Steaming Cod Fish In A Rice Cooker: A Quick Guide

Steaming cod fish in a rice cooker is a simple and nutritious way to prepare a meal. It is also a great way to cook rice and steam another dish at the same time. The process is straightforward: wash the fish, rub it with salt, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Shred some celery leaves, cut some ginger into fine strips, and chop some garlic. Put the fish on a plate that fits in the upper level of the rice cooker. When steam appears, add the garlic and ginger to the fish, along with some sesame oil and soy sauce. Let the fish cook in the steam from the rice pot for around 10 minutes. Finally, add the celery leaves on top of the fish and serve with hot rice.

Preparing the cod fish and rice cooker

Next, prepare a steaming rack or steamer basket by covering it with foil. If you don't have a steaming rack or basket, you can use a plate that fits the upper level of your rice cooker. Make sure to fold the sides of the foil up to prevent oil from leaking onto the rice during steaming. Place the rack, basket, or plate inside the rice cooker.

Now, it's time to prepare the cod fish. Cut the fish into pieces that will fit in your rice cooker's steamer basket or plate. Season the fish with your desired spices and flavours. This could include garlic, ginger, hot chilli, soy sauce, olive oil, or any other seasonings you prefer. You can also marinate the fish with a little ground white pepper and salt.

Place the seasoned fish onto the steaming rack, basket, or plate inside the rice cooker. If using a plate, make sure to place it on the upper level of the rice cooker. Close the lid of the rice cooker and begin the cooking process.

If you are cooking rice at the same time, wait until there is little visible water left in the rice before placing the fish in the steamer basket or on the plate. The fish will steam along with the rice, and both will be cooked simultaneously.

Seasoning the cod fish

Firstly, prepare a spice mixture for the cod fish. This can include a variety of spices and herbs such as garlic, ginger, hot chilli, or any other flavours that you particularly enjoy. You can enhance the flavour of these spices by cooking them in a little olive oil on low heat for a minute or two until they turn slightly brown. This step will add a depth of flavour to your cod fish.

Next, while the rice is cooking in the rice cooker, focus on seasoning the cod fish fillets. Drizzle some olive oil over the fillets and use a brush or your fingers to evenly coat the surface. This will help the spices adhere better to the fish. Then, generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the fillets, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned. Don't be afraid to use your hands to rub the spices onto the fish for an even coating.

In addition to salt and pepper, you can also add other seasonings that complement the flavour of cod. Some suggestions include soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, or even a drizzle of chilli oil for an extra kick. You can also use fresh herbs like chopped spring onions, coriander, or parsley to add a fresh aroma and flavour to the fish.

If you want to get creative, you can make a marinade for the cod fish. In a bowl, mix together some olive oil, freshly chopped garlic, ginger, a splash of soy sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add other ingredients like mustard, honey, or any spice blends you like. Marinate the cod fish fillets in this mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for more intense flavours.

Finally, remember that the key to successful seasoning is balance. Taste your spice mixture or marinade before applying it to the fish, and adjust the flavours as needed. You can always add more or less of a particular spice or herb to suit your personal preference.

Placing the cod fish in the rice cooker

To place the cod fish in the rice cooker, first prepare the fish by seasoning it with salt, pepper, olive oil, and any other spices or herbs you wish to include. You can also marinate the fish with a little ground white pepper and salt.

Next, cover the rice cooker's steam rack with foil. If your rice cooker doesn't have a steam rack, simply place a piece of foil directly on top of the rice, being sure to fold up the sides to prevent any oil from the fish leaking out onto the rice while steaming.

Then, place the seasoned cod fillets on the foil-covered rack or foil. You can also scatter some shredded ginger in the centre of the plate before placing the fish on top.

Finally, close the lid of the rice cooker and allow the fish to steam. The cooking time will depend on the size of your cod fillets, but it typically ranges from 3 to 15 minutes.

Cooking the cod fish and rice

Ingredients

• 3 medium fillets of cod
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetables of your choice

Method

First, prepare your rice cooker by washing the rice until the water is clear. Add the rice and broth to the rice cooker, and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. You can add vegetables to the rice cooker, but be sure to accommodate this by adding a bit more liquid.

While the rice is cooking, season the cod fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and any other seasoning you like. Cover the rice cooker steam rack with foil and place the cod fillets on it 3-5 minutes before the rice is done. If your rice cooker doesn't have a steam rack, place foil directly on top of the rice and fold the sides up to avoid oil from spilling out. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of the fillets.

When the timer goes off, carefully remove the fish and set it aside. Scoop some rice and lay a fillet over the rice. Serve with your choice of vegetables and additional seasoning.

Tips

• You can use any plate that fits into your rice cooker, or you can use tin foil.
• If you are steaming the fish and rice together, they will both be cooked at the same time.
• You can steam a larger piece of fish as long as your rice cooker can hold it.
• You can use a variety of seasonings for the fish, such as garlic, ginger, soy sauce, or chili.
• It is recommended to undercook the fish slightly and keep the lid of the cooker covered for another minute or two to prevent the fish from drying out.
• To test if the fish is done, plunge a chopstick through the thickest part of the fillet. If it is cooked, the chopstick should pass through easily, and the meat should be opaque.

Serving the steamed cod fish with rice

To serve the steamed cod fish with rice, start by preparing the spice mixture for the fish. This can include garlic, ginger, hot chilli, or any other spices you prefer. Cook the spices in a little olive oil over low heat for a minute or two until they turn slightly brown to enhance their flavour.

Next, wash the rice until the water is clear, and add it to the rice cooker with the required amount of water or broth, following the manufacturer's instructions. You can also add vegetables to the rice cooker at this point, but remember to adjust the liquid quantity accordingly.

While the rice is cooking, prepare the cod fillets by seasoning them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, as well as the spice mixture you prepared earlier. Cover the rice cooker's steam rack with foil and place the seasoned cod fillets on it. If your rice cooker does not have a steam rack, simply place the foil directly on top of the rice, being careful to fold up the sides to prevent any oil from spilling onto the rice during steaming.

Close the lid of the rice cooker and continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the size of your cod fillets. When the timer goes off, carefully remove the fish and set it aside. Scoop out the desired amount of rice and lay a fillet over the rice. Serve the steamed cod fish with hot rice and your choice of vegetables, garnishing with additional seasoning if desired.

Frequently asked questions