Steam Rice Cooker: A Guide To Perfect Rice

Rice cookers are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used for steaming vegetables, meat, fish, and even fruits. While not all rice cookers support steaming, most come with a steamer tray or basket that enables you to prepare healthy and tasty dishes. In this article, we will explore the different ways to use a rice cooker as a steamer, including the steps to follow and the advantages of this cooking method. We will also provide tips and tricks for getting the most out of your rice cooker and suggestions for delicious and nutritious recipes.

How to steam vegetables in a rice cooker

Steaming vegetables in a rice cooker is an easy and convenient way to cook healthy and tasty food. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables in a rice cooker:

Preparing the Rice Cooker

First, check if your rice cooker has a steam basket or tray. Most modern rice cookers come with one, but if you are unsure, refer to the instruction manual. The size of the rice cooker and its steamer basket will determine how much food you can steam. For larger quantities of vegetables or meat, consider using a larger rice cooker (10 or 20-cup capacity).

Preparing the Vegetables

Select the vegetables you want to steam. Almost any vegetable can be steamed, from broccoli and carrots to pumpkin and squash. Clean and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. For vegetables with stiff skin, like squash or pumpkin, place them in the basket with the flesh side down. You can also leave the skin on and peel it off after steaming to reduce cooking time.

Steaming Process

Add an inch or two of water to the rice cooker, then insert the steamer basket. Place the vegetables in a single layer inside the basket. Close the lid and start the rice cooker. The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the amount of food in the cooker, typically ranging from 5 to 15 minutes for vegetables.

If your rice cooker has a one-button function, press it and check the vegetables periodically for doneness. More advanced rice cookers may have a steaming function with adjustable time settings, allowing you to steam to perfection.

Serving Suggestions

Steaming preserves the nutritional value of vegetables and enhances their flavour. For a simple yet tasty dish, season your steamed vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also serve them with a side of brown rice or pasta and a dressing or sauce of your choice.

Additional Tips

• If you want to cook rice and vegetables together, add the vegetables part-way through the rice cooking cycle, as rice usually takes around 35 minutes to cook, while vegetables take significantly less time.
• You can also steam meat and fish in your rice cooker. Just remember to use foil to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice.
• Experiment with different combinations of vegetables, meats, and seasonings to find your favourite steamed creations!

How to steam meat in a rice cooker

Steaming meat in a rice cooker is a great way to cook meat healthily and conveniently. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam meat using a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

Firstly, check if your rice cooker has a steam function. Most modern rice cookers come with a steam basket or tray, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase one separately or improvise with a suitable wooden rack. Ensure your rice cooker is clean and has enough water to steam the meat. The amount of water required will depend on the type and amount of meat you are cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

Choose the type of meat you want to steam. Thin, soft meats like chicken and fish are ideal for steaming in a rice cooker. If you're cooking thicker cuts of meat, you may need to braise them, which requires a certain amount of water or a water-based liquid like broth or stock. Season the meat as desired.

Step 3: Steam the Meat

Place the seasoned meat onto the steam rack, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom of the rice cooker to prevent burning or malfunction. Turn on the rice cooker and allow it to steam. For chicken, pork, or beef, it is recommended to use 2.5 cups (625ml) of water, while for fish, use 2 cups (500ml).

Step 4: Monitor the Temperature and Cooking Time

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat reaches a safe cooking temperature. Chicken and other poultry should reach a minimum of 165°F (73.5°C), while beef and pork should be cooked to at least 145°F (62°C). Set a timer to avoid overcooking the meat, as the rice cooker will only turn off once all the water has evaporated, not when the meat is done.

Step 5: Serve or Keep Warm

Once the meat is cooked, you can serve it immediately or keep it warm in the rice cooker for a short time. Avoid leaving the meat in the 'warm' setting for too long, as it may overcook.

Remember to always use foil when steaming meat with rice to prevent the meat's flavours from seeping into the rice. Additionally, experiment with different types and cuts of meat to determine the ideal cooking times and techniques for your rice cooker.

How to steam fish in a rice cooker

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook food, and a rice cooker can be used to steam fish, meat, and vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam fish in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Place your chosen fish fillets or a whole fish on a large cutting board. If you are using fillets, use a sharp knife to create 3-4 slits on both sides of the fish that are about a quarter to half an inch deep. For a whole fish, cut three half-inch clefts on each side.

Step 2: Season and Sauce the Fish

You can season your fish with salt, soy sauce, or other spices and herbs like ginger, scallions, or cilantro. If you are using only dry seasonings, you will need to add 1-3 cups of water to the rice cooker to steam the fish. Alternatively, you can prepare a sauce to add to the fish. The sauce should include at least one cup of liquid. Some sauce suggestions include a Chinese-inspired sauce with soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, cilantro, and scallions, or an Italian-inspired sauce with tomato, basil, oregano, garlic, thyme, and olive oil.

Step 3: Place the Fish in the Rice Cooker

Put the seasoned fish or fish and sauce into the rice cooker. If you are cooking rice at the same time, wait until almost all the water has cooked out and the rice is almost tender. Then, place the fish or fish and sauce in the cooker. If you are steaming the fish on its own, simply add water to the inner pot of the rice cooker, turn it on, and once it begins to boil, place the fish in the steamer tray on top of the inner pot.

Step 4: Set the Rice Cooker Temperature

Turn the rice cooker to its lowest setting. If your cooker does not have temperature settings, simply turn it on.

Step 5: Check the Fish for Doneness

The cooking time will depend on whether you are cooking a whole fish or fillets, and the thickness of the fillets. For a whole fish, check for doneness after 12 minutes, then every 2 minutes after that. The fish is done when the flesh near the top fin easily flakes when poked with a fork. For fillets, check after 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. For fillets less than 1 inch thick, check after 5 minutes, then every 2 minutes after that.

Step 6: Serve the Fish

Once the fish is cooked, transfer it and the sauce to a serving bowl or dish. You can garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices. Serve immediately with bread or steamed vegetables.

How to steam rice and vegetables together

To steam rice and vegetables together, you'll need a rice cooker with a steam basket. Most modern rice cookers come with one, but if you're unsure, check your instruction manual. The size of your rice cooker will dictate how much food you can steam, so opt for a larger cooker if you want to steam larger quantities.

To begin, add an inch or two of water to the rice cooker, then insert the steamer basket. Place your chosen vegetables in a single layer inside the basket. If you're steaming vegetables with stiff skin, like squash or pumpkin, turn them flesh-down. You can also add meat or fish to the steamer basket, but be sure to use foil to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice.

Next, add your desired amount of rice to the rice cooker and close the lid. If your rice cooker has a steaming function, set it according to the instructions in your manual. If not, simply press the start button and check the vegetables periodically for doneness. The rice will take around 30-45 minutes to cook, depending on the type of grain, while vegetables will take significantly less time, typically between 5-15 minutes. To perfectly time both parts of your meal, add the vegetables part-way through the rice cooking cycle.

Using a rice cooker to steam rice and vegetables is a convenient and healthy way to prepare a complete meal with minimal mess and counter space.

How to steam rice and meat together

To steam rice and meat together, you'll need a rice cooker with a steam basket or tray. Most modern rice cookers come with one of these, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase one separately.

First, prepare your meat and rice. The meat should be cut into thin slices to ensure it cooks through. Season the meat as desired. Then, add the rice and the correct amount of water to your rice cooker. Place the seasoned meat on top of the rice. Do not let the meat touch the bottom of the rice cooker, as it may burn.

The pressure and steam created by the cooker will cook the meat and rice. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked to a safe temperature. Chicken and other poultry should reach at least 165°F (73.5°C), while beef and pork must be cooked to at least 145°F (62°C).

If you are steaming large quantities of meat and vegetables, consider using a larger rice cooker (10 or 20-cup capacity) to avoid having to cut your ingredients into smaller portions. Additionally, use foil to wrap your meat to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice.

Keep in mind that steaming meat and rice together may cause your rice to stick to the bottom of the cooker. To avoid this, consider cutting your meat into even thinner slices or using a non-stick cooking spray.

Frequently asked questions