegetable. To ensure both the rice and vegetables are cooked perfectly, add the vegetables part-way through the rice cooking cycle. For example, if your rice cooker estimates a 30-minute cycle to cook 6 cups of rice, subtract the vegetable cooking time to know when to add them.

Step 7: Adjust as Needed

Keep in mind that larger vegetables, like squash or pumpkin, may need to be steamed in batches to fit properly in the basket. Additionally, some vegetables may take longer to cook than others, so consider adding quicker-cooking vegetables towards the end of the cycle to avoid overcooking.

By following these steps, you can efficiently steam veggies and rice simultaneously in your rice cooker, resulting in a nutritious and tasty meal with minimal fuss and cleanup!

Frequently asked questions