Mastering The Aroma Steam Cooker: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you prepare perfect rice, steam vegetables, fish, and meat, and even cook soups and stews. With its easy-to-use design, the Aroma Rice Cooker takes the hassle out of cooking, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of using the Aroma Rice Cooker, from unboxing and setup to cooking a variety of dishes. We will also provide tips for cleaning and maintaining your appliance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.

How to steam vegetables

Firstly, set up your Aroma rice cooker by ensuring that the base is securely connected to the lid. Insert the steam tray into the main bowl and fill it with water up to the line indicated by the tray. Then, install the steam vent seal.

Next, prepare your vegetables. Chop them into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. The thicker the vegetable, the longer it will take to cook. For instance, carrots should be cut into smaller pieces to reduce the cooking time.

Now, place the vegetables into the steam tray and put the tray into the main bowl. Secure the lid, ensuring it is attached correctly.

Finally, adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed. Steaming vegetables for a shorter period of time will help retain their crispness.

Once the vegetables are steamed to your liking, carefully remove them from the cooker and serve while hot. You can also chill the vegetables and serve them with your favorite sauce.

Some vegetables steam better than others. Good options for steaming include broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, asparagus, carrots, green beans, and small potatoes. Vegetables that are less ideal for steaming include large chunks of hard vegetables, such as potatoes, squash, or celeriac.

How to cook rice

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Before you begin, make sure your Aroma rice cooker is switched off and unplugged from the power source. Press the "Lid Release" button to open the cooker, and remove the inner pot.

Step 2: Measure the Rice

Use the provided measuring cup to measure out the desired amount of rice. The number of cups you use will depend on how many people you're serving. For example, the Aroma Digital Rice Cooker can cook between two and eight cups of rice per batch. Place the rice in the inner pot.

Step 3: Rinse the Rice

Rinse the rice inside the inner pot with water until the water becomes clear. Drain all the water from the pot. This step helps to remove excess dirt, debris, and starch, preventing mushy rice.

Step 4: Add Water

Now, add the appropriate amount of water to the inner pot. The water-to-rice ratio will depend on the type of rice you're cooking. For example, for white rice, the Aroma Digital recommends a 1:1.33 ratio, while the Aroma Select Stainless recommends a 1:1 ratio. The water line inside the pot should reach the corresponding line. For instance, for two cups of rice, the water should reach Line 2. If you're cooking brown or wild rice, you'll need to add more water—about 3/4 cup more than what's required for white rice.

Step 5: Close the Lid and Plug In

Securely close the lid of the rice cooker and plug the power cord into an outlet.

Step 6: Start the Rice Cooker

Press the corresponding button for the type of rice you're cooking, such as "White Rice" or "Brown Rice." The cooking process will begin immediately.

Step 7: Keep Warm and Serve

Once the rice is done cooking, the cooker will display "Keep-Warm." Let the rice remain on this setting for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, open the lid and spoon out the rice.

Troubleshooting:

• If your rice turns out too dry or crunchy, add more water, in increments of 1/4 to 1/2 cup, and cook for a little longer.
• If your rice is too soggy, stir it with a spatula to distribute the moisture, and leave it on the "Keep-Warm" setting for 10 to 20 minutes to cook off excess moisture.

Tips:

• Do not open the lid while the rice is cooking, as this will cause heat and steam loss, prolonging the cooking time.
• Always use the measuring cup provided with your rice cooker, as it is calibrated specifically for the appliance. If you lose the original cup, use a standard 3/4 cup measure.
• Remember that factors like altitude, humidity, and temperature can affect cooking time.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked rice!

How to clean the cooker

To clean your Aroma steam cooker, follow these steps:

• Unplug the cooker and let it cool down.
• Remove the inner cooking pot and wash it in warm, soapy water. Use a nylon sponge or dishcloth and avoid using excessive pressure, steel wool, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish or coating. Rinse and dry the pot thoroughly before returning it to the cooker.
• Remove the inner lid and clean it with warm, soapy water, especially if you've used a lot of seasonings.
• Wipe down the rubber ring on the lid with a damp sponge or washcloth, and then remove any excess moisture with a dry cloth.
• Wipe down the top part of the cooker, including the area where the lid connects, with a damp sponge and then a damp cloth to scrub hard-to-reach places.
• Clean the heating plate with a damp, not wet, washcloth once it has completely cooled down.
• Clean the steam vent with a small brush, and then wipe it down with a washcloth.
• Remove the condensation collector by pushing in the space indicated by the "Push" arrow. Empty and wash it with warm, soapy water, then dry it with a soft cloth before reattaching it to the cooker.
• Clean the rice paddle and measuring cup with a sponge and dish soap, or in the dishwasher.
• Wipe down the outside of the cooker with a damp sponge or washcloth.
• Dry all parts and accessories thoroughly before reassembling the cooker.

For a deep clean, you can use a vinegar solution (one cup of distilled white vinegar and one cup of water) or a baking soda reaction with lemon juice and a soft-bristle brush. Boil the solution in the pot, then let it cool and wash with soapy water.

How to cook grains

To cook grains in an Aroma steam cooker, follow these steps:

• Open the cooker by pressing the "Lid Release" button. Ensure the cooker is unplugged.
• Remove the inner pot from the cooker.
• Measure the desired amount of grains using the provided measuring cup. Refer to the directions on the packaging to determine the right amount of grains for your meal.
• Rinse the grains inside the inner pot with water until the water becomes clear. Drain the water from the pot.
• Add water to the inner pot using the measuring cup. The amount of water will depend on the type and quantity of grains you are cooking. For example, for white rice, use the water line inside the pot as a guide, or refer to the water to grain ratios in the cooker's manual. For brown rice, add an additional 3/4 cup of water.
• Replace the inner pot, ensuring it is securely in place, and close the lid. Plug the cooker into a power outlet.
• Start the cooker by pressing the corresponding button for the type of grain you are cooking (e.g., "White Rice" or "Brown Rice"). The cooking process will begin, and when complete, "Keep-Warm" will be displayed.
• Allow the grains to remain on the "Keep-Warm" setting for 5 to 10 minutes, then open the lid and serve.

Note: It is important to avoid opening the lid while the grains are cooking, as this will cause a loss of heat and steam, prolonging the cooking time. Additionally, factors like altitude, humidity, and temperature can affect cooking time.

How to cook meat and fish

The Aroma rice cooker can be used to cook meat and fish in addition to rice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook meat and fish using the Aroma rice cooker:

Preparation:

Before getting started, ensure you have the following: the Aroma rice cooker, the included steamer tray, and your ingredients (meat or fish). It is recommended to have a bowl of cool water nearby to prevent the food from sticking to the tray. Cut your ingredients into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly and at the same rate.

Setting up the Rice Cooker:

Plug in your Aroma rice cooker and switch it on. Adjust the setting to "steam" and preheat the cooker for a few minutes. This ensures the temperature is optimal for cooking meat or fish.

Adding Water and Ingredients:

Add the desired amount of water to the inner pot. The water level should be equal to the amount of rice you plan to cook, e.g., one cup of water for one cup of rice. If steaming meat or fish without rice, add enough water to reach just below the steamer basket. Always use cold water to prevent uneven cooking and overheating.

Now, add your meat or fish to the steamer tray. Ensure they are fully submerged in the water before closing the lid. This allows for faster cooking.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Meat and fish will have different steaming times and temperatures. Fish cooks quicker than meats such as beef, chicken, or pork. For example, a fish fillet that is less than 1-inch thick may only need 5-10 minutes of cooking time, while a thicker fillet may need 10 minutes plus an additional 2 minutes for every extra inch of thickness. Check your product manual or the Aroma website for specific cooking times and temperatures for different types of meat and fish.

Tips for Best Results:

Ensure the steamer tray is placed correctly on the rice cooker to allow for proper steam circulation and even cooking. Secure the lid tightly before turning on the cooker, and use fresh ingredients whenever possible for optimal flavor.

Troubleshooting:

If you encounter any issues, first check that all ingredients are added correctly with the proper sizing and positioning. Also, ensure there is enough water in the pot and that the lid is securely attached. If problems persist, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for further assistance.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

After each use, clean all removable parts with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild detergent. Dry thoroughly before reassembling. Stainless steel surfaces can be treated with a stainless steel polish or a mild window cleaner. Proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure the long-term performance and reliability of your Aroma rice cooker.

Frequently asked questions