Steaming Fish: Rice Cooker Style

Steaming fish in a rice cooker is a simple, healthy, and quick way to cook a delicious meal. This method is especially good for delicate ingredients like fresh fish, and it also preserves the fatty acids, keeping the dish nutritious. The rice cooker is versatile, allowing you to cook rice and steam another dish simultaneously, making it ideal for one-pot meals. With a few simple ingredients and a rice cooker, you can have a tasty and healthy meal ready in no time!

How to prepare the fish before steaming

Preparing the fish before steaming is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure you have a fresh salmon fillet by examining its appearance and colour. Look out for any bruises, brown spots, or discolouration. The fish should be firm, smooth, and shiny, with no unpleasant odour. It is important to source your fish from a reputable supplier. When preparing the fish, do not remove the skin. Instead, soak the salmon in brine to remove any fishy smell. You can also try pouring hot water over the fillet. This step is especially important if you are using frozen fish. After cleaning, pat the fish dry with a kitchen towel.

Next, season the fish with salt and pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can also marinate the fish with ingredients like soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin powder, or garlic. It is important to note that the seasoning should be done before placing the fish in the rice cooker, as adding salt during steaming can cause the fish to release moisture.

After seasoning, place the fish on a heat-resistant plate or rack that fits inside your rice cooker. If using a plate, cover it with foil to prevent oil from dripping onto the rice during steaming. You can also scatter ingredients like ginger, green onions, or cilantro on top of the fish for added flavour.

Once your fish is prepared and seasoned, it is ready to be steamed in the rice cooker. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific rice cooker model, and always avoid overcooking the fish to prevent dryness.

How long to steam the fish for

The length of time you steam the fish for will depend on the thickness of your fillet. A good rule of thumb is to steam the fish for 10 minutes per inch of thickness. So, for a fillet that is slightly under an inch at its thickest point, you will only need to steam it for 6 minutes. If you are using a whole fish, check for doneness after 12 minutes, then every 2 minutes until the flesh near the top fin flakes easily when poked with a fork. For fillets, check after 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. For fillets less than 1 inch thick, check after 5 minutes, then every 2 minutes.

If you are cooking the fish and rice together, place the fish into the rice cooker 3-5 minutes before the rice is done. This should give the fish enough time to cook without becoming overdone.

How to avoid overcooking the fish

To avoid overcooking your fish, it's important to keep in mind that fish cooks much faster than rice. Therefore, the best time to add the fish to the rice cooker is after the rice has been cooking for a while. The exact timing will depend on the type of rice and fish you are using, as well as the thickness of the fish pieces. White rice will take around 20-25 minutes to cook, while whole grain rice may take up to 45 minutes. A thin fish fillet will only need a few minutes to cook.

One way to ensure your fish is not overcooked is to use a timer. Set a timer for the recommended cooking time of your fish and check its progress using one of the following techniques. If it needs more time, set the timer for an additional minute or two and check again.

One of the most reliable methods to check if your fish is fully cooked is to use a wooden skewer. Gently insert the flat end of the skewer through the thickest part of the fish, and if it goes through easily, the fish is done. 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 a few minutes after being removed from the heat, so take it out when the temperature is slightly below 145°F.

Additionally, there are some visual cues to look out for. The flesh of the fish should be opaque and easily flake apart with a fork when fully cooked. The color will also change; for example, salmon should be a light pink color, while cod or haddock should be white or off-white. You can also gently press down on the fish with a fork, and if it feels firm, it's done. If it's still soft, it needs to cook longer.

To avoid overcooking your fish, it's best to add it to the rice cooker towards the end of the cooking process, taking into account the different cooking times of rice and fish. Use a timer, and check the progress of your fish using a wooden skewer, food thermometer, or visual cues. By following these tips, you can ensure your fish is perfectly cooked and moist, with a tender texture.

How to season and sauce the fish

Seasoning and saucing the fish is a crucial step in ensuring it is cooked to perfection in your rice cooker. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:

Preparing the Fish:

Before seasoning, it is important to ensure your fish is fresh. Look for a filet with no discolouration, bruises, or brown spots. It should be firm, smooth, and shiny, with a fresh smell. If using frozen fish, be sure to thaw it thoroughly and rinse under running water to clean it. You can also pour hot water over the fish to eliminate any fishy odours. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel before proceeding to the next step.

Marinating:

Marinating the fish will infuse it with flavour and help keep the meat moist during cooking. In a small bowl, mix a little ground white pepper and salt. You can also add other dry spices or herbs of your choice, such as paprika, cumin powder, or chipotle powder for a smoky twist. Rub this mixture generously over the fish, ensuring it is well-coated.

Sauce Options:

There are several sauce options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences:

• Lemon, Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Squeeze lemon juice over the fish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. This option is fresh and healthy, bringing a bright citrus flavour to the dish.
• Rosemary and Thyme: These herbs provide an intense, earthy flavour. Sprinkle them over the fish along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Soy Sauce, Onion, and Garlic: This combination offers a delicious Asian twist. Mince the garlic and onion and mix with soy sauce before pouring over the fish.
• XO Sauce: This is a flavourful sauce made from dried scallops, anchovies, soy sauce, fermented black beans, chilli peppers, garlic, and sugar. It pairs well with lean fish.

Cooking the Fish:

After seasoning and saucing, it's time to cook your fish in the rice cooker. Place the fish on a steam-proof plate or directly on the rack/basket of your rice cooker, following the timing guidelines provided by the recipe you are using.

Remember, the key to successful steamed fish is not overcooking it. Keep an eye on the fish, and use a chopstick to test for doneness – it should slide easily through the thickest part of the filet when the fish is cooked.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed fish with a side of rice and vegetables!

What to serve the fish with

Now that you've cooked your steamed fish in a rice cooker, it's time to think about what to serve it with. Here are some ideas for side dishes to accompany your fish:

Vegetables

Steamed broccoli is a nutritious and complementary side dish that provides a crisp texture and vibrant colour. You could also try garlic butter asparagus, which is simple yet savoury. If you want something a little different, roasted Brussels sprouts bring a crispy, sweet balance to the meal.

Salads

For a lighter choice, a fresh garden salad or a cucumber dill salad can be a perfect accompaniment. If you're looking for something with a bit more of a kick, try a citrus avocado salad, which brings a tangy contrast to the steamed fish.

Grains

Lemon herb quinoa is a delicious and nutritious option, packed with protein, fibre, and essential vitamins. Wild rice pilaf is another great choice, adding a hearty texture and nutty flavour to your meal.

Other Sides

Baked cauliflower and tomato basil pasta are also fulfilling options to serve with steamed fish. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, mashed sweet potatoes provide a rich, creamy contrast to the delicate fish.

There you have it! With these side dishes, you can create a well-rounded and delicious dining experience to go with your steamed fish cooked in a rice cooker.

Frequently asked questions