Steaming Delicious Wontons Using Your Rice Cooker

Wontons and dumplings are a delicious and healthy appetizer or side dish. They are usually steamed in a bamboo steamer, but if you don't have one, you can use a rice cooker. This method is convenient and efficient, allowing you to cook wontons without any specialized equipment. Here's a step-by-step guide to steaming wontons in a rice cooker, so you can enjoy these delectable treats in the comfort of your own home.

Choose the right rice cooker

To choose the right rice cooker, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the rice cooker is important. Rice cookers come in various sizes, from 3-cup to 10-cup capacities. If you only cook 1-2 cups of rice daily, a 3-cup rice cooker is suitable. For 2-5 cups of rice, a 5-cup cooker is best, and for more than 5 cups, a 10-cup cooker is recommended.

Secondly, you should consider the type of rice cooker and its features. There are four kinds: traditional, jar-o-mat, micro-computerized, and induction heated (IH). Traditional and jar-o-mat rice cookers are user-friendly and fast, with a one-touch button for plain white rice. However, they only have a single heating element at the bottom, which can produce a crust on the cooked rice. Micro-computerized rice cookers use "fuzzy logic" to warm the rice and cook it at varying temperatures, resulting in fluffier, better-tasting rice. They also offer additional functions like cooking brown rice, porridge, slow cooking, and steaming. Induction heated (IH) rice cookers are the most advanced, heating the fastest and most evenly, but they are also the most expensive.

Thirdly, the inner pot of the rice cooker affects the fluffiness, taste, and cooking speed of the rice. There are three types of inner pots: non-stick, stainless steel, and ceramic. Non-stick inner pots are convenient but will need replacement if damaged or scratched. Stainless steel inner pots are scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe but can be difficult to clean as rice may stick to them. Ceramic inner pots are heavy and breakable.

Finally, it is important to choose a reliable and well-known brand. Japanese brands like Panasonic, Tiger, and Zojirushi are known for their good design, quality, and durability.

Other features to consider when choosing a rice cooker include a see-through lid, dishwasher-safe components, an automatic shut-off function, multi-purpose functions, and a set of accessories like a steaming insert tray, measuring cups, and serving utensils.

Prepare the wontons

Preparing the wontons is a fun and simple process. First, you'll want to prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine your chosen filling ingredients, such as minced pork, shrimp, chicken, or vegetables. Season with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to taste. Mix everything well until the filling is evenly combined.

Next, it's time to assemble the wontons. Take a wonton wrapper and place a spoonful of filling in the centre. Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and wet the edges of the wrapper. Then, fold the wrapper in half, creating a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges together, making small pleats to seal the wonton. Repeat this process until all your filling is used up.

To prevent the wontons from sticking to each other, dust them lightly with flour on the sides that will touch the steamer basket or tray. Now, place the prepared wontons in a single layer in the steamer basket or tray, leaving some space between each one to allow for proper steam circulation.

If you're not planning to steam the wontons immediately, cover the steamer basket or tray with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you're ready to cook them.

Prepare the rice cooker

To prepare the rice cooker for steaming wontons, start by ensuring the rice cooker is clean and free from any food residue or lingering smells. Wash the inner pot and lid with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly.

Next, fill the rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water as indicated in the rice cooker's instructions. The water level should be enough to generate steam but not so much that it overflows during the cooking process. If you don't have a steam tray, you can place a bowl in the centre of the rice cooker and fill the rest with about an inch of water.

If your rice cooker comes with a steamer basket or tray, place it inside the rice cooker on top of the water-filled pot. Ensure that it fits securely and sits level. If your rice cooker doesn’t come with a dedicated steamer, you can use a heat-resistant plate or a metal steamer basket that fits inside the rice cooker.

Before placing the wontons in the rice cooker, add a layer of cabbage leaves or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. You can also apply a light coat of sesame oil to the surface of the steaming basket to prevent the wontons from sticking when you're ready to serve them.

Finally, close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. Allow the rice cooker to preheat for a few minutes to create a steamy environment for cooking the wontons.

Steam the wontons

To steam wontons in a rice cooker, start by filling the rice cooker with water. If you have a steaming basket, place it inside the rice cooker on top of the water-filled pot. If you don't have a steaming basket, you can place a bowl in the centre of the rice cooker and fill the rest with an inch of water.

Next, prepare your wontons. Take a wonton wrapper and place a spoonful of filling in the centre. Dip your finger in water and wet the edges of the wrapper. Bring the edges together, creating a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges to seal the wonton. Repeat this process until you have prepared all your wontons.

Once your wontons are ready, it's time to arrange them in the rice cooker. Place the wontons in a single layer in the steaming basket or bowl, leaving some space between each wonton to allow for even steaming.

Now, close the lid of the rice cooker. If your rice cooker has a steaming function, turn it on. If not, simply turn on the rice cooker and allow it to heat up. Let the wontons steam for 10 to 20 minutes. Frozen wontons may take longer to cook through completely.

Do not open the lid during the steaming process, as this will cause the steam to escape and result in uneven cooking or a prolonged cooking time. Once the wontons have finished steaming, carefully open the rice cooker and let them rest for a few minutes to cool down and for any excess moisture to evaporate.

Finally, remove the steaming basket or bowl from the rice cooker and transfer the wontons to a serving plate. Enjoy your freshly steamed wontons!

Check for doneness

Checking for doneness is an essential step to ensure your steamed wontons are cooked to perfection. Here are some methods to check if your wontons are done:

Touch

Gently press the top of a wonton with your finger. If it feels firm and bounces back slightly, it is likely cooked and ready to be enjoyed.

Texture

Carefully open one wonton and check the texture. The wrapper should be translucent, and the filling should be cooked through, moist, and tender.

Internal Temperature

Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the wontons. If your wontons contain meat, the temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure proper food safety.

Visual Cues

Look for visual cues that indicate the wontons are done, such as the edges of the wrappers becoming slightly golden brown or steam escaping from the wontons.

Taste

The best way to determine doneness is to taste the wontons. Take a bite and ensure that both the wrapper and filling are fully cooked and flavorful. Remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the wontons, so it's essential to use these methods to check for doneness rather than relying solely on the recommended steaming time.

Frequently asked questions