Using Steam Basket With Black+Decker Rice Cooker

The Black & Decker rice cooker comes with a steaming basket that can be used to steam vegetables, fish, and meat. The basket sits inside the rice cooker above the pot and uses steam generated from the rice cooking below to cook food. This provides a healthy way to prepare food without the added fats present in frying or sauteing. The Black & Decker steamer can also be used to cook various types of rice, including quinoa, risotto, sushi rice, and oatmeal.

Using the steam basket to cook vegetables

Preparing the Vegetables:

Before using the steam basket, ensure your vegetables are clean. Rinse them under running water to remove any dirt or residue. This step is crucial to guarantee the safety and cleanliness of the food you're about to cook.

Once they're cleaned, cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to eat. You can cut them into florets or slices, depending on the type of vegetable you're using.

Using the Steam Basket:

Now, it's time to prepare your rice cooker. Pour water into the cooking pot of the rice cooker. The amount of water required may vary, but generally, about 1-2 cups of water, stock, or vegetable broth should be enough. You can use cold or room-temperature liquid.

Next, place the cleaned and cut vegetables into the steam basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for proper steam circulation and escape. Put the basket into the rice cooker, ensuring it sits just above the water level. Securely place the lid on top.

Cooking the Vegetables:

Consult your Black+Decker rice cooker manual for specific instructions on using the steam function. Turn on the rice cooker and set the timer. The steaming time will depend on the type of vegetable you're cooking.

For example, cooking white rice usually takes around 35 minutes, but vegetables will be done much quicker, typically within 5 to 15 minutes. So, if you're cooking rice simultaneously, add the vegetables partway through the rice cooking cycle to ensure both are ready at the same time.

Once the timer goes off, turn off the rice cooker and unplug it. Avoid leaving it on a 'warm' setting, as this will continue cooking the vegetables, leading to overcooking.

Serving the Vegetables:

Transfer the steamed vegetables to a plate and season to taste. You can enjoy them as a simple side dish, or add them to a salad for some extra crunch. For enhanced flavor, try drizzling them with low-fat ranch dressing and sprinkling them with Parmesan cheese or seasoning of your choice.

Your delicious and nutritious steamed vegetables are now ready to be served!

Using the steam basket to cook meat

The Black & Decker steamer can be used to cook meat, in addition to rice and vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide to using the steam basket to cook meat:

Firstly, ensure you have the correct-sized steam basket for your rice cooker. Check your instruction manual for any specific guidelines or tips, and to confirm that your model can be used for steaming meat. It is important to use foil when cooking meat to prevent the meat juices from seeping into the rice.

Next, prepare your meat. The steam function is great for tenderizing meat, especially for pulled beef or pork. You can experiment with different types of meat, but remember that some meats require hotter temperatures than others. For example, chicken and other poultry should be cooked to a minimum of 165°F, while beef and pork must reach at least 145°F. Monitor the temperature of your meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe cooking temperature.

Now, add water to the rice cooker. Always refer to the owner's manual for the exact amount of water needed. Fill the water reservoir with cold tap water to the designated line and put the steaming bowl onto the base.

Then, add your meat to the steam basket. Place the basket inside the rice cooker, ensuring it is not overcrowded, so steam can escape properly. Secure the lid tightly to create a seal for proper steaming.

Set the timer on the steamer according to the type and amount of meat you are cooking. Remember that steaming times will vary depending on the toughness of the meat. As a guide, fresh fish fillets (around 1/2 pound) take 10-14 minutes, and chicken breast with the bone (around 1 pound) takes 30-34 minutes.

When the timer goes off, carefully open the steamer and check the meat's doneness. If it requires more time, ensure you shake off any excess water from the lid over the sink before resealing and setting the timer again.

Finally, once the meat is cooked, remove the steaming bowl from the base, being cautious of any steam. Unplug the steamer, carefully open the lid, and use oven mitts or pot holders to handle the steam basket.

Your meat is now ready to be served!

Using the steam basket to cook frozen foods

The Black and Decker rice cooker can be used to cook frozen foods such as frozen gyoza, frozen chicken, and frozen vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the steam basket to cook frozen foods:

First, ensure that your rice cooker has a steam basket. The Black and Decker rice cooker comes with an attached steam basket, which is perfect for steaming fish, vegetables, dim sum, and other recipes.

Before you begin, always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions and guidelines. As a general rule, there should be at least 3 to 4 inches of water in the rice cooker, and make sure the water does not come into contact with the steaming basket.

Now, you can add your frozen foods to the steam basket. Ensure that you do not overcrowd the basket, allowing for proper steam circulation. You can add frozen vegetables, frozen dumplings, or even frozen meat, such as chicken fillets.

Once you have added your frozen food to the basket, cover the rice cooker with the lid and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on the type and amount of food you are cooking. For example, fresh broccoli florets take 16-18 minutes, while fresh chicken fillets take 10-14 minutes. Frozen foods may take slightly longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

While the food is cooking, you may need to gently lift the lid to release any excess steam. It is important not to lift the cover too often, as this can lengthen the cooking time.

When the timer goes off, carefully open the steamer and check the food for doneness. If it needs more time, close the lid and set the timer for a few more minutes.

Finally, when the food is cooked to your desired level of doneness, turn off the rice cooker and carefully remove the steaming basket using oven mitts or pot holders.

By following these steps, you can easily cook frozen foods using the steam basket in your Black and Decker rice cooker, creating healthy and tasty meals with minimal effort.

Using the steam basket with other liquids

The Black+Decker™ RC506 6 Cup Rice Cooker is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook rice, soups, stews, and steam vegetables. It comes with a steaming basket that can be used to steam vegetables and other foods. Here are some instructions for using the steam basket with other liquids:

Firstly, it is important to note that the cooking bowl should not be used directly on a gas or electric cooktop or on an open flame. The rice cooker should be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface, free from cloth, liquids, and any other flammable materials.

To use the steaming basket, add the cooking bowl to the cooking base and then add 3/4 cup of liquid to the cooking bowl. You can use water, stock, broth, or juice. Seasonings can also be added to the liquid if desired. It is important to note that you should not fill the cooking bowl higher than the highest watermarking measurement.

Next, place the foods to be steamed inside the steaming basket and set the basket inside the cooking bowl. Ensure that the water or liquid in the cooking bowl is not touching the basket. Secure the lid and plug in the appliance. The warm indicator light will automatically illuminate, and the appliance will start heating.

Push down the control switch to start the cooking process. The cook indicator light will illuminate. Steaming times will vary depending on the type of food being cooked. Begin checking for doneness after the initial 5 minutes. For vegetables, steaming will typically take between 16 to 18 minutes.

When the food is done, unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely before removing the lid and basket. Use oven mitts or potholders when touching any outer or inner surface of the appliance to avoid burns.

Using the steam basket with other Black+Decker models

If you have a 6-cup Black+Decker rice cooker (RC506) model, you can use the steam basket to cook vegetables at the same time as your rice. It is advised to check your manual for any tips, but generally, you should be able to use the steam basket function while cooking rice. Just ensure that you do not overcrowd the basket, allowing steam to escape properly.

Some users have reported cooking rice and steaming baby carrots, broccoli, and goyza at the same time with good results. Others have steamed chicken and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, which were then chopped up and mixed with the cooked rice.

If your model has a "synchro" setting, this is likely the setting to use when cooking rice and steaming simultaneously. Always refer to your manual for model-specific instructions.

Frequently asked questions