Steaming With Aroma Rice Cooker: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Aroma Rice Cooker is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook rice and steam vegetables, meat, and seafood. It offers a convenient set it and forget it approach to cooking, allowing users to prepare rice, soups, steamed veggies, and more with minimal effort and supervision. The cooker automatically switches to Keep Warm mode once the cooking cycle is complete, ensuring that food is maintained at the perfect serving temperature. Additionally, its compact capacity makes it ideal for preparing small individual meals or side dishes.

How to steam vegetables in an Aroma Rice Cooker

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Before you begin, ensure your Aroma Rice Cooker is unplugged from the power source. Press the "Lid Release" button and open the rice cooker. Remove the inner pot from the cooker.

Step 2: Measure the Water

Add the required amount of water to the inner pot using the measuring cup provided. The amount of water varies depending on the type of vegetable you plan to steam. For example, use 1/2 cup of water for vegetables like asparagus, peas, spinach, squash, and zucchini. For cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn, and green beans, add one cup of water.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the steam tray inside the rice cooker. If your cooker didn't come with a steam tray, you can use a small trivet, a small bowl, or a plate. You can also use a sheet of foil or a colander placed inside the cooker with the water. Put your chosen vegetables into the steam tray or alternative steaming vessel.

Step 4: Program the Rice Cooker

Close the lid of the rice cooker. Plug the cooker into the power outlet. Press the "Steam/Cook" button on the control panel. If your cooker has a processor, select "Steam" from the menu and set the time using the up and down buttons. The cooker will begin steaming the vegetables.

Step 5: Monitor the Vegetables

The cooker will display "Keep-Warm" when the steaming cycle is complete. Experiment with the steaming time to find your preferred level of doneness, as different vegetables steam at different rates. You may also want to remove the steamer tray partway through the cooking process to add vegetables that require less cooking time.

Step 6: Serve the Vegetables

Remove the steamed vegetables from the cooker immediately after steaming is complete. Serve the vegetables while they are still hot, or chill them and serve with your favorite sauce.

How to steam meat in an Aroma Rice Cooker

To steam meat in an Aroma Rice Cooker, you'll first need to gather your ingredients and ensure you have the included steamer tray. It's important to cut your ingredients into small, even pieces so they cook at the same rate. You'll also need a bowl of cool water to stop the meat from sticking to the tray.

Next, set up your rice cooker by plugging it in and switching it on. Adjust the setting to ""steam" and preheat for a few minutes. Once preheated, add water to the inner pot. The amount of water should equal the amount of rice you plan to cook. For example, if you're cooking one cup of rice, add one cup of water. Add the rice to the inner pot and stir it into the water. Close the lid and press the "cook" button.

If you're steaming meat only, add enough water to reach just below the steamer basket. Always use cold water, as hot water can cause the rice to cook unevenly and may cause the rice cooker to overheat. Don't overfill the pot, as this can make the rice soggy and cause the rice cooker to malfunction.

Select the appropriate steaming setting—this could be low heat or steam vapour. Keep in mind that some ingredients may require a slightly higher setting.

Once your rice cooker is set up, add your meat to the steamer tray, ensuring it is submerged in the water. Keep an eye on your meat and check that it's cooked through before removing it from the device.

Different ingredients may require different steaming times and temperatures, so be sure to consult the product manual or Aroma website for guidance on cooking specific items.

How to cook rice in an Aroma Rice Cooker

The Aroma Rice Cooker is a handy appliance that can cook perfect rice with minimal effort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook rice in an Aroma Rice Cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Start by opening the rice cooker by pressing the "Lid Release" button. Ensure that the cooker is unplugged from the power source. Remove the inner pot from the cooker.

Step 2: Measure the Rice

Use the provided measuring cup to measure the desired amount of rice, such as one or two cups. Pour the rice into the inner pot. Follow the instructions on the rice package for the appropriate amount of rice, depending on the number of people you're serving.

Step 3: Rinse the Rice

Rinse the rice inside the inner pot with water until the water becomes clear. Drain the water from the pot. This step helps remove excess starch and improves the texture of the cooked rice.

Step 4: Add Water

Add the appropriate amount of water to the inner pot using the measuring cup. The amount of water depends on the type of rice and the desired consistency. For example, for two cups of white rice, add 2 1/2 cups of water. The water line inside the pot should reach the corresponding line. If cooking wild or brown rice, adjust the water quantity as per the instructions.

Step 5: Close the Lid and Plug In

Replace the inner pot, snap the lid closed, and plug the power cord into the outlet.

Step 6: Select the Rice Type

Press the corresponding button for the type of rice you are cooking, such as "White Rice" or "Brown Rice." The cooking process will start immediately.

Step 7: Wait for the Rice to be Cooked

The cooker will automatically switch to "Keep-Warm" mode when the rice is ready. Allow the rice to remain on "Keep-Warm" for five to ten minutes. Then, open the lid and spoon out the rice from the inner pot.

Tips:

• The measuring cup included with the Aroma Rice Cooker is typically 180 mL or 3/4 cup. If you lose the provided measuring cup, you can use a standard kitchen measuring cup of the same size.
• It is important to add the rice before adding water to ensure an accurate water-to-rice ratio.
• Do not open the lid while the rice is cooking, as it will cause heat and steam loss, prolonging the cooking time.
• For best results, stir the rice with a spatula after it is cooked to distribute any remaining moisture evenly.
• Always refer to the user manual for specific instructions, as different models may have slightly different features and functions.

How to clean an Aroma Rice Cooker

Daily Cleaning Tips

• Unplug your rice cooker and let it cool down completely before disassembling. Keep the cord clear of hot surfaces to avoid damage.
• Remove the inner pot, condensation collector, and accessories, including the steam tray and spatula.
• Wash the inner pot and accessories with warm, soapy water and a damp sponge. Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaners.
• All removable components and accessories can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but be sure to dry them thoroughly before reassembling.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the cooker. Pay special attention to crevices, steam vents, and seals to prevent rice residue buildup.
• Dry all parts and accessories before reassembling and storing.

Deep Cleaning the Inner Pot

To remove stuck-on food or eliminate odours, try one of the following methods:

• Boil a solution of one cup of distilled white vinegar and one cup of water in the pot. Let it cool, then wash with soapy water.
• Combine baking soda and lemon juice in the pot and use a soft-bristle brush to scrub away any stubborn residue. Rinse with soapy water.

General Tips

• Prevent sticky messes by adding an extra 1/2 cup of water if your cooked rice will be sitting on the 'keep warm' setting for more than 20 minutes.
• Soak stuck-on food in warm, soapy water for 2-3 hours to make it easier to remove.
• Always refer to your specific Aroma rice cooker model's manual for detailed instructions and care guidelines.

How to troubleshoot common issues with an Aroma Rice Cooker

Aroma Rice Cookers are known for their performance and durability, but they can sometimes run into problems. Here is a troubleshooting guide to help you fix some common issues:

Rice is too crunchy or dry

This could be due to insufficient water. To fix this, add some extra water, a quarter or half a cup at a time, depending on the hardness of the rice. Stir the rice each time you add water, and set it to cook further.

Rice is too soggy

This could be due to excess water. To fix this, stir the rice with a spatula to distribute the moisture evenly. Then, replace the lid and let the cooker remain on slow cook mode and keep warm for 10 to 20 minutes.

Rice is too hard or too soft

If your rice is too hard or too soggy, and the above troubleshooting does not work, you may be dealing with a more general electronic malfunction. Check for a flush seal error, a valve cover error, a clogged pressure release valve, an unsecure inner pot, a lack of a steady stream of current, or overheating.

Keys are not working

If the keys on your Aroma Rice Cooker are not working, it could be due to damaged wiring from the frequent opening and closing of the lid. If the wires are only slightly damaged, they can be repaired at home with a soldering tool. However, be very careful when handling a soldering gun, as it can be dangerous.

Faulty function indicator lights

If the function indicator lights are not working properly, it could be due to an incorrect clock time or timer. Choose the right settings, and the lights should start working. If they don't, unplug the unit, wait a few minutes, and plug it back in. If that doesn't work, you may be dealing with a defective flashing display due to power and voltage fluctuations, which will require a trained professional.

Reheating function not working

If the reheat function is not working, ensure that you have selected the correct settings. Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as incorrect settings.

Rice cooker is making noise

If your rice cooker is making weird sounds, check if the bottom is wet. If it is, dry it with a cloth and switch it on again once it is completely dry.

Rice cooker is beeping

If your rice cooker is beeping, it could be due to a high temperature. Aroma rice cookers beep four times to alert you when the temperature is too high. Simply turn off the rice cooker, and it will cool down within a few minutes.

Steam is escaping

If steam is escaping, the problem could be with the lid gasket of your rice cooker. Take a look at it and make sure it is in good working condition. Gaskets can expand and misplace under high temperatures. If the gasket is misplaced, reposition it. If it appears damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Rice cooker won't turn on

If your rice cooker isn't turning on, check the power cord and electrical outlet. Ensure that the outlet is live and the cord is properly plugged into it. If the power cord was moved or unplugged, that might be why your cooker won't switch on. Try plugging something else into the outlet to check if it is providing power. Inspect the power cord for any damage or fraying. If the power cord and outlet appear to be in working order, check that the power switch on the rice cooker is in the "on" position. If it is, you may need to reset the cooker by unplugging it and plugging it back in.

Frequently asked questions