Steaming Fish Fillet In A Rice Cooker: A Quick Guide

Steaming fish in a rice cooker is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. This method of cooking fish is simple and convenient, as it requires little preparation and can be left unattended while you multi-task. It is also a versatile way to cook, as you can steam a variety of fish and experiment with different seasonings and sauces. The key to successfully cooking fish in a rice cooker is to ensure there is enough liquid in the form of water, sauce, or broth, and to check the fish often to prevent overcooking.

Preparing the fish

Next, you will want to season the fish. You can use a simple rub of salt and pepper, or you can try something more complex. A Chinese-inspired dish might use soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, cilantro and scallions. For a Cajun-style fish, use cayenne pepper, chopped onions, celery, green peppers, garlic, fish stock, lemon juice and diced tomatoes with green chillies. An Italian-style fish could use a sauce made from tomato sauce, basil, oregano, garlic, thyme and olive oil. You can also simply use olive oil, salt and pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

If you are using a whole fish, make three half-inch clefts on each side of the fish. If you are using fillets, make three to four quarter- to half-inch slits on both sides of the fish. This will help the flavours penetrate the fish.

Now your fish is ready to be placed in the rice cooker.

Preparing the rice cooker

Next, season the fish with your desired spices and flavours. This can include garlic, ginger, hot chilli, soy sauce, onion, garlic, paprika, cumin powder, or chipotle powder. You can also marinate the fish with a little ground white pepper and salt. If you are using a whole fish, make three half-inch clefts on each side. For fish fillets, use a sharp knife to create three to four quarter to half-inch slits on both sides of the fish.

Once the rice is almost ready, you can place the fish into the rice cooker. Place the seasoned fish onto a plate that fits the upper level of the rice cooker. You can use tin foil if you don't have a plate that fits. Transfer the fish plate into the upper level of the rice cooker. If your rice cooker has a steamer or steaming basket, you can use that instead of a plate.

Cover the rice cooker and allow the rice to finish cooking. The steaming time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillet. As a general rule, allow 10 minutes per inch of fish thickness. For thinner fillets, check the fish after 5 minutes and then every 2 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Cooking the fish

Firstly, prepare your rice cooker by adding the required amount of rice and water, and turn it on to cook the rice as normal.

Now, prepare your fish. If you are using a whole fish, cut three half-inch clefts on each side. If you are using fish fillets, use a sharp knife to create three to four quarter- to half-inch slits on both sides of the fish.

Season the fish with salt, and any other spices or herbs you wish to use. You can use garlic, ginger, hot chilli, paprika, cumin, chipotle, black bean sauce, or spring onions. You could also use a sauce such as soy sauce, olive oil, or sesame oil. If you are using a sauce, it must have at least one cup of liquid to cook the fish. If you are seasoning the fish without a liquid, you will need to add one to three cups of water to the bottom of the rice cooker.

Place the fish on a plate that fits the upper level of the rice cooker. You can use tin foil if you don't have a plate that fits.

Once the rice is cooking and steam is appearing, place the fish in the upper level of the rice cooker. If your rice cooker has a steaming basket, you can use this. Cover the rice cooker and allow the rice to finish cooking and then steam for around 10-15 minutes. If you are not cooking rice, you can steam the fish on top of three cups of water in the bottom of the rice cooker.

Check the fish is cooked before serving. It should be opaque and easily flaked when poked with a fork.

Cooking the rice

The first step is to measure out your rice and water according to the instructions of your rice cooker. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the rice-to-water ratio and cooking time.

If you are steaming the fish and rice simultaneously, you can begin cooking the rice as usual. However, if you are steaming the fish separately, you can simply put water in the bottom of your rice cooker and steam the fish on top of that.

If you are cooking the rice and fish together, keep an eye on the rice cooker. Once there is little visible water remaining in the rice, it is time to place your seasoned fish into the steamer basket. Place the steamer basket on top of the rice cooker and leave the lid on. Allow the rice to finish boiling and then steam for the appropriate amount of time, which is generally 10 to 15 minutes but may vary depending on your rice cooker.

If you are cooking the rice separately, follow the instructions for your rice cooker, and begin preparing the rice in the usual way.

When the rice is almost tender and most of the water has cooked out of the machine, you can place the fish or fish and sauce into the rice cooker. Cook for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, checking the dish every 2 minutes after the initial 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Serving the dish

Once your fish is cooked, carefully remove it from the rice cooker and set it aside. If you have cooked rice, scoop some rice onto a plate and lay a fillet over the rice. You can also transfer the fish to a serving bowl or plate.

Garnish the fish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, cilantro or ginger. You can also add fresh lemon slices to the side. Serve with hot rice, freshly baked bread, or steamed vegetables.

If you have prepared a sauce, pour it over the fish and rice, or serve it on the side.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed fish!

Frequently asked questions