Smart Steam Aroma Rice Cooker: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can help you prepare a variety of dishes with minimal effort. With its steam function, you can cook rice, steam vegetables, fish, grains, and more. The steam option is a healthy and efficient way to cook food as it helps lock in essential vitamins and minerals while retaining flavour and texture. It also doesn't require the addition of fats or oils and uses less energy, helping to lower bills. To use the smart steam function, simply add the desired amount of water to the inner pot, place the steam tray inside, add your food, shut the lid, and press the Steam/Cook button. The new Smart Steam function will automatically set the time to 10 minutes, but you can adjust the timer as needed. Once the steaming time has elapsed, the cooker will switch to Keep-Warm mode, and you can check your food and serve it when it's done.

How to steam vegetables

Steaming vegetables in an Aroma Rice Cooker is a simple and fast way to prepare nutritious meals. This multi-purpose kitchen appliance is specifically designed to make cooking your favourite recipes easier. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables using the smart steam function on your Aroma Rice Cooker.

Firstly, ensure your Aroma Rice Cooker is set up correctly. The base should be securely connected to the lid. Insert the steam tray into the main bowl and fill it with water to the line indicated by the tray. Next, install the steam vent seal. Now, fill the main bowl with your desired ingredients.

For steaming vegetables, it is recommended to use the steam tray. Clean and prepare your vegetables. You can steam just about any type of vegetable, including broccoli, asparagus, carrots, squash, potatoes, peas, and green beans. The vegetables may also be cut into bite-sized pieces to speed up the steaming process. Place the vegetables in the steam tray, ensuring they are spread out evenly.

Now, close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on. Press the "Steam/Cook" button on the control panel. The cooker will begin to steam the vegetables. The amount of time required to steam the vegetables will depend on the type of vegetable and your desired level of doneness. Most vegetables will cook between 15-25 minutes in an Aroma Rice Cooker. If you prefer your vegetables to be crisp, a shorter cooking time is recommended.

Once the vegetables are steamed to your liking, remove them from the cooker and serve immediately while hot, or chill and serve with your favourite sauce. Enjoy your perfectly steamed vegetables!

How to steam fish

Steaming fish in an Aroma rice cooker is a simple and nutritious way to cook a delicious meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam fish using the smart steam function:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Firstly, scale and wash the fish. Rub some fine salt all over, including the head, stomach, and tail, and let it sit for around 15 minutes. If your fish is frozen, be sure to thaw it thoroughly and give it a quick rinse. You can also get rid of any fishy smell by pouring hot water over the fillet.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Make sure your Aroma rice cooker is set up correctly. Plug it in and ensure the switch is on. Adjust the setting to "steam" and preheat your rice cooker for a few minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

Add the desired amount of rice and water to the inner pot. The amount of water should be equal to the amount of rice. For example, if you are cooking one cup of rice, add one cup of water. Stir the rice into the water and close the lid.

Step 4: Steam the Fish

Once there is little visible water remaining in the rice, it's time to add the fish. Place your fish on a plate that fits the upper level of the rice cooker, or directly into the steamer basket. If your rice cooker doesn't have a steamer basket, you can place the fish on a rack or directly on top of the rice.

Step 5: Add Spices and Steam

When steam appears inside the rice cooker, add your desired spices and herbs to the fish. This could include garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, or chili. Allow the fish to steam for around 10 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.

Step 6: Serve

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the rice cooker and serve it with hot rice. Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed fish!

How to steam grains

Steaming grains is a simple and healthy way to cook fluffy rice and other grains while retaining their nutritional value. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam grains using the smart steam function on your Aroma Rice Cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Plug in your Aroma Rice Cooker and ensure it is switched on. Adjust the setting to ""Steam" using the control dial. Allow the rice cooker to preheat for a few minutes to ensure the temperature is optimal for cooking grains.

Step 2: Add Water and Grains

Once preheated, fill the inner pot with the desired amount of water. The water-to-grain ratio may vary depending on the type of grain. For example, white rice typically uses a 1:2 ratio of rice to water, while brown rice may require slightly more water. Refer to your user manual or the packaging of your grain for the recommended ratio.

After adding the appropriate amount of water, pour in the desired amount of grains. You can use the included rice measuring cup to measure the amount of uncooked grain. Each cup of uncooked grain will typically yield around two cups of cooked grain.

Step 3: Close the Lid and Cook

Close the lid of your Aroma Rice Cooker securely. Some models may have a locking lid feature, so be sure to engage it if applicable. Press the "Cook" button to initiate the cooking process. The cooker will automatically adjust the temperature and cooking time based on the selected settings.

Step 4: Allow the Grains to Rest

Once the cooking cycle is complete, it is important to let the grains rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the grains to steam and settle, resulting in a fluffier texture. Keep the lid closed to retain heat and moisture.

Step 5: Fluff the Grains

After the resting time, open the lid and use a rice paddle or fork to gently fluff the grains. Fluffing helps separate the grains and enhance their texture. Be careful not to scrape the non-stick coating of the inner cooking pot with the paddle or fork.

Tips for Best Results:

• Always use the included rice measuring cup to measure the amount of grain and water. The standard U.S. cup is 240 milliliters, while the rice measuring cup is smaller at 180 milliliters.
• Rinse the grains thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and improve the texture of the cooked grains. Use cool water for rinsing, as warm water can start cooking the grains and lead to overcooking.
• For grains like quinoa, which can have a bitter taste, be sure to rinse them under cold water before adding them to the cooker.
• If you are cooking grains with a longer cooking time, such as brown rice, consider using the delay timer function to have your meal ready at a specific time.
• Experiment with different types of grains, such as quinoa, couscous, or wild rice, and adjust the cooking settings accordingly.

How to use the delay timer

The delay timer on the Aroma rice cooker allows you to prepare meals in advance, freeing up your time and making dinner prep easier. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the delay timer function:

Firstly, ensure your rice cooker is unplugged and open the lid by pressing the "Lid Release" button. Remove the inner pot and check that it is dry and free of any debris. It is important to ensure the inner pot is dry before proceeding, as adding it wet may damage the rice cooker.

Next, measure the desired amount of rice using the provided measuring cup and pour it into the inner pot. Rinse the rice with water until the water becomes clear, then drain the water. After draining, add the appropriate amount of water to the inner pot. As a general rule, for every two cups of rice, add 2.5 cups of water. If cooking wild or brown rice, you will need to add an additional 0.75 cups of water. Adjust the water amount as needed for softer rice.

Once the rice and water have been added, replace the inner pot and snap the lid closed. Plug the cooker into a power outlet, and you are now ready to set the delay timer.

To set the timer, press the "Delay Timer" button. Each press of the button increases the time by one hour, and you can set it for up to 15 hours in advance. This feature allows you to plan your meals ahead of time and have rice ready when you need it. Once the desired time has been selected, press either the White Rice or Brown Rice button, depending on the type of rice you are cooking.

The digital display will now begin counting down from the selected time. When the countdown reaches zero, the cooking process will start. The "COOKING INDICATOR LIGHT" will illuminate, and the digital display will show a "chasing" pattern. The rice cooker will cook the rice according to your selected settings, and once it is finished, it will beep and automatically switch to "Warm" mode.

The "Warm" mode can keep your rice warm for up to 10 hours. However, it is recommended that you do not leave the rice in this mode for more than two hours, as the rice may start to dry out.

With the delay timer function, you can prepare your rice in advance, and have it ready for mealtimes without the last-minute rush. This feature is especially useful for busy individuals and families, allowing for better time management and a more relaxed dinner preparation.

How to clean and maintain your Aroma Rice Cooker

Daily Cleaning Tips

• Unplug your Aroma rice cooker and let it cool down completely before disassembling it.
• Remove the inner cooking pot, condensation collector, and accessories, including the steam tray and spatula.
• Wash the inner pot and accessories in the sink with warm, soapy water and a damp sponge. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.
• All removable components and accessories can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but check your manual for specific instructions.
• Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the inside and outside of the rice cooker. Pay special attention to small crevices, steam vents, and seals to prevent rice residue buildup.
• Dry all parts and accessories thoroughly before reassembling the rice cooker.

Deep Cleaning Tips

• Soak all removable parts in a vinegar solution (one cup of distilled white vinegar and one cup of water) for a few hours before washing with soapy water.
• Alternatively, try a baking soda reaction with lemon juice and a soft-bristle brush. Let the solution bubble and soak for 10 minutes, then scrub gently before rinsing with soapy water.
• For stainless steel inner pots, use a vinegar solution and run the cooker through a 30-minute cooking cycle. Manually switch to Warm and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes before washing with soapy water.

Additional Tips

• To prevent sticky messes, add an extra 1/2 cup of water if your cooked rice will be sitting on the 'keep warm' setting for more than 20 minutes.
• Stuck-on food is easier to remove after soaking in warm, soapy water for 2-3 hours.
• Always refer to your specific Aroma rice cooker manual for detailed instructions and care guidelines.

Frequently asked questions