Steaming With Tiger: Perfect Rice, Every Time

The Tiger 4-in-1 Multifunctional Rice Cooker is a versatile appliance that allows you to cook rice, synchronised cook, slow cook, and steam various dishes. With its two size options of 10 cups and 5.5 cups, you can prepare meals for different group sizes. One of its standout features is its steam cooking function, which enables you to steam tender and flavourful vegetables, meat, or fish. This guide will explore the steps to utilise the steaming function of the Tiger Rice Cooker, highlighting the convenience and versatility it offers in your culinary endeavours.

How to steam vegetables in a Tiger rice cooker

First, check if your Tiger rice cooker has a steam function. Tiger rice cookers are 4-in-1 multifunctional appliances that cook rice, synchronise cook (cooking dishes with rice), slow cook, and steam cook. If you own this model, you can steam vegetables in it.

Next, prepare your vegetables. Cut them into large bite-sized pieces. You can use vegetables like kabocha squash, pumpkin, corn, carrot, potato, shiitake or button mushrooms, and green beans. Place the prepared vegetables in the rice cooker's inner pot, starting with the harder vegetables like squash, carrot, and potato, and then add the softer vegetables like mushrooms and green beans. You can also add root vegetables like turnips, sweet potatoes, and fennel.

Now, add water and oil to the rice cooker. You can use 2 tablespoons of butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor, or you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper, or use soy sauce for seasoning. Close the lid of the rice cooker.

Choose the "Plain" function on your Tiger rice cooker's settings and press start. The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetables you are steaming. Vegetables will typically steam-cook in 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the variety.

Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness, serve them on a plate or in a bowl. You can enjoy them as a side dish with brown rice or pasta and a drizzle of olive oil.

Some additional tips: if you are steaming vegetables over rice, it is best to cook a small batch of rice to ensure there is enough room in the cooker for the steamer basket. You can also steam denser vegetables like carrots in larger batches, while more delicate vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli may require smaller florets to steam evenly.

How to steam meat in a Tiger rice cooker

Steaming meat in a Tiger rice cooker is a great way to tenderize meat for pulled beef or pork. If you're cooking meat in your steamer, you should always use foil to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice during the steaming process.

First, check your Tiger rice cooker's instruction manual to see if it has a separate steam tray or basket and a preset steam setting. If your cooker has a steam basket, this will allow you to steam meat at the same time as cooking rice.

To steam meat, use foil to create a barrier between the rice and the meat. You can also place the meat in a small bowl or plate or on a sheet of foil. Then, add the recommended amount of water to your cooker—usually 2 to 3 cups. Fill the basket with the meat and position it over the water. Cover the cooker with the lid and press the start button.

The time required for steaming meat will vary depending on the type of meat and its toughness. Experiment with cooking times and monitor the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe cooking temperature. For example, chicken and other poultry should reach at least 165°F, while beef and pork must be cooked to at least 145°F.

How to steam fish in a Tiger rice cooker

To steam fish in a Tiger rice cooker, you will need to use the steam basket that comes with the cooker. First, add the recommended amount of water—usually 2 to 3 cups—to the cooker.

If you are using fish fillets, use a sharp knife to create three to four quarter-inch slits on both sides of the fish. If you are using a whole fish, cut three half-inch clefts on each side. Place the fish on a large cutting board. Season the fish and prepare a sauce, if desired. The sauce must have at least 1 cup of liquid in it to properly cook the fish. If you season your fish without liquids, add 1 to 3 cups of water to the bottom of the rice cooker.

Place the seasoned fish or fish and sauce into the rice cooker's steam basket. Cover the cooker with the lid and turn it on. If your rice cooker has a single "on" button, the cooker will switch to "keep warm" mode once the temperature in the pot rises above the boiling point of water. If your cooker has a processor, there will usually be a menu option or separate button for steaming. Check your manual for specific instructions.

If you are cooking a whole fish, check for doneness after 12 minutes, then recheck every 2 minutes or until the flesh near the top fin of the fish easily flakes when poked with a fork. For fish fillets, check after 10 minutes or until the fish easily flakes when poked. For fillets less than 1 inch thick, check after 5 minutes, and recheck every 2 minutes.

When the fish is cooked, transfer it and the sauce to a serving bowl. You can garnish the fish with fresh lemon slices and herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano, cilantro, or ginger. Serve immediately with freshly baked bread or steamed vegetables.

How to steam rice and vegetables together in a Tiger rice cooker

To steam rice and vegetables together in a Tiger rice cooker, start by adding the recommended amount of water—usually 2 to 3 cups—to the cooker. Then, cut your vegetables into large bite-sized pieces and place them in the rice cooker's inner pot. You can use vegetables such as kabocha squash, carrot, potato, corn, green beans, and mushrooms. Add the rice to the cooker as well.

Next, place the rice cooker's steam basket filled with your chosen vegetables over the water. Cover the cooker with the lid and turn it on. If your rice cooker has a processor-controlled option, select the steam option from the menu and set the time accordingly. If it's a one-button type of rice cooker, simply push the button.

It's important to note that vegetables usually take less time to cook than rice. So, you might need to add the vegetables part-way through the rice cooking cycle to ensure both are cooked perfectly. Additionally, if you're cooking meat or fish, use foil to separate it from the rice to prevent the flavours from mixing.

Once the rice and vegetables are cooked, serve them together with your favourite dressing or sauce. Enjoy your healthy and tasty meal!

How to steam without a basket in a Tiger rice cooker

To steam without a basket in a Tiger rice cooker, you can use a small bowl, plate, tray, or even a sheet of foil. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Wash your vegetables thoroughly.
• Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Peeling and chopping vegetables like pumpkins or squash is especially important, as they take longer to steam if the skin is left on.
• Consult your Tiger rice cooker's manual for specific instructions and settings.
• Add water to the inner pan of your rice cooker. Refer to the water level guidelines provided in the manual.
• Place your chopped vegetables directly into the inner pot. You can also steam vegetables on top of cooked rice.
• Close the lid and select the "Steam" or "Plain" function on your rice cooker.
• Once the steaming cycle is complete, let the vegetables sit in the covered rice cooker for about 8-10 minutes to continue cooking with residual heat.
• Remove the vegetables from the rice cooker, toss them, and let them sit for another 2-3 minutes before serving.

You can steam a variety of vegetables in your Tiger rice cooker, including green beans, broccoli, onion, pepper, scallion, carrots, zucchini, and green leafy vegetables. The steaming time may vary depending on the type of vegetable and the brand of your rice cooker, but it typically ranges from 5 to 15 minutes.

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