Steaming With A Rice Cooker: The Steamer Rack Advantage

If you're looking for a simple and efficient way to steam your food, your rice cooker can be a handy tool. Not only does it cook perfect fluffy rice, but with a few easy steps, you can also use it to steam vegetables, seafood, dumplings, and even desserts. The process is straightforward: fill the bottom of the rice cooker with water, place the steaming rack or basket on top, add your desired food items, close the lid, and turn on the cooker. Depending on what you're steaming, the process can take between 10 to 30 minutes. Steaming is a great way to cook healthy meals as it preserves nutrients and flavours. It's also convenient, energy-efficient, and helps prevent overcooking and undercooking.

How to steam vegetables in a rice cooker

Rice cookers are not just for cooking rice. They can also be used to steam vegetables, either on their own or at the same time as cooking rice.

First, check your rice cooker has a steam basket or tray. If it doesn't, you can make your own steamer basket out of foil, or use a small trivet or bowl, plate, or colander.

If you are steaming vegetables at the same time as cooking rice, prepare the rice as usual, then add the vegetables to the steamer basket and place it on top of the inner pot. Close the lid and select the appropriate cycle for the type of rice you are cooking. Check the vegetables halfway through the cycle. If they are tender, remove the steamer basket and replace the lid to let the rice finish cooking. If they need more time, check on them again later in the cycle.

If you are steaming vegetables on their own, add the recommended amount of water to your cooker—usually 2 or 3 cups. Fill the basket with your chosen vegetables, place it over the water, and cover with the lid. If you have a one-button rice cooker, push the button. If you have a processor-controlled cooker, there will usually be a menu option or separate button for steaming. Set an appropriate steaming time, and the machine may start automatically, or you may need to press start. The timer will count from when the unit comes to a boil, so the actual cooking time will be longer than the time you've chosen.

Some vegetables steam more quickly than others, so be selective. Broccoli cooks more quickly than cauliflower, for example, so 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 or shred them.

How to steam meat in a rice cooker

Steaming meat in a rice cooker is a convenient way to prepare a healthy meal without needing to purchase an additional appliance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam meat in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

First, check your rice cooker's instruction manual to confirm that it can be used for steaming. Ensure that your rice cooker has a steam rack or basket that can be slotted into the basin. Fill the bottom of the rice cooker with the required amount of water, and place the steaming rack or basket on top.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

The best meats to cook in a rice cooker are soft, thin meats such as chicken or fish. You can also braise beef and thicker meats, but these require a certain amount of water or a water-based liquid such as broth or stock. Season your meat with your desired spices or marinade. It is recommended to use 2 cups (500ml) of water for fish and 2½ cups (625ml) of water for chicken, pork, or beef.

Step 3: Start Steaming

Place the seasoned meat onto the steam rack or basket, ensuring it is not touching the bottom of the rice cooker to prevent burning or malfunction. Then, simply turn on the rice cooker. To avoid overcooking the meat, you may need to set your own timer, as some rice cookers will only turn off once all the water has evaporated, rather than when the meat is cooked.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

Keep an eye on your meat's temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe cooking 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). You can also open the lid of the rice cooker to check on your meat without having to turn off the machine.

Step 5: Keep Warm (Optional)

Once your meat is cooked, you can leave it in the rice cooker set to the 'warm' setting. However, avoid doing this for too long, as it may lead to overcooked meat.

Tips:

• Always use foil or a heat-safe bowl/plate when steaming meat to prevent the flavours from seeping into the rice.
• Experiment with different types of meat and cooking times to find the perfect technique for your preferences.
• Clean your rice cooker thoroughly after steaming to prevent any lingering flavours or smells.

How to steam fish in a rice cooker

To steam fish in a rice cooker, you will need a rice cooker with a steam basket or tray attachment. This will allow you to steam the fish while keeping its flavours and juices separate from the rice.

First, prepare your fish. You can use either a whole fish or fish fillets. If using fillets, use a sharp knife to create three to four quarter- to half-inch slits on both sides of the fish. If using a whole fish, cut three half-inch clefts on each side.

Next, season the fish and prepare a sauce, if desired. If you are not using a sauce, you will need to add 1-3 cups of water to the rice cooker to ensure the fish cooks thoroughly. Place the seasoned fish or fish and sauce into the rice cooker.

Turn the rice cooker on to its lowest setting. If your cooker does not have different settings, simply turn it on. If cooking a whole fish, check for doneness after 12 minutes, then every 2 minutes after that, until 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.

Finally, transfer the fish and sauce to a serving bowl or plate and serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices, or try a Chinese-inspired dish with soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, cilantro, and scallions.

Remember to check your rice cooker's instruction manual for specific steaming times and settings, as these may vary depending on the model.

How to steam dumplings in a rice cooker

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

First, fill your rice cooker with water up to the designated fill line. If your rice cooker doesn't have a fill line, fill it with water until it reaches just below the level of the steaming basket.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dumplings

While the water is boiling, prepare your dumpling filling and wrappers. Common fillings include ground pork, shrimp, chicken, or vegetables, with seasonings like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Place a small spoonful of filling in the centre of each wrapper, using water to seal the edges shut.

Step 3: Place the Dumplings in the Basket

Once your dumplings are assembled, place them in a single layer in the steaming basket. You can line the basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 4: Steam the Dumplings

Place the steaming basket in the rice cooker, ensuring it fits securely and sits level. Cover with a lid, turn on the rice cooker, and let it steam for 15-20 minutes. If your rice cooker has a "keep warm" setting, you can use this to keep the dumplings warm while you prepare to serve.

Step 5: Check the Dumplings

After 15-20 minutes, check if your dumplings are cooked. They should be firm to the touch and the wrappers should be translucent. If they need more time, put them back in the rice cooker and steam for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Once your dumplings are cooked, carefully remove the steaming basket from the rice cooker and serve hot with soy sauce or another dipping sauce of your choice.

Tips:

• Don't overfill the dumplings as this may cause them to burst during cooking.
• Don't overfill the rice cooker with water as it may overflow.
• Don't overcrowd the pot as this will lead to uneven cooking.
• Grease the steaming basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Experiment with different fillings!

How to steam eggs in a rice cooker

Steaming eggs in a rice cooker is a great way to cook eggs with minimal effort and achieve perfect results every time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam eggs in a rice cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Cooker

First, ensure your rice cooker has a steam basket or tray. If you are unsure, check your rice cooker's instruction manual or look for a separate steam tray that may have come with your appliance. The steam basket or tray is typically made of plastic or stainless steel and fits inside the rice cooker above the water level.

Step 2: Add Water to the Rice Cooker

Pour water into the inner pot of your rice cooker. The amount of water required may vary depending on the type of rice cooker you have. As a general guideline, add about 1 to 2 cups of water for a standard rice cooker. If you have a digital rice cooker without a steam tray, you may only need a few tablespoons of water.

Step 3: Prepare the Eggs

Place the desired number of eggs into the steam basket or tray. Make sure the eggs are cold from the fridge, as room-temperature eggs may affect the cooking time. Do not overcrowd the basket, as steam needs to circulate properly. Depending on the size of your rice cooker and steam basket, you may need to cook the eggs in batches.

Step 4: Set the Cooking Time and Temperature

Close the lid of the rice cooker and set the cooker to the appropriate setting. If your rice cooker has a steam setting, select that option. Otherwise, set it to the COOK or White Rice function.

Set a timer for the desired doneness of your eggs:

• For soft-boiled eggs: Set the timer for 13 to 15 minutes.
• For medium-boiled eggs: Set the timer for 11 minutes.
• For hard-boiled eggs: Set the timer for 13 to 20 minutes, depending on your preference.

Please note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your rice cooker, so you may need to adjust the timing based on your appliance.

Step 5: Cool the Eggs

Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of iced water to stop the cooking process. Allow the eggs to sit in the ice bath for 2 to 3 minutes before peeling them. This step helps to ensure that the eggs are easy to peel and prevents overcooking.

And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed eggs cooked in your rice cooker. Enjoy your eggs as-is, or use them for dishes like egg salad, deviled eggs, or Easter decorating.

Frequently asked questions