Steaming Veggies, Cooking Rice: A Rice Cooker's Dual Role

Rice cookers are a handy kitchen appliance for cooking rice and steaming vegetables. They work by bringing the liquid in the rice to a boil very quickly, and the sealed environment reduces the air pressure so the liquid boils faster. The rice is done when the temperature starts to rise above 212°F, which is the boiling point of water.

To cook rice in a rice cooker, first, rinse the rice. Then, combine it with water in the rice cooker pot, using a 1:1 ratio of water to rice. Close the lid, turn on the rice cooker, and let it cook. Once the rice cooker signals that it's finished, let the rice sit for 5-10 minutes, then fluff it with a rice paddle.

To steam vegetables in a rice cooker, add the recommended amount of water to the cooker and place your chosen vegetables in the steamer basket. Position the basket over the water, cover with the lid, and press the steam button. Steam the vegetables until they reach your desired doneness. You can also steam vegetables over the rice as it cooks, but this works best with a small batch of rice.

How to steam veggies and cook rice at the same time

Cooking rice and steaming veggies simultaneously in a rice cooker is a great way to save time and counter space. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, prepare your rice cooker by adding the required amount of water to the inner pot, following the instructions for the number of servings you want. Rice doubles in volume as it cooks, so be careful not to overfill the pot.

Next, prepare your vegetables. Clean and cut the vegetables to the appropriate size, and if you are steaming vegetables with stiff skin, like squash or pumpkin, place them flesh-side down in the steamer basket.

Now, it's time to assemble the rice cooker. Place the filled inner pot into the unit and turn it on to start cooking the rice. If your rice cooker has a steaming function, you can set it according to the type of vegetable you are steaming. If not, simply press the start button and check the vegetables periodically for doneness.

The cooking time for white rice in a rice cooker is typically around 35 minutes, while vegetables will take a shorter time, ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the type. To ensure that your rice and vegetables are ready at the same time, add the vegetables part-way through the rice cooking cycle.

When the rice cooker is about halfway through its cycle, open the lid carefully to avoid the hot steam, and place the steamer basket filled with vegetables into the cooker. Close the lid and let the cooking continue.

Once the rice cooker has finished its cycle, unplug it from the wall. Again, cautiously open the lid and check if the vegetables are properly steamed. If they are, your meal is ready! If not, you can always put the steamer basket back into the rice cooker and let it cook for a few more minutes.

By following these steps, you can efficiently cook rice and steam vegetables at the same time in your rice cooker, making a delicious and nutritious meal with minimal mess and effort.

How to steam veggies without a steamer basket

Steaming vegetables is a great way to cook them without losing their nutritional value. Here are some ways to steam veggies without a steamer basket:

Using a Rice Cooker

If you own a rice cooker with a steam basket, you can use it to steam vegetables at the same time as cooking rice. Simply add an inch or two of water to the rice cooker, insert the steamer basket, and place your vegetables inside. Close the lid and start the rice cooker. Check your vegetables periodically to ensure they are cooked to your liking. The rice cooker's manual will also provide helpful hints and timings.

Using a Metal Strainer or Colander

Choose a saucepan that is wide enough to hold a metal strainer or colander around the rim and deep enough so that the strainer doesn't touch the bottom. Add about an inch of water to the pan, place the strainer over it, fill with veggies, and cook. Depending on the size of your strainer and the quantity of vegetables, you may need to cook in batches.

Using a Wire Cooling Rack

For this method, a wider saucepan is preferable. Add an inch of water to the pan, place a cooling rack over the top, add your veggies, and start cooking.

Using a Splatter Screen

Fill a wide saucepan with water and place a splatter screen on top. Then, add your veggies and begin steaming.

Using a Foil Pie Tin

Take a foil pie tin and poke holes in the bottom. Use a saucepan that is wide enough to fit the pie tin inside and fill it with a thin layer of water. Place the pie tin upside down in the saucepan and put your veggies on top to steam.

Using a Microwave

Lay your vegetables in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a couple of damp paper towels. Microwave on high heat until the vegetables are tender.

How long to steam veggies for

The length of time you should steam vegetables in a rice cooker depends on the type of vegetable and its size. Here is a list of suggested steaming times for some vegetables:

• Asparagus: 20 minutes
• Broccoli: 20 minutes
• Cauliflower: 20 minutes
• Corn on the Cob: 30 minutes
• Green Beans: 15 minutes
• Zucchini: 20 minutes

In general, vegetables will steam-cook in a much shorter time than rice, which usually takes around 35 minutes. Vegetables will take roughly 5 to 15 minutes to steam, depending on their size and type. Smaller vegetables will take 3-6 minutes, medium ones 8-10 minutes, and larger pieces 13-16 minutes.

If you are cooking rice and vegetables together, it is recommended to add the vegetables part-way through the rice cooking cycle to avoid overcooking them. Open your rice cooker halfway through and check if your vegetables are fork-tender. If they are, remove the steamer basket and let the rice finish cooking. If they need more time, close the lid and check again later in the cycle.

It is worth noting that steaming times may vary depending on the specific rice cooker model and its settings. Always refer to the instruction manual for the most accurate information.

How to steam veggies in a rice cooker without a steamer basket

It is possible to steam vegetables in a rice cooker without a steamer basket. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, check your rice cooker's instruction manual to see if it can be used for steaming. Some models have a preset steaming option, and it is worth checking if there are any specific instructions or timings for this method of cooking.

Next, prepare your vegetables. Wash your chosen vegetables and chop them into small pieces. This will ensure they steam evenly and thoroughly. If you are steaming vegetables with a tough skin, such as pumpkin or squash, it is best to peel the skin first.

Now, add the rice to your rice cooker. Wash the rice thoroughly and place it in the cooker with the recommended amount of water.

Once the rice is cooked, place your prepared vegetables on top. Use a heat-resistant dish, plate, or tray, or even a sheet of foil, to prevent the vegetables from coming into direct contact with the cooked rice.

Cover the rice cooker with the lid and allow the vegetables to steam. This should take around 8-10 minutes. The heat from the cooked rice and the remaining moisture in the cooker will generate enough steam to cook the vegetables.

Finally, remove the vegetables from the rice cooker and toss them to ensure even cooking. Allow them to sit for a further 2-3 minutes before serving.

This method is a simple and efficient way to cook both rice and vegetables in one appliance, without the need for a separate steamer basket.

What types of veggies can be steamed in a rice cooker

Many types of vegetables can be steamed in a rice cooker, and it's a great way to save time and counter space. Vegetables that are suitable for steaming in a rice cooker include:

• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Green beans
• Pumpkin
• Squash
• Corn
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes
• Turnips
• Fennel
• Peas
• Bok Choy

Vegetables with stiff skin, such as squash or pumpkin, should be placed flesh-side down in the steamer basket. Harder vegetables like cabbage or carrots can be steamed in an Instant Pot, which takes around 5 to 10 minutes to come to pressure.

It's important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the type of vegetable and the size of the rice cooker. Most vegetables will take between 5 and 15 minutes to steam. To ensure perfect doneness, it's a good idea to refer to the instruction manual for specific steaming times and guidelines for your particular rice cooker model.

Frequently asked questions