Get Started With Steam Cooking Using Aroma Pressure Cooker

Steam cooking is a healthy and efficient way to prepare food. It helps to lock in essential vitamins and minerals while retaining flavour and texture. The Aroma Rice Cooker is a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can be used to cook rice and steam vegetables, fish, grains, meat, and even desserts. To start steam cooking with the Aroma Rice Cooker, ensure that the base is securely connected to the lid. Insert the steam tray, fill the main bowl with water, and place the desired ingredients in the steam tray before securing the lid. Adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed, and always ensure the lid is securely in place before turning on the cooker.

Preparing the cooker and ingredients

To prepare your Aroma Pressure Cooker for steaming, start by making sure the base is securely connected to the lid. Insert the steam tray into the main bowl and fill it with water to the line indicated by the tray. Then, install the steam vent seal.

Next, prepare your ingredients. If you're steaming rice, ensure it's washed and drained to remove any excess starch. If you're steaming vegetables, cut them into small, even pieces so they cook at the same rate. For fish or meat, make sure they are in similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Now, add the appropriate amount of water or other liquid to the main bowl, depending on the type of ingredients you are using. Place the ingredients into the steam tray and submerge them in the water. Check that the lid is secured. The measurement lines on the outside of the inner pot can help you verify that you've added the correct amount of water.

Finally, close the lid and select the steam function on your Aroma Pressure Cooker.

Filling the cooker with water

Filling the Aroma Pressure Cooker with water is a crucial step in the cooking process. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you add the correct amount of water for optimal results:

Firstly, it is important to understand the relationship between the amount of rice and the quantity of water required. As a general rule, for every cup of rice, you will need to add an equal amount of water. For example, if you are cooking two cups of rice, the inner pot should contain two cups of water. This ensures the rice absorbs the right amount of liquid and cooks evenly.

When filling the cooker with water, always use cold water. Adding hot water can cause the rice to cook unevenly and may even lead to the rice cooker overheating. It is also essential to be mindful not to overfill the pot with water. Too much water will not only result in soggy rice but can also cause the rice cooker to malfunction. The water level should not exceed the maximum fill line indicated on the inner pot.

If you are steaming vegetables, fish, or meat, a different approach is required. In this case, you should fill the pot with enough water to reach just below the steamer basket or tray. As a guide, add approximately half a cup of water for each cup of rice being cooked. This ensures the food is exposed to sufficient steam without submerging it in water.

For pressure cooking, the minimum amount of water is necessary. Refer to the "Min" mark inside the pot as a guide. This reduced amount of water is sufficient as pressure cooking creates a sealed environment that efficiently traps and utilises steam for cooking.

Always refer to the product manual or the Aroma website for specific guidelines on water quantities, as different models may have slight variations.

Selecting the steaming setting

Once your cooker is preheated, you can add the desired amount of water to the inner pot. The amount of water should be equal to the amount of rice you plan to cook. For example, if you are cooking one cup of rice, add one cup of water.

If you are steaming vegetables or fish, simply add enough water to reach just below the steamer basket. It is important to use cold water, as hot water can cause the rice to cook unevenly and can also cause the rice cooker to overheat.

For best results, select the appropriate steaming setting. Depending on your machine, this could be low heat or steam vapour. This setting will ensure that your ingredients are steamed at a temperature that won't overcook them. Keep in mind that some ingredients may require a slightly higher setting than others.

You can now add your ingredients to the steamer tray. Make sure to submerge them in the water before closing the lid, as this will allow your food to cook faster. Keep an eye on your ingredients and check that they're cooked through before removing them from the device.

Adding ingredients to the cooker

Once your Aroma cooker is set up, you can begin adding your ingredients. Place vegetables, fish, meat, or poultry on the steamer tray. Make sure to submerge them in the water before closing the lid, as this will allow your food to cook faster.

It is important to cut your ingredients into small, even pieces so that they cook at the same rate. Layer the food in the basket according to cooking time. Check the cooking times in your recipe or cooker's cooking guide before loading multiple foods into your steam basket. Place the foods that take longer to cook at the bottom, closer to the water, and put the quickest-cooking food on top.

Root vegetables take longer to steam than green veggies, and seafood also cooks pretty quickly. For instance, you might put potatoes on the bottom, carrots in the middle, and broccoli on top. Avoid overfilling your steam basket. While it’s okay to layer food in your steam basket, leave a little space at the top so the lid will fit securely.

If your basket seems overly full, cooking your meal in two or more batches may be best. You can also add additional ingredients directly into the main bowl with some models.

Troubleshooting common issues

Overheating

Overheating is a common issue with pressure cookers. If your Aroma Pressure Cooker is overheating, turn off the heat source and release the pressure. Check for the following issues:

• Insufficient liquid: Ensure there is enough liquid in the cooker before starting.
• Burnt or damaged gasket: Inspect the rubber seal for any damage or burning.
• Blocked vent pipe: Clean out the vent pipe if there is a build-up of debris.

Sealing issues

If your pressure cooker isn’t sealing properly, check for the following:

• Misaligned lid: Ensure the lid is aligned and seated correctly.
• Dirty or damaged gasket: Clean and inspect the gasket. Replace it if necessary.
• Loose or damaged pressure release valve: Ensure the valve is tight and functioning properly.

Steam escaping

If steam is escaping, it is usually due to a sealing issue. Check the following:

• Dirty or damaged gasket: Clean the gasket and check for damage. Replace if necessary.
• Overfilling: Do not overfill the cooker, as this can cause steam to escape.
• Cracks or dents: Inspect the cooker for any cracks or dents that may prevent a proper seal.

Uneven cooking

To fix uneven cooking, try stirring the food or using a rack to elevate the food from the bottom of the cooker.

Burnt food

If your food is burning, turn off the heat immediately and let the pressure release naturally. Clean the cooker and start again.

Lid stuck

If the lid is stuck, wait for the pressure to release naturally, then try opening it again. If this doesn’t work, try pouring cold water over the lid to release excess pressure.

Frequently asked questions