Aroma Rice Cooker And Steamer: A Quick Guide

The Aroma Rice Cooker and Steamer is a versatile appliance that can help streamline your cooking process. Not only can it cook up to 10 cups of perfect white or brown rice with minimal effort, but it also doubles as a steamer for vegetables, meats, and more. With its simultaneous steaming function, you can cook rice and steam foods at the same time, making it ideal for preparing small individual meals or delicious side dishes. The one-touch operation and automatic keep-warm mode make it a convenient and fool-proof addition to your kitchen, freeing up your time to focus on other activities.

How to cook rice in an Aroma rice cooker

Step 1: Open the rice cooker

First, press the "Lid Release" button on the top of the Aroma rice cooker to open the device. Make sure it is not plugged into a power source.

Step 2: Remove the pot

Remove the inner pot from the Aroma cooker.

Step 3: Measure the rice

Measure the desired amount of rice (for example, one or two cups) with the provided measuring cup, and pour it into the inner pot. Follow the directions on the box or bag of rice with respect to the right amount of rice to cook, depending on the number of people you're feeding.

Step 4: Rinse the rice

Rinse the rice inside the inner pot with water until the water becomes fairly clear. Drain all water from the pot.

Step 5: Add water

Add the appropriate amount of water to the inner pot using the measuring cup. For instance, for two cups of rice, add 2 1/2 cups of water. The water line inside the pot should reach Line 2. If cooking wild or brown rice, add an additional 3/4 cup of water over what's required for cooking white rice. For softer rice, add more water.

Step 6: Close the lid

Replace the inner pot and snap the lid closed. Plug the Aroma cooker's power cord into the power outlet.

Step 7: Start the rice cooker

Press either the "White Rice" or "Brown Rice" button, depending on the type of rice you're cooking. The cooking process will begin immediately, and when it's complete, "Keep-Warm" will be displayed on the control panel. Allow the rice to remain on "Keep-Warm" for five to 10 minutes, then open the Aroma lid and spoon the rice out of the inner pot.

How to steam vegetables in an Aroma rice cooker

The Aroma rice cooker can be used to steam vegetables, which is a great way to save time in the kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Make sure the rice cooker is unplugged and open the lid by pressing the "Lid Release" button. Remove the inner pot from the cooker.

Step 2: Measure the Water

Add water to the inner pot using the measuring cup provided. The amount of water will depend on the type of vegetable you are steaming. For example, use 1/2 cup of water for vegetables like asparagus, peas, spinach, squash and zucchini. For cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, corn and green beans, use one cup of water.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Rinse your chosen vegetables and place them into the steam tray. You can also add spices to your vegetables if desired. It is not recommended to steam vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower with the rice as they will become soggy.

Step 4: Place the Vegetables in the Cooker

Put the steam tray with the vegetables inside the rice cooker.

Step 5: Program the Rice Cooker

Press the "Steam/Cook" button on the control panel. The cooker will begin to steam the vegetables. The cooker will display "Keep-Warm" when the steaming is complete. The time taken to steam vegetables will vary depending on the type of vegetable and your desired texture. You may need to experiment to find the perfect steaming time for your vegetables.

Step 6: Serve the Vegetables

Remove the steamed vegetables from the cooker immediately after steaming is complete. Serve them hot or chill them and serve with your favorite sauce.

And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed vegetables to enjoy as a side dish or added to your rice.

How to clean an Aroma rice cooker

To clean an Aroma rice cooker, start by unplugging the device and letting it cool down completely. Once it's cool, remove the inner cooking pot, condensation collector, and accessories such as the steam tray and spatula. Wash these removable parts in the sink with warm, soapy water and a damp sponge. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface. For stuck-on food, allow the parts to soak in warm, soapy water for 2-3 hours before washing.

All removable components and accessories of the Aroma rice cooker are dishwasher-safe. However, exercise caution and avoid mixing water and electricity. After washing, dry all parts and accessories thoroughly before reassembling the rice cooker.

To clean the inside and outside of the rice cooker, use a slightly damp cloth to gently wipe down the surfaces. Avoid using a wet cloth to protect the heating element and prevent water from dripping inside. Pay special attention to small crevices, steam vents, and seals, as rice residue can build up in these areas over time.

For deep cleaning the rice cooker's inner pot, you can use a vinegar solution or a baking soda reaction with lemon juice and a soft-bristle brush. Boil one cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water in the pot, close the lid, and turn on the cooker. Once the solution reaches a boil, turn it off and let it cool before washing with soapy water. Alternatively, try the baking soda and lemon juice method, allowing the solution to bubble and soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with soapy water.

How to cook brown rice in an Aroma rice cooker

Step 1: Prepare the rice cooker

Before you begin, open the rice cooker by pressing the "Lid Release" button. Make sure the cooker is unplugged. Remove the inner pot from the cooker.

Step 2: Measure and rinse the rice

Measure the desired amount of brown rice using the provided measuring cup. The number of cups of rice you use will depend on how many people you're feeding. Pour the rice into the inner pot and rinse it with water until the water becomes clear. Drain all the water from the pot.

Step 3: Add water

For every two cups of brown rice, add two and a half cups of water. This is the basic ratio, but you can add more water for softer rice. The water line inside the pot should reach Line 2.

Step 4: Close the lid and plug in the cooker

Replace the inner pot and snap the lid closed. Plug the cooker into a power outlet.

Step 5: Start the cooking process

Press the "Brown Rice" button. The cooking will begin immediately, and when it's complete, Keep-Warm will be displayed on the control panel. Allow the rice to remain on Keep-Warm for five to ten minutes, then open the lid and spoon out the rice.

Tips:

• For best results, use a standard dry measuring cup and liquid measuring cup, or a scale, to ensure accurate measurements.
• Do not open the rice cooker during the cooking process, as this may affect the texture and doneness of the rice.
• Leave the rice cooker closed for five minutes after it finishes cooking to allow the rice to absorb excess moisture and become plump.
• If you have leftover cooked brown rice, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three to four days.

Troubleshooting:

• If your rice is too dry or crunchy, add more water (a quarter to half a cup at a time) and cook for a little longer.
• If your rice is too soggy, stir it with a spatula to distribute the remaining moisture, and leave it on the "Keep-Warm" function for ten to twenty minutes.

How to steam meat in an Aroma rice cooker

Firstly, you will need a steam rack that can be slotted into the basin of the rice cooker. Place two and a half cups of water into the cooker. It is important to not place the meat directly on the bottom of the cooker, as it may burn or cause a malfunction. Place the steam rack inside the cooker, and put your seasoned meat on top.

Turn on the cooker and allow the meat to steam. You may need to set a timer on your phone, as the cooker will only turn off once the water has evaporated, not when the meat is cooked. You can check on the meat by removing the lid without turning off the machine.

Once the meat is cooked, you can leave it in the cooker on the 'warm' setting, but not for too long, or it will overcook.

You can also cook meat stews and braised meats in your Aroma rice cooker. Simply turn the cooker to the 'cook' function, and once hot, saute any vegetables or meat before adding liquid and covering with the lid.

You can also cook meat and rice together in the Aroma rice cooker. Add the rice and the correct amount of water, then place your seasoned meat on top. The steam and pressure will cook the meat and the rice. Ensure the meat is not too thick, and cut into thinner slices if necessary.

The Aroma rice cooker is a versatile appliance, allowing you to steam, braise, and stew meat, as well as cook rice.

Frequently asked questions