Steaming Dumplings: Using Your Rice Cooker To Perfection

There are many ways to steam dumplings without a steamer, and a rice cooker is one of them. If you have a rice cooker with a steam tray, you can place your dumplings in the tray and fill the rest of the rice cooker with an inch of water. If you don't have a steam tray, you can place a bowl in the centre with the dumplings and fill the rest with water. You can also use a colander or wire rack that fits inside your rice cooker, or use a plate and balled-up pieces of aluminium foil.

Use a colander or wire rack inside the rice cooker

If you don't have a steam tray, you can use a colander or wire rack inside the rice cooker to steam your dumplings. First, fill the appliance with water and place the upside-down colander or wire rack in the bottom, ensuring that the water level does not exceed the colander or rack. Then, place the steamer liner from your soup dumpling bag on top of the rack or colander. This will prevent the dumplings from ripping and spilling their contents into the water.

Next, arrange your dumplings on the steamer rack and close the lid of the rice cooker. The timing will depend on your appliance, but in general, steam the dumplings for at least three minutes on low pressure in an Instant Pot, or for a full 10 minutes at a rolling boil in your rice cooker. If you're using frozen dumplings, they may take a bit longer to heat through completely.

After the dumplings have finished steaming, carefully open the rice cooker and let them rest for a few minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. Finally, transfer the dumplings to a serving tray and enjoy!

Fill the rice cooker with water to the first line

Filling the rice cooker with water is an important step in the dumpling-making process. You should fill the rice cooker with water to the first line. This is because the water will be used to steam the dumplings, and you need enough water to generate steam but not so much that the dumplings are submerged or the water overflows.

The amount of water you use will depend on the size and shape of your rice cooker, as well as the number of dumplings you plan to cook. As a general rule, fill the rice cooker with water to the first line, or about an inch of water if there are no lines. This will ensure that the dumplings are partially submerged and will create enough steam to cook them thoroughly.

If you are using a colander or wire rack inside your rice cooker, make sure that the water does not exceed the level of the rack or colander. This will ensure that the dumplings are steamed and not boiled, and it will also prevent any filling from spilling out into the water if the dumpling breaks open.

Additionally, if you are using a bowl to hold the dumplings, make sure that the water level is below the bottom of the bowl. This will ensure that the bowl is steamed along with the dumplings and that the dumplings are not cooked directly in the water.

Place dumplings in a single layer in the rice cooker basket

To steam dumplings in a rice cooker, it is important to place the dumplings in a single layer in the rice cooker basket. This ensures even cooking and prevents the dumplings from sticking together.

First, prepare your dumplings by assembling and sealing them. You can use a variety of fillings, such as pork, cabbage, green onions, ginger, cilantro, and other seasonings. Form the dumplings into pouches by bringing the edges of the wrapper together and pinching them closed.

Once you have assembled your dumplings, it's time to arrange them in the rice cooker basket. Place each dumpling carefully in the basket, making sure they are spaced out and not stacked on top of each other. The dumplings should be in a single layer, allowing the steam to circulate evenly and cook the dumplings thoroughly.

If you have a large number of dumplings, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they fit comfortably in a single layer. Alternatively, you can use a steamer liner or parchment steamer liner inside the rice cooker basket to create a barrier and prevent the dumplings from sticking to the basket.

After placing the dumplings in the basket, you can proceed with the steaming process. Fill the rice cooker with water, ensuring it does not exceed the level of the rice cooker basket. Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker, allowing it to steam for the recommended time, usually around 10 minutes or until the filling is cooked through.

By following these steps and placing the dumplings in a single layer, you can ensure that your dumplings are cooked evenly and maintain their shape during the steaming process.

Steam for 30 minutes or until the filling is cooked

Once you've assembled your dumplings, it's time to steam them. Add water to your rice cooker, ensuring it doesn't exceed the wire rack or colander. If you don't have a steam tray, you can place a bowl in the centre of the rice cooker and fill the rest with an inch of water. Place the dumplings in the rice cooker basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on.

The amount of time it takes to steam the dumplings will depend on the temperature of the water you're starting with and how many dumplings you are cooking. If you are using boiling water, it should take around five minutes. If you are starting with room-temperature water, it will take around 10 minutes. However, it's important to note that you may need to experiment with the timing, as it can take a few attempts to get it right. You can always open the rice cooker and check on the dumplings during the cooking process.

Steam the dumplings for about 30 minutes or until the filling is cooked through. You can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling, which should reach 165º Fahrenheit. Once the dumplings are cooked, let them stand for a minute before serving.

Serve your dumplings with a delicious dipping sauce or your favourite chilli or hoisin sauce. Enjoy!

Check dumplings regularly and experiment with timings

Checking your dumplings regularly is important to ensure they are cooked properly and to prevent overcooking. When steaming dumplings in a rice cooker, it is recommended to steam them for at least 3 minutes on low pressure in an Instant Pot, or for a full 10 minutes at a rolling boil. However, the exact timing will depend on the type of rice cooker you have and the temperature of the water. If you are using boiling water, it may only take about 5 minutes, depending on the number of dumplings. Starting with room-temperature water may take up to 10 minutes.

It is worth noting that it may take a few attempts to perfect the timing, so don't be discouraged if your first try doesn't turn out exactly right. Open the rice cooker and check on your dumplings every so often to see how they are doing. Experiment with different timings and temperatures to find the perfect setting for your dumplings. Remember to have fun with the process and enjoy the delicious results!

Frequently asked questions