Steaming Potstickers: Using Your Rice Cooker For A Quick Fix

Potstickers are a versatile Asian dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. They can be boiled, fried, microwaved, baked, or steamed, and are made from a combination of vegetables, seafood, and meats enclosed in a simple dough wrapper. While steaming potstickers in a rice cooker is unconventional, it is possible. Here's how you can do it.

How to prepare the rice cooker for steaming

To prepare your rice cooker for steaming, first, add water to the rice cooker pot. The amount of water you add will depend on the type of rice cooker you have. If your rice cooker has a "Max fill" line, fill it to that point. If not, add enough water to reach just under the level of the steamer basket—about one cup of water should be sufficient. Make sure not to add too much water, as you don't want it to touch the potstickers and make them soggy.

Next, place the steamer basket inside the rice cooker. If you have a folding steamer, extend the section panels to touch the sides of the pot. Then, place your frozen potstickers in a single layer on the steamer basket, making sure they don't touch the water.

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. If your rice cooker has a Steam Cook setting, use that. Otherwise, simply turn it on and allow it to heat up. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potstickers steam.

The cooking time may vary depending on your preferred level of doneness, but generally, it should take around 15 to 20 minutes for the potstickers to be fully cooked. You can do a taste test by removing one potsticker, cutting it in half, and checking if the filling is cooked to your liking.

How to arrange the potstickers in the rice cooker

To arrange the potstickers in your rice cooker, first, add water to the rice cooker pot. The amount of water you add will depend on the type of rice cooker you have, but generally, you want to add enough so that the water level is just below the steamer basket or insert. Make sure not to add too much water, as you don't want it touching the potstickers and making them soggy.

Next, place your steamer basket or insert into the rice cooker. If you're using a folding steamer, extend the panels so that they touch the sides of the pot. Then, arrange your potstickers in a single layer on the steamer basket or insert. Make sure that the potstickers are not overcrowded and have some space around them to expand. Depending on the size of your rice cooker, you may need to cook the potstickers in batches.

Once you have arranged the potstickers, close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on to the steam setting. The cooking time may vary depending on your rice cooker and the type of potstickers you are cooking, but generally, it will take around 15 to 20 minutes for frozen potstickers and less time for fresh ones. Be sure to refer to the potsticker package or a recipe for the recommended cooking time.

It's important to note that some rice cookers may have specific instructions for steaming, so be sure to consult your rice cooker's manual for the best results. Additionally, if you prefer your potstickers with a crispy bottom, you can pan-fry them before or after steaming.

How long to steam the potstickers for

The length of time you steam your potstickers for will depend on a few factors. Firstly, it is important to note that homemade potstickers will likely require less cooking time than frozen ones. If you are using frozen potstickers, it is recommended that you place them in a frying pan with some oil and fry them for around 3-4 minutes before adding water and covering them to steam for the remainder of the cooking time.

If you are cooking your potstickers in a rice cooker, it is recommended that you steam them for around 30 minutes on the 'Steam Cook' setting. However, if you are using a Zojirushi rice cooker, you should allow the potstickers to steam for 15 minutes after the water has reached a boil.

It is important to note that overcooking can lead to mushy dumplings, so it is recommended that you check on them regularly and remove them from the heat once they have reached your desired level of doneness.

How to tell when the potstickers are done

Once you've placed your potstickers in the rice cooker basket, closed the lid, and steamed them for about 30 minutes, how can you tell when they're done?

Firstly, it's important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the type of rice cooker you have. For example, if you're using a Zojirushi rice cooker, you'll need to steam the dumplings for 15 minutes after the steam starts to emit from the gap between the pan and the lid. If you're using a Tefal rice cooker, you'll need to steam them for about 30 minutes.

A good indication that your potstickers are done is when the pork filling is cooked through. To ensure food safety, it's important to cook the pork to a temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the potstickers.

Additionally, you'll know your potstickers are done when the water has evaporated and they start to brown. If you're cooking frozen potstickers, they're typically done when they're heated through.

What to do with the potstickers after steaming

Once your potstickers are done steaming, carefully open the rice cooker and let the dumplings rest for around 5 minutes. This will allow excess moisture to evaporate from the surface of the dumplings. Then, remove the steaming basket from the rice cooker and transfer the dumplings to a serving tray.

You can serve the potstickers as they are, or pan-fry them to brown in a thin layer of sesame oil. If you want to add some extra flavour, serve the potstickers with a dip made from equal parts sesame oil and soy sauce. If you want to reduce the oil content of the dish, you can line the steaming basket with lettuce to absorb the oil during the cooking process.

Be sure to exercise caution when opening the rice cooker, as the steam will be very hot.

Frequently asked questions