Steaming Without A Steamer: Rice Cooker Hacks And Tricks

Rice cookers are versatile appliances that can be used for more than just cooking rice. With a steam basket, you can steam tender and flavourful vegetables, meats, and even dumplings at the same time as your rice, saving time and counter space. This is a great way to cook a complete meal with minimal mess and enhance the nutrients and flavour of your rice. To steam food in a rice cooker, simply add water to the cooking pot, place the food in the steamer basket, put the basket in the cooker, and start the cooking cycle.

Steam vegetables without a steamer basket by using a heat-proof colander

Steaming vegetables is a great way to maintain their nutrients, colour, and crispness. If you don't have a steamer, you can still achieve the same results by using a heat-proof colander. Here's how:

First, choose a pot with a tight lid to prevent steam from escaping. The pot should also be deep enough to allow for steam to build up and cook the vegetables effectively. Fill the pot with approximately half an inch of water, ensuring that the amount of water does not touch the colander when placed inside.

Next, select a metal colander that fits snugly inside the rim of the pot without falling in or touching the water. Place the colander inside the pot. If your colander does not fit perfectly, you can hold it in place with a pot holder or use a colander with a heat-resistant handle.

Now, add your cleaned and chopped vegetables to the colander. You can steam a single type of vegetable or a combination of vegetables with similar textures or thicknesses. Just be careful not to overfill the colander, as this may impact the cooking process.

Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid to prevent steam from escaping. If your lid starts to rattle, slightly crack it open to allow ventilation. Check on your vegetables periodically to prevent overcooking.

After about 5 minutes of steaming, check on the vegetables' crispness and tenderness. Continue steaming for another 2 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired texture. Broccoli, for example, will take around 5 to 7 minutes to maintain a crisp texture, while denser vegetables like potatoes may require a longer steaming time.

Once the vegetables are tender, remove the colander from the pot using pot holders to protect your hands from the steam. Serve your freshly steamed vegetables immediately.

By following these simple steps, you can easily steam vegetables without a steamer basket by using a heat-proof colander and a pot. Enjoy your perfectly cooked and nutritious vegetables!

Steam vegetables and rice at the same time for a complete meal with minimal mess

If you want to steam vegetables and rice at the same time, you'll need a rice cooker with a steam basket. Check your instruction manual to see if your rice cooker has this function.

Once you've confirmed that your rice cooker has a steam basket, add an inch or two of water to the rice cooker, then insert the steamer basket. Place your vegetables in a single layer inside the basket. Close the lid and start the rice cooker. If your rice cooker has a one-button function, press it and check the vegetables periodically. More advanced rice cookers may have a steaming function that can be set for specific increments of time. Depending on the type of vegetables, steaming should take around 5 to 15 minutes.

The more food you add to the steamer basket, the longer the steam time should be. Smaller pieces of food will steam faster than larger pieces, so be sure to cut your food into similar-sized pieces.

You can also give your rice a flavour boost by substituting an equal amount of chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for water.

Steam foods without anything cooking in the pot by adding water

Steaming food in a rice cooker without a steamer basket is possible and can be done in a few simple steps. Here is how you can do it:

Firstly, you will need to pour the recommended amount of water into the cooking pot of your rice cooker. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your rice cooker for specific measurements and further details.

The next step is to add the food you wish to steam into the included steamer basket. Most rice cookers come with a steam basket accessory. If your rice cooker did not come with one, you can create a DIY steamer basket using common kitchen items.

After your food is in the steamer basket, place the basket on top of the cooking pot, ensuring that the lid is closed. You can then start the cooking cycle. It is important to note that the amount of food added to the steamer basket will impact the required steam time, with larger amounts of food needing more time to cook.

When steaming food in a rice cooker, it is recommended to cut the food into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Additionally, you can experiment with substituting water with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth to enhance the flavor of your dish.

If you do not have a rice cooker or a steamer basket, there are alternative methods to steam food. One option is to use a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish. You will need something to prop up the dish above the water, such as a metal steam rack or a clean empty can. Ensure that the lid does not touch the food to avoid any issues.

Another method is to use a microwave-safe bowl or plate and cover it with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate. Add a small amount of water and cook until the food is steamed, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

By following these steps, you can successfully steam food without a steamer by adding water to the cooking pot or using alternative steaming methods.

Steam meat for pulled beef or pork

Steaming meat in a rice cooker is a great way to tenderize it for pulled beef or pork. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve delicious and tender pulled beef or pork using a rice cooker:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

For pulled beef, opt for cuts like brisket, chuck roast, or topside roast. These cuts have more fat content, resulting in juicier and more tender pulled beef.

For pulled pork, choose a boneless pork shoulder with the skin off but as much fat left on as possible. The fat will help keep the meat moist and flavourful during the cooking process.

Step 2: Preparing the Meat

Start by trimming any excess fat from the meat. Then, cut the meat into thin slices to ensure even cooking during steaming.

For added flavour, you can marinate the meat slices with your preferred seasonings. For beef, a combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil makes a great marinade. Alternatively, you can use a dry rub with seasonings like smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper.

Step 3: Setting Up the Rice Cooker

If your rice cooker has a steam basket, use it. If not, you can create a makeshift steaming setup by placing a heat-proof dish or bowl inside the rice cooker and filling it with water. Make sure the water level is below the dish or bowl.

Step 4: Steaming the Meat

Place the marinated meat slices in a single layer on the steam basket or the heat-proof dish/bowl. Ensure the meat slices do not touch each other.

Cover the rice cooker with its lid and turn it on. Let the meat cook for approximately 8-10 minutes for thin slices and up to 15 minutes for thicker cuts. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat and your desired level of doneness.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

To check if the meat is cooked to your liking, use a fork or a meat thermometer. For beef, a safe internal temperature is 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, 160°F (71°C) for medium, and 170°F (77°C) for well-done.

For pulled pork, the meat is ready when it is fork-tender and shreds easily. This usually takes around 3-4 hours in a steam oven but can vary depending on the oven and the size of the meat.

Step 6: Serving the Pulled Beef or Pork

Once the meat is cooked to perfection, it's time to shred it! Use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.

You can serve the pulled beef or pork as-is, with its natural juices, or enhance it with a sauce or gravy. It goes well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, bread rolls, biscuits, cornbread, or fries.

Enjoy your delicious and tender pulled beef or pork, knowing that steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the natural flavours and nutrients of the meat!

Steam chicken and rice together for a weeknight meal

Steaming chicken and rice together is a great way to prepare a weeknight meal, especially if you're short on time and want to minimise washing up. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare a delicious and healthy dinner.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Rice (long-grain white rice is recommended, but you can also use brown or wild rice)
• Vegetables of your choice (e.g. carrots, peas, corn, onion, garlic)
• Chicken broth or water
• Seasonings (oregano, salt, pepper, etc.)
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, ghee or butter, dried fruit, nuts

Instructions:

• If your rice cooker has a steam basket, add water to the cooking pot and place the chicken in the basket. If not, you can place the chicken directly in the pot with a small amount of water.
• Season the chicken as desired. Remember to always use foil when cooking meat or fish in the steamer to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice.
• Close the lid and start the cooking cycle. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Now, it's time to cook the rice. Measure the rice and water according to your rice cooker's instructions and add them to the pot.
• Add the vegetables to the steamer basket and place it on top of the cooking pot. You can also add the vegetables directly to the rice pot if you prefer.
• Close the lid and start the cooking cycle. The cooking time will depend on the type of rice and the size of the vegetable pieces. Smaller pieces will steam faster, so try to cut the food into similar-sized pieces.
• Once the rice is cooked, remove the steamer basket (if used) and fluff the rice with a fork.
• Combine the chicken and rice in a bowl and garnish as desired. You can try adding dried cranberries, hazelnuts, pine nuts, or fresh herbs like cilantro.

Tips:

• Experiment with different types of rice and vegetables to add variety to your meal.
• You can substitute water with chicken/vegetable broth or even coconut milk for extra flavour.
• If you're short on time, try cutting the chicken and vegetables into smaller pieces, as they will cook faster.
• Remember to refer to your rice cooker's manual for specific instructions, cooking times, and measurements.

Frequently asked questions