Taitung Steam Cooker: Making Perfect Porridge

The Tatung rice cooker is a staple in many homes, especially in Taiwan, where it has been a fixture since the 1960s. Its versatility and reliability make it a beloved appliance for cooking rice, steaming vegetables, and even making porridge. The Tatung steamer's simple design and functionality have made it a trusted companion for many families, with some users reporting that their Tatung cookers have lasted for decades.

To make porridge in a Tatung steamer, simply follow these steps:

1. Place a small bowl inside the cooker to act as a prop.

2. Pour an appropriate amount of water directly into the steamer.

3. Put your ingredients into a plate, pot, or bowl and balance it on top of the small bowl.

4. Close the lid and switch on the cooker.

5. The indirect heat from the steam will cook your porridge without burning it.

6. Once the water evaporates, the switch will flip off, producing a distinctive 'pop' sound.

Adjust the water-to-grain ratio for your desired consistency

The consistency of your porridge will depend on the water-to-grain ratio you use. For a thicker porridge, a ratio of 1:7 or 1:8 is recommended, whereas for a thinner porridge, a ratio of 1:10 is more suitable. The longer the porridge sits, the thicker it will become as the grains continue to absorb water. Therefore, if you are serving the porridge immediately, you may want to opt for a slightly thinner consistency.

If you are using a rice cooker with a porridge setting, such as the Tatung Electric Rice Cooker and Steamer, you can simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for the water-to-grain ratio. The Tatung, for example, comes with a pot that you fill with ingredients and a small amount of water, which is placed inside the appliance. The water in the appliance will then boil and steam the food in the pot.

If you are cooking your porridge on a stovetop, you will need to bring the water to a boil and then add the grains. For oatmeal, the standard ratio is 1:2 oats to liquid for thick and fluffy oats. However, you can adjust this ratio according to your preference. For creamier and thinner oats, use a ratio of 1:2.5, and for thicker oats, use a ratio of 1:1.

Remember to stir your porridge occasionally to prevent the grains from catching at the bottom of the pot and burning. You can also add more liquid to thin out the porridge if it becomes too thick.

Use the right type of rice for porridge

When making porridge, also known as congee, in a Taitung steam cooker, it's important to select the right type of rice to achieve the desired consistency and flavour. Here are some tips to help you choose the best rice for your porridge:

Rice Varieties for Porridge

The type of rice you choose will impact the texture and taste of your porridge. For a creamy and smooth porridge, opt for a starchy rice variety such as jasmine rice (long-grain) or japonica rice (medium-grain). These rice types contain higher levels of amylopectin starch, which breaks down during cooking, resulting in a thicker consistency. Additionally, their starch content will give your porridge a silky texture.

In contrast, rice varieties like basmati rice have lower amylose content and tend to retain their shape during cooking. If you prefer using basmati rice, consider pulsing it a few times in a blender or food processor before cooking to help break down the grains and achieve a smoother porridge.

For a more authentic congee experience, you can also add a small amount of sweet glutinous rice to your jasmine rice. This combination will result in a stickier and glossier porridge.

Rice-to-Liquid Ratio

The ratio of rice to liquid is crucial in determining the consistency of your porridge. A higher ratio of liquid will result in a thinner porridge, while a lower ratio will yield a thicker porridge. As a guide, a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 7-10 cups of liquid will give you a range of consistencies from medium-thick to thin. Adjust the ratio according to your personal preference.

Remember that the porridge will continue to thicken as it sits, so take into account the resting time when deciding on your desired consistency.

Rice Preparation Techniques

To enhance the creaminess of your porridge, it is recommended to briefly rinse the rice before cooking to retain as much starch as possible. However, avoid over-rinsing, as this can remove too much starch. If you are using pre-washed rice, you may not need to rinse it at all.

For white rice, soaking is not necessary, but it can help speed up the cooking process slightly. On the other hand, brown rice requires soaking for at least 1-2 hours to shorten the cooking time and improve the gel-like consistency of the porridge.

Another interesting technique is to cook congee using frozen rice. Freezing the rice and then cooking it in boiling water helps break down the rice grains faster, resulting in a silkier and smoother porridge.

When making porridge in a Taitung steam cooker, selecting the right type of rice is essential. Opt for starchy rice varieties like jasmine or japonica rice for a smooth and creamy texture. Adjust the rice-to-liquid ratio to achieve your desired consistency, and consider employing preparation techniques like brief rinsing or freezing the rice to enhance the final product. With the right ingredients and methods, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and comforting porridge.

Prepare the rice and water

To prepare the rice and water for porridge in a Tatung rice cooker, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that the Tatung rice cooker uses indirect heat to cook rice. This means that you will need to add water to both the inner and outer pots. For the inner pot, you will also need to add the rice. The amount of rice and water you add will depend on the desired amount of porridge and your personal preferences. However, as a general rule, you will want to use a ratio of one cup of rice to one cup of water in the inner pot.

For the outer pot, you will want to add enough water to reach just below the valve, which is usually around two cups of water. This water will evaporate and create the steam that cooks the rice.

Once you have added the rice and water to the inner pot, place it inside the outer pot. Then, simply turn on the cooker, and it will do the rest! The Tatung rice cooker will automatically turn off once the water in the outer pot has evaporated, so you don't need to worry about overcooking your porridge.

With the Tatung rice cooker, you can also adjust the consistency of your porridge by adding more or less water to the inner pot. If you prefer a thicker porridge, use less water, and for a thinner porridge, add more water.

Set up the Taitung cooker

To set up the Tatung cooker, follow these steps:

• Place the Tatung cooker on a flat, stable surface near an electrical outlet.
• Ensure that the cooker is properly plugged into the electrical outlet and that the power switch is turned off.
• Familiarize yourself with the cooker's components, including the outer pot, inner pot, steamer plate, rice spatula, and measuring cup.
• Fill the outer pot with water. The amount of water will depend on the type of food being cooked and the desired consistency. For porridge, a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 4-6 cups of water is recommended.
• Rinse the desired amount of rice in the inner pot, and then place the inner pot inside the outer pot.
• Close the lid of the cooker securely.
• Turn on the cooker by flipping the power switch to the "on" position.
• Allow the cooker to heat up. The Tatung cooker uses indirect heat, so the water in the outer pot will boil and generate steam, cooking the rice in the inner pot.
• Depending on the desired consistency of your porridge, let the cooker run for 20-30 minutes for softer porridge, or up to 45 minutes for a thicker consistency.
• Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the cooker by flipping the power switch to the "off" position.
• Carefully open the lid, being cautious of the escaping steam.
• Use the rice spatula to stir the porridge and check if it has reached your desired consistency. If not, you can add more water to the outer pot and continue cooking.
• When the porridge is ready, unplug the cooker from the electrical outlet and serve your delicious porridge!

Tips for cooking the perfect porridge

The Tatung rice cooker is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including porridge. Here are some tips to help you cook the perfect porridge using the Tatung steam cooker:

Understand the basics of the Tatung cooker:

The Tatung steam cooker is designed with indirect steam cooking in mind. It consists of a small inner pot nested within a larger outer pot. The indirect heat from the steam cooks food gently and evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked grains of rice. This method also helps to retain the integrity of ingredients like black sesame oil, which can turn bitter at high temperatures.

Prepare the ingredients:

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients for your porridge. The basic ingredients for porridge are usually rice, water, and salt. You can also add other ingredients like meat, vegetables, or spices to enhance the flavor. Make sure to wash the rice thoroughly before adding it to the cooker.

Use the right water-to-rice ratio:

The key to making perfect porridge is getting the water-to-rice ratio right. A common rule of thumb is to use one cup of water for every cup of rice. However, you may need to adjust this ratio slightly depending on your personal preference for porridge consistency. If you like your porridge thicker, use less water, and if you prefer it thinner, add a little more.

Follow the correct procedure:

Place the washed rice and the measured water into the inner pot of the Tatung cooker. Then, pour a couple of cups of water into the outer pot, ensuring that the water level does not exceed the maximum fill line. Close the lid and turn on the cooker. The cooker will automatically shut off once the water in the outer pot has evaporated, so there's no need to worry about overcooking.

Experiment with additional ingredients:

One of the beauties of the Tatung cooker is its versatility. Don't be afraid to experiment with adding different ingredients to your porridge. You can try meat, fish, vegetables, or spices to create unique and flavorful porridge recipes. The cooker's gentle steam heat will ensure that your ingredients are cooked to perfection.

Maintain and care for your Tatung cooker:

To ensure consistent results and extend the lifespan of your Tatung cooker, proper maintenance is essential. Clean the cooker after each use, paying close attention to the inner and outer pots. Remove any food residue and rinse with warm water. For more stubborn stains, you can use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to gently scrub the pots. Ensure everything is thoroughly dried before storing the cooker away.

Frequently asked questions