Rice Cooker's Hidden Talent: Steam Cooking Perfection

Rice cookers are a handy kitchen appliance that can be used for more than just cooking rice. With a steam basket, you can steam tender and flavourful vegetables, meats, and even dumplings at the same time as cooking rice, saving time and counter space. This also enhances the nutrients and flavour of your rice, as the steam from the cooker fills the space above the rice. Steaming is a great way to cook a variety of foods, as it preserves the nutritional value, texture, and flavour of the food. To use your rice cooker as a steamer, simply add water to the cooker, insert a steamer basket, and place your chosen food inside. Close the lid and start the cooking cycle, referring to your rice cooker's manual for specific instructions and timings.

Use a steam basket to steam vegetables

Using a rice cooker as a steamer is a great way to cook vegetables, and it's very simple to do. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a steam basket to steam vegetables in a rice cooker:

Firstly, check your rice cooker comes with a steam basket. Most rice cookers do, but if you're unsure, check the instruction manual. The manual will also tell you how much water to add to the cooker – usually around 2 or 3 cups.

Next, prepare your vegetables. Vegetables should be cleaned and cut before they are placed in the steam basket. Vegetables with stiff skin, such as squash or pumpkin, should be turned flesh-side down. If you are steaming denser vegetables such as carrots, slicing them thinly will help them cook more evenly.

Now, add the water to the rice cooker and place the vegetables in a single layer in the steam basket. Place the basket in the cooker, ensuring it is positioned above the water. Close the lid.

If your rice cooker has a single "on" button, press it and wait for the water to boil. If your cooker is more advanced, there may be a steaming function that can be set for specific increments of time. Either way, steaming vegetables should take between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable.

Finally, unplug the pot and remove the vegetables when they reach your desired level of doneness.

Using a steam basket to steam vegetables in a rice cooker is a quick and convenient way to prepare a healthy side dish with minimal mess.

Steam meat and fish

Steaming meat and fish in a rice cooker is a fantastic way to achieve juicy and tender results while retaining flavours and textures. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam meat or fish using your rice cooker:

Preparation

Clean and prepare the meat or fish of your choice. For meat, you can use chicken breasts, pork chops, beef cuts, or any other meat you prefer. For fish, you can use whole fish, fillets, shrimp, or scallops. Season the meat or fish with salt, pepper, herbs, or marinades according to your taste.

Add Water

Fill the inner pot of the rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended water level. The water level should be below the steamer basket or tray to prevent the meat or fish from being submerged. As a general guideline, use 2 cups (500ml) of water for fish and 2½ cups (625ml) of water for chicken, pork or beef.

Place the Meat or Fish

Arrange the seasoned meat or fish on the steamer basket or tray. Make sure they are placed in a single layer and not overcrowded to ensure even cooking. Do not overcrowd the steamer basket as this can result in uneven cooking. Leave enough space between the ingredients to allow the steam to circulate and cook them properly.

Start Steaming

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. Set the timer based on the thickness and type of meat or fish you are steaming. As a general guideline, steam fish fillets for about 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness, while whole fish may take longer. For meat, steam chicken breasts or pork chops for about 15-20 minutes, and thicker cuts of beef may require longer cooking times.

Check for Doneness

After the recommended cooking time, carefully open the lid and check the doneness of the meat or fish. For fish, the flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork. For meat, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C), while pork and beef should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. If your meat or fish is not fully cooked, simply close the lid and continue steaming for a few more minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the meat or fish is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove the steamer basket or tray from the rice cooker. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. Enjoy the moist, succulent, and well-seasoned results of your steamed meat or fish.

Tips for Steaming Meat and Fish

• When steaming meat or fish, it is important to always use foil to keep the flavours from seeping into the rice.
• Experiment with different seasonings, marinades, or sauces to enhance the taste of your steamed dishes.
• Steaming is a great way to tenderise meat for pulled beef or pork.
• Monitor the temperature of your meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe cooking temperature.
• Be mindful of the size of your rice cooker and steam basket, as you may need to cut your meat and fish into smaller pieces to fit.

Steam foods without rice

Rice cookers are extremely versatile and can be used to steam a variety of foods, including vegetables, meat, and fish. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam foods without rice in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Before using your rice cooker as a steamer, it is important to consult the instruction manual to ensure that your appliance is suitable for steaming. Most rice cookers come with a steam basket or tray, but if yours doesn't, you can use a small trivet, plate, bowl, or a colander instead. Additionally, some rice cookers have preset steam settings or a separate synchro setting for simultaneous steaming and rice cooking. Refer to your manual to understand the specific functionalities of your rice cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Food

When steaming vegetables, clean and cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. For dense vegetables like carrots, slicing them thinly or shredding them can help them cook faster. If you're steaming meat or fish, wrap them in foil to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice.

Step 3: Add Water to the Rice Cooker

Pour the recommended amount of water into the cooking pot of your rice cooker. Typically, 2 to 3 cups of water is sufficient.

Step 4: Prepare the Steamer Basket

Place the prepared food into the steamer basket or alternative steaming vessel. Ensure that the food is in a single layer and not overcrowded, allowing steam to escape properly.

Step 5: Start the Steaming Process

Position the steamer basket over the water in the cooking pot. If using a plate or bowl, you can place it on a trivet or foil balls to elevate it above the water. Close the lid of the rice cooker.

If your rice cooker has a one-button operation, simply press the button to start the cooking cycle. For more advanced models, select the steam option from the menu or press the dedicated steam button. Set the steaming time according to the type of food and your desired doneness. Refer to your manual for specific steaming times and instructions.

Step 6: Monitor the Steaming Process

Keep an eye on the steaming process, especially if you're cooking different types of foods together. Some foods may require you to add them at different stages of the cooking cycle. Additionally, denser vegetables or larger pieces of food may need more time to cook.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

The timing for steaming will depend on the type of food and your preferred level of doneness. Vegetables are typically steamed for 5 to 15 minutes, while meats may require a hotter temperature and longer cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that meats reach a safe internal temperature: 165°F for poultry and 145°F for beef and pork.

Use a kitchen timer when steaming food

Using a kitchen timer when steaming food in your rice cooker is a good idea, especially if you are cooking rice at the same time. The amount of food in the cooker will affect the cooking time, so it's important to keep an eye on it.

If you are cooking rice and steaming food at the same time, you will need to add the food to the steamer basket part-way through the rice cooking cycle to avoid overcooking it. If your rice cooker has a steaming preset, you can simply press the button and let it cook. If not, you can set a timer or experiment with the cooking time.

Most vegetables have a cooking time of 5 to 15 minutes, but this depends on the type of vegetable and the amount of food in the cooker. Broccoli cooks faster than cauliflower, for example. If you want to steam them together, make the cauliflower florets smaller than the broccoli florets. For carrots and other dense vegetables, slice them thinly so they cook at the same pace as faster-cooking veggies.

If you are steaming meat or fish, you will need to cook it for longer. Meat and fish require a hotter temperature than vegetables. You will need to check the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe cooking temperature. Chicken and other poultry should reach at least 165 F, while beef and pork must be cooked to at least 145 F.

When using a kitchen timer for steaming food in a rice cooker, it's important to remember that the timer will not start counting down until the cooker has reached the desired heat and steam levels. If the timer does not start counting down after about 10 minutes, try adding more water.

Steam vegetables with rice

Steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is a great way to prepare a healthy and tasty side dish with minimal mess. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get perfect results:

First, check your rice cooker's instruction manual to ensure it has a steaming function. Most rice cookers have a steam basket or tray, but if yours doesn't, you can make your own using aluminium foil, or place the vegetables directly on top of the rice.

If you are steaming vegetables with rice, prepare the rice as usual, adding the required amount of water to the inner pot. Place the steamer basket on top of the rice and add your chosen vegetables. Close the lid and select the appropriate cycle for the type of rice you are cooking.

The steaming time will depend on the type and size of the vegetables. Smaller or thinner pieces will cook faster, so try to cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini usually take around 15-20 minutes to steam, while asparagus and corn on the cob may need up to 30 minutes. Check your vegetables halfway through the cycle. If they are fork-tender, 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.

You can also add flavour to your rice by substituting an equal amount of chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for water. Additionally, if you are steaming vegetables on their own, simply add water to the cooking pot, place the vegetables in the steamer basket, and start the cooking cycle.

By following these steps, you can easily prepare nutritious and delicious steamed vegetables with rice using your rice cooker.

Frequently asked questions