Steaming Stir Fry: The Rice Cooker's Hidden Talent

Rice cookers are a convenient way to cook rice with minimal effort. But did you know that you can also use them to steam vegetables and stir-fry? With a rice cooker, you can create a tasty and healthy meal with perfectly cooked rice and stir-fried vegetables in one go. Here's a simple guide to help you get started with stir-frying using your rice cooker.

How to steam vegetables in a rice cooker

Steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is an easy and convenient way to prepare a healthy and tasty dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Firstly, add a small amount of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or olive oil, into the rice cooker bowl. Close the lid and start the regular rice cooking cycle. Wait until the cooker gets warm, then open it up. The oil will be ready for frying.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Now, it's time to add your choice of vegetables to the hot oil. You can use a variety of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, corn, mushrooms, green beans, or kabocha squash. Cut the vegetables into large bite-sized pieces and place them in the rice cooker. You can also add flavourings like minced garlic or diced onion for extra taste.

Step 3: Stir-Fry

Use a wooden spoon to stir-fry the vegetables gently. Keep the lid closed occasionally to retain heat, but also watch the vegetables closely to prevent burning. You can remove the vegetables once they are slightly golden and crisp, or you can leave them in the cooker if you plan to make a complete vegetable and rice meal.

Step 4: Add Water and Seasonings

If you're making a vegetable and rice dish, add water and rice to the rice cooker after frying the vegetables. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavour. Season the dish with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings.

Step 5: Cook the Rice and Vegetables

Close the lid of the rice cooker and set it for the regular cooking cycle. Once the cycle is finished, you will have perfectly cooked rice along with steamed or stir-fried vegetables.

Tips:

• Feel free to experiment with different types of vegetables, such as pumpkin, turnip, sweet potato, or fennel.
• For a richer flavour, you can use butter instead of olive oil.
• Avoid frying frozen vegetables as the water content can cause the oil to pop, which can be dangerous.
• Always clean your rice cooker thoroughly after use, especially after frying, to remove any oily residue.

How to steam meat in a rice cooker

Steaming meat in a rice cooker is a convenient way to cook meat quickly and evenly. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Prepare the Rice Cooker:

• Fill the rice cooker with water to the appropriate level. The amount of water will depend on the type of meat you are cooking. For fish, use 2 cups (500ml) of water, and for chicken, pork, or beef, use 2½ cups (625ml) of water.
• If you are cooking meat with rice, use the correct amount of water for cooking rice, and then place your seasoned meat on top.
• If you are steaming fish or meat, it is important to use a steam rack that can be slotted into the basin of the rice cooker. Make sure the meat is not touching the bottom of the cooker to avoid burning or malfunction.

Prepare the Meat:

• Season the meat according to your preference.
• If you are cooking thin slices of meat, poke each slice with a fork a few times to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
• Cut the meat into thinner slices if it is too thick or big. This will ensure even cooking.

Cooking the Meat:

• Place the seasoned meat onto the steam rack and turn on the rice cooker.
• Monitor the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe cooking temperature.
• Chicken and other poultry should reach at least 165°F (73.5°C), while beef and pork must be cooked to at least 145°F (62°C).
• To avoid overcooking the meat, you may need to set a timer, as the rice cooker will only turn off once all the water has evaporated, not when the meat is done.
• Check the doneness of the meat by opening the lid and taking a look. The great thing about rice cookers is that you can do this without turning off the machine.
• Once the meat is cooked, you can leave it in the rice cooker on the 'warm' setting for a short time. However, avoid doing this for too long, as it may lead to overcooked meat.

Tips:

• Start with smaller portions of meat until you get a sense of how much your rice cooker can handle.
• When in doubt, cut the meat into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
• You can also cook one-pot meals, braised meat, or meat stews in your rice cooker. Simply follow the instructions for your specific dish, adding more water or liquid if needed to allow the rice cooker to work effectively.

How to make your own steamer basket

To make your own steamer basket, you can use a combination of household items such as plates, tinfoil, strainers, and pots. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a steamer basket using these items:

Method 1: Plate and Tinfoil

• Take a pot that is larger than the plate you will use to steam your food on.
• Create three to four balls of tinfoil and place them at the bottom of the pot.
• Add water to the pot, ensuring that the aluminium foil balls are covered or slightly below the water level.
• Place the plate with your food on top of the foil balls.
• Turn on the heat and let the food steam.

Method 2: Strainer or Colander

• Place your food in a large kitchen strainer or colander.
• Position the strainer or colander on top of a pot of boiling water.
• Cover the pot to trap the steam and cook your food.

Method 3: Cooling Rack

• Place a cooling rack across the top of a pot of boiling water.
• Add your food on top of the cooling rack.
• Cover the food with aluminium foil.
• Ensure that the spaces in the cooling rack are not larger than your food to prevent them from falling into the pot.

These methods provide simple and effective ways to create a steamer basket at home. However, it is important to note that purchasing a steamer basket is also a worthwhile investment, as they are affordable and can be easily stored.

How long to steam vegetables in a rice cooker

Steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is a great way to prepare a healthy and tasty meal with minimal effort and mess. The process is simple and can be adapted to suit your rice cooker model and the types of vegetables you wish to cook. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Firstly, add an inch or two of water to your rice cooker. If you want to enhance the flavour of your vegetables, you can replace the water with chicken or vegetable broth. Then, insert a steamer basket into the rice cooker. This basket will hold your vegetables and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Cut your chosen vegetables into large bite-sized pieces. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as kabocha squash, pumpkin, carrot, potato, corn, mushrooms, and green beans. Try to cut the vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Arrange the Vegetables

Place the vegetables in a single layer in the steamer basket. For vegetables with different cooking times, you can place denser vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom, and more delicate vegetables like mushrooms and green beans on top.

Step 4: Season and Cook

Add a tablespoon of olive oil, butter, or your preferred cooking fat to the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper, or your choice of herbs and spices. Close the lid of the rice cooker and select the appropriate function. If your rice cooker has a steaming function, use that. Otherwise, simply press the start button and let the cooker do its magic.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Depending on the types of vegetables you are cooking, the steaming process should take between 5 to 15 minutes. For smaller or denser vegetables, check for doneness after 5 minutes to avoid overcooking. For larger or softer vegetables, the full 15 minutes may be needed. You can also refer to your rice cooker's instruction manual for a helpful guide on cooking times for different vegetables.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your vegetables are tender, carefully remove them from the rice cooker and serve them in a bowl or on a plate. You can enjoy them as a side dish or a main course, paired with a dressing, sauce, or your favourite grain.

Remember, the beauty of steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is its convenience and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, seasonings, and serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations. Happy cooking!

How to steam stir fry without a steamer basket

To steam stir fry without a steamer basket, you can use a few common household items. Here are some methods to achieve that:

Using a Pie Tin

You can create a steamer with two reusable aluminium pie tins. First, poke 12-16 holes in the base of both pie tins. Use a rolling pin to flatten one of the pie tins—don't worry about getting it perfectly flat. Place the intact tin upside down in a pot with a little water. Rest the flattened tin on top of the first, and you're ready to steam your stir fry!

Using a Strainer or Colander

This method is simple: place your stir fry in a large kitchen strainer or colander and put it on top of a pot of water.

Using a Cooling Rack

Place a cooling rack that doesn't have large gaps across a pot of water. Add your stir fry on top and cover with aluminium foil.

Using a Plate and Foil

Find a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. Make three large, solid balls out of aluminium foil and place them in the bottom of the pot. Add water, and place the plate with your stir fry on top of the foil balls.

Using a Splatter Screen and Bowl

If you're steaming a small amount, you can use a splatter screen. Place it on top of your pot, add your stir fry, and cover with a large bowl.

Using the Microwave

Place your stir fry in a microwave-safe bowl with a few tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring it doesn't touch the food. Microwave for 4-6 minutes until fork-tender.

Frequently asked questions