Steaming Bok Choy In A Rice Cooker: A Quick Guide

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to steam bok choy, look no further than your rice cooker! With its simple design, a rice cooker is perfect for steaming veggies as well as cooking rice. Most rice cookers come with a steamer basket that fits perfectly inside, so you can steam bok choy and other veggies to your desired doneness. For those without a steamer basket, there are alternative methods to achieve the same tasty result.

How to steam bok choy to perfection

Bok Choy is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed raw, stir-fried, in soups, or steamed. This article will focus on how to steam bok choy to perfection using a rice cooker.

Preparing the Bok Choy

First, separate the bok choy leaves from the stems. You can either slice the stems into 1-inch pieces or cut the larger heads in half, depending on your preference. Rinse the bok choy under cool water, gently pushing the leaves apart to remove any dirt. Trim the stem ends, removing any dried or dark-colored areas, and let them air dry while you prepare the rice cooker.

Using a Rice Cooker

Most rice cookers come with a small steamer basket that fits perfectly inside the cooking pot. Add the recommended amount of water, usually 2 to 3 cups, to the cooker. Place the bok choy in the steamer basket and position it over the water. If you're using a basic rice cooker with a single "on" button, simply push the button and let it steam. For more advanced models, select the steam option from the menu, and set the time accordingly.

Timing is Everything

The bok choy is ready when the stems are tender and the leaves are wilted. Depending on your preference, this usually takes around 3 to 6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the bok choy, as it can quickly turn mushy. Once it's done, remove the steamer basket from the rice cooker and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfection

• To keep the bok choy crisp and juicy, aim for a bright green color rather than overcooking it.
• You can also steam the bok choy over the rice as it cooks, but this works best with a small batch of rice due to space constraints.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a small trivet, a bowl, or a plate to place the bok choy in the cooker.

Serving Suggestions

For a delicious side dish, toss the steamed bok choy in a spicy lime and sesame dressing. Simply whisk together lime juice, sesame oil, sriracha sauce, and sea salt to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the bok choy, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and enjoy!

Preparing the bok choy for steaming

After cleaning and trimming the bok choy, you can choose to cut the larger heads in half or slice them into smaller pieces, depending on your preference and the size of your steamer basket. If you're using a rice cooker with a tacook cooking plate, you can slice or keep the bok choy whole, as it will cook along with the rice in the vapour created by the cooking rice.

If you're using a basic rice cooker with a steamer basket, you might need to adjust the size of your bok choy pieces to fit the basket. You can let the bok choy hang out and dry while you prepare the rice cooker and wait for the water to come to a simmer.

Using a rice cooker to steam bok choy

Steaming bok choy in a rice cooker is a simple and effective way to cook this Chinese cabbage to perfection. Rice cookers are designed to boil water and, depending on their sophistication, either switch to "keep warm" mode once the water has boiled off or use technology to sense when the rice is done. Either way, they are perfectly capable of steaming vegetables as well as cooking rice.

Steps to Steam Bok Choy in a Rice Cooker:

• Prepare the Bok Choy: Wash the bok choy and slice the bulbs and leaves into your desired size.
• Add Water to the Rice Cooker: First, add the recommended amount of water to your rice cooker – usually 2 or 3 cups.
• Use a Steamer Basket (if available): If your rice cooker came with a steamer basket, fill it with the bok choy and position it over the water inside the cooking pot.
• Use a Trivet or Foil (if no steamer basket is available): If you don't have a steamer basket, you can place a small trivet inside the cooker and put the bok choy in a small bowl or plate or even on a sheet of foil on top of the trivet. Alternatively, you can roll foil into balls, set a plate on top, and use that as a platform for steaming the bok choy.
• Start the Rice Cooker: Cover the rice cooker with its lid. If you have a basic rice cooker with a single "on" button, push the button to start the cooking process. If your rice cooker is more advanced, select the steam option from the menu or press the steam button. Set the steaming time according to your preference and the recommendations in the manual.
• Steam the Bok Choy: Steam the bok choy until it reaches your desired level of doneness. You can also place the steamer basket into the rice cooker once the rice is partially cooked to better control the cooking of the bok choy.
• Stop the Rice Cooker: Once the bok choy is steamed to your liking, unplug the rice cooker and carefully remove the steamed bok choy, being mindful of the hot steam.

Tips for Steaming Bok Choy:

• If you're cooking rice anyway, you can place the bok choy on top of the rice once it's done cooking, and the steam from the rice will gently steam the bok choy.
• Be mindful of the size of your steamer basket or the available space in your rice cooker when choosing how much bok choy to steam.

Other vegetables that can be steamed with bok choy

While bok choy is a tasty vegetable to steam on its own, it can also be steamed with other vegetables. Here are some ideas for vegetables that pair well with bok choy:

• Yu Choy Sum
• Gai-lan
• Garlic Green Beans
• Stir-fried Snow Pea Leaves
• Gai Lan
• Choy Sum

These vegetables can be steamed in a similar way to bok choy and can be served as a side dish or added to a stir-fry.

When steaming bok choy with other vegetables, it is important to consider the cooking time for each vegetable. For example, baby bok choy will take around 3-4 minutes to steam, while larger pieces may take a bit longer. Other vegetables, such as garlic green beans or snow pea leaves, may have different cooking times. It is important to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that all the vegetables are cooked properly.

Additionally, when steaming multiple vegetables together, it is a good idea to choose vegetables that have similar flavours or textures to bok choy. This will create a harmonious dish where the flavours and textures complement each other.

Furthermore, you can also experiment with different sauces and seasonings to enhance the flavour of the steamed vegetables. For example, a spicy lime and sesame dressing can add a nice touch to the dish.

Serving suggestions for steamed bok choy

Steamed bok choy is a healthy and delicious side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Spicy Lime Dressing:

For a fresh and tangy flavour, toss your steamed bok choy in a spicy lime dressing. Combine lime juice, sesame oil, and a touch of sriracha sauce to taste. Don't forget to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours. This dressing not only adds a zesty kick to the bok choy but also keeps it juicy and crisp.

Sesame Seeds:

Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over your steamed bok choy for an extra crunch and nutty flavour. Toasting the sesame seeds beforehand brings out their aroma and enhances the overall taste experience.

Soy Sauce and Garlic:

For a savoury and umami twist, season your steamed bok choy with soy sauce and garlic. You can also add a dash of sesame oil and black pepper to this combination for an extra punch of flavour. This seasoning option is simple yet elevates the bok choy's natural taste.

Rice and Protein:

In Chinese cuisine, steamed bok choy is commonly served as a side dish with white rice and a protein of your choice. This makes for a well-rounded and nutritious meal, perfect for sharing with family and encouraging a healthy and balanced diet.

Starters and Soups:

Steamed bok choy pairs well with various starters, such as egg rolls, crab rangoons, and egg drop soup. It can also be a delightful addition to a meal featuring soups like hot and sour soup or wonton soup.

Other Vegetables:

Bok choy plays well with other vegetables, so consider serving it alongside dishes like spicy garlic bok choy, choy sum, gai lan, garlic green beans, or stir-fried snow pea leaves. This creates a vibrant and healthy spread, perfect for vegetarians or those looking to increase their vegetable intake.

Remember, bok choy is a versatile vegetable, so feel free to experiment with different flavours and combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy it!

Frequently asked questions