The Ultimate Guide To Using Oster Rice Cookers And Steamers

The Oster Rice Cooker and Steamer is a compact rice cooker with one-touch controls, ideal for cooking rice, soups, fondue, and more. It comes with a 1-liter vegetable steamer tray for steaming vegetables or fish, a tempered glass lid, a measuring cup, and a non-scratch rice paddle spoon. The automatic keep-warm function keeps food at the ideal serving temperature, and the auto shut-off feature prevents food from burning. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the Oster Rice Cooker and Steamer:

1. Measure the desired amount of raw rice using the provided measuring cup. Note that one cup of raw rice will yield approximately two cups of cooked rice.

2. Rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove any excess starch and improves the texture of the cooked rice.

3. Place the inner pot inside the heating body, which is the main part of the Oster rice cooker.

4. Add the rinsed rice to the inner pot and pour in the corresponding amount of water. The water-to-rice ratio may vary depending on the type of rice being used. For example, soft, long-grain rice typically requires twice as much water as raw rice, while basmati rice requires 1.5 cups of water per cup of rice.

5. Close and lock the lid securely.

6. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet. Ensure it is connected to a 120-volt AC electrical outlet.

7. Turn on the rice cooker by pushing the Power or Cook button. The cooker should turn on, and the red Cook light should illuminate.

8. Let the rice cooker do its magic! Depending on the type of rice and the amount you are cooking, it may take around 20-30 minutes for the rice to cook thoroughly.

9. Once the rice is cooked, the cooker will automatically switch to Keep Warm mode. This feature ensures your rice stays at an optimal serving temperature until you're ready to eat.

10. When you're ready to serve, carefully open the lid, being cautious of the escaping steam. Use the provided rice paddle or a fork to fluff and mix the rice gently.

11. Enjoy your perfectly cooked rice!

Additionally, the Oster Rice Cooker and Steamer can be used to prepare steamed vegetables. Simply place the desired vegetables in the steamer tray, add water to the inner pot, and set the cooking time according to the type of vegetable. Always refer to the user manual for specific instructions, cooking times, and safety precautions.

How to cook rice in the Oster rice cooker

Preparation

Before using your Oster Rice Cooker for the first time, remove all packaging materials and wash the lid, inner pot, rice ladle, and measuring cup in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry these components thoroughly.

Cooking Rice

To cook rice, first, measure out your desired amount of rice using the provided measuring cup. One cup of uncooked rice will yield roughly two cups of cooked rice. The Oster Rice Cooker can cook up to five cups of uncooked rice or ten cups of cooked rice.

Next, wash the rice in a separate bowl with cold water until the water runs clear. Place the rice in the inner pot and add the corresponding amount of water. The amount of water will vary depending on the type of rice being cooked. For example, if cooking white rice, add four cups of water for every two cups of rice. For brown rice, use seven cups of water for every four cups of rice.

Set the inner pot into the rice cooker, ensuring it is firmly seated within the cooker body and is touching the heating plate. Cover the inner pot with the supplied lid to prevent steam from escaping.

Plug the power cord into an AC wall outlet, and turn on the rice cooker by pushing the "Power" switch. The "Cook" light will illuminate to indicate that the cooker is on.

After approximately 15 minutes, remove the lid and mix the rice with a large wooden spoon or paddle. Replace the lid and let the rice continue cooking.

Once the rice is cooked, the cooker will automatically switch to "Keep Warm" mode, indicated by a yellow light. The rice will remain warm until the cooker is disconnected from the power source.

Tips for Best Results

• Do not open the cooker immediately after the cooking cycle is complete. Allow the rice to rest for several minutes before opening.
• Stir the rice thoroughly before serving.
• Do not keep rice warm for more than 12 hours.
• For softer rice, allow the rice and water to soak in the inner pot for 10 to 20 minutes before cooking.
• Do not use metal utensils or sharp objects as they can damage the non-stick coating of the inner pot.
• Do not warm up the rice again after the cooker has been unplugged.

Cleaning

Unplug the rice cooker before cleaning and never immerse the heating unit, cord, or plug in water or any other liquid. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth or sponge and dry thoroughly.

The inner pot, lid, rice ladle, and measuring cup are dishwasher-safe. To clean the inner pot, fill it with hot water and let it sit for a while before washing with hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

How to steam vegetables in the Oster rice cooker

Firstly, check your Oster rice cooker comes with a steam tray or basket and refer to your user manual for water to vegetable ratios and steaming times.

Next, prepare your vegetables. Clean and cut your chosen vegetables to the appropriate size, bearing in mind that larger vegetables such as squash or pumpkin may need to be cut into multiple pieces to fit in the basket. Vegetables with stiff skin, like squash or pumpkin, should be placed flesh-down in the basket.

Now, add water to the inner pot of your Oster rice cooker. Use one-third of a cup of water for every 10 ounces of green beans, every eight ounces of sliced carrots, and every five ounces of spinach. Place the water-filled inner pot into the cooker body, ensuring it is touching the heating plate.

Then, place your vegetables into the heating tray and put the tray on top of the inner pot. Cover the tray with a lid.

Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet and turn on the rice cooker by flipping the "Power" switch down. The red "Cooking" light should illuminate.

Your vegetables will be steamed when all the water has evaporated and the machine will switch to "Keep Warm" automatically. Remove the tray from the cooker and unplug it from the wall.

Your vegetables are now ready to be served!

How to reheat rice in the Oster rice cooker

To reheat rice in the Oster Rice Cooker, follow these steps:

• Add your leftover rice to the inner pot of the rice cooker. The amount of rice should not exceed seven cups.
• Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of water over the rice. The amount of water depends on the quantity of rice—for every cup of rice, use about one tablespoon of water. Avoid adding too much water, or your rice may become mushy.
• Secure the lid on the rice cooker.
• Press the "Power" switch to turn on the rice cooker. The "Cook" light will illuminate in red.
• Allow the rice to reheat for 15 minutes. The cooker will switch to "Keep Warm" mode automatically when the cycle is complete.
• Turn off the rice cooker and unplug it from the wall.
• Fluff the rice with a wooden spoon or paddle before serving.

Note: Do not reheat rice in the Oster Rice Cooker after it has been unplugged. Always ensure the rice cooker is plugged in when reheating or cooking rice.

How to use the steamer tray in the Oster rice cooker

The Oster Rice Cooker comes with a steaming tray that can be used to prepare steamed vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the steamer tray:

• Clean and prepare your vegetables. Peel and cut the vegetables into small pieces.
• Place the inner pot inside the heating body of the rice cooker.
• Measure the appropriate amount of water and add it to the inner pot. The amount of water will depend on the type of vegetables you are steaming. For example, for green beans, broccoli, corn, peas, or mixed vegetables, use 1/3 cup of water for every 10 ounces.
• Place the steaming tray on the rim of the inner pot.
• Add the vegetables to the steaming tray and put the lid on the rice cooker.
• Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet and turn the rice cooker on by flipping the "Power" switch down. The red "Cooking" light should illuminate.
• Allow the vegetables to steam until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. The steaming time will vary depending on the type of vegetable and your personal preference. For example, corn may take 40 minutes, while spinach may take 30 to 40 minutes, and other vegetables may take 30 to 35 minutes.
• Once the vegetables are steamed to your liking, remove the steaming tray from the rice cooker and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

It is important to note that you can also steam rice and vegetables simultaneously using the steaming tray. Simply follow the instructions for cooking rice in your Oster Rice Cooker, and place the steaming tray with the vegetables on top of the inner pot before turning on the cooker.

How to clean the Oster rice cooker

To clean your Oster rice cooker, start by unplugging the appliance and letting it cool down completely. Remove the inner lid and cover to prevent grains from spilling during the cleaning process. Next, use a plastic scraper to remove any stuck-on or burnt food residue, being careful not to scratch the nonstick surfaces.

For the exterior of the cooker, wipe it down with a damp sponge and dry it thoroughly. You can also use a mild dishwashing liquid and water to scrub down any stubborn residue. Rinse with clear water and allow the appliance to air dry completely before storing it away.

It is important to note that you should never submerge the heating component of the rice cooker in water. The inner pot and steamer, however, can be safely washed in the upper rack of a dishwasher. Additionally, avoid using scouring pads or abrasive cleaners on any part of the cooker, as these can damage the nonstick surfaces.

Frequently asked questions