Creative Steaming: Delicious Meals With Your Rice Cooker

Rice cookers are incredibly versatile and can be used to steam a wide variety of foods. From vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and asparagus to proteins such as fish, chicken, and shrimp, your rice cooker can handle it all. You can even steam dumplings, hard-boiled eggs, and desserts like poached fruit. So, if you're looking to get more use out of your rice cooker, experiment with steaming different foods and discover the endless possibilities it offers beyond just cooking rice.

Vegetables

Rice cookers are incredibly versatile and can be used to steam a wide variety of vegetables. Here are some tips and ideas for steaming vegetables with your rice cooker:

Preparation

Before steaming, ensure your vegetables are cleaned and cut into appropriate sizes that will fit in the basket. Vegetables with tough or stiff skin, like squash or pumpkin, should be placed flesh-side down in the basket. If your rice cooker didn't come with a steamer basket, you can purchase one separately or use a heat-proof dish or bowl.

Timing

Enhancing Flavour and Nutrition

Steaming vegetables above your rice can enhance the flavour and nutrition of both the rice and the vegetables. Try adding some broth or stock to boost flavour. You can also experiment with adding spices or herbs to your rice cooker, such as turmeric.

Vegetable Ideas

The possibilities are endless when it comes to steaming vegetables in your rice cooker. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Celery
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Peas
• Beets
• Cauliflower
• Squash
• Pumpkin

Meat

A rice cooker is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook meat in addition to rice. Here are some tips and guidelines for steaming meat in a rice cooker:

Types of Meat Suitable for Rice Cookers:

Rice cookers work best for steaming soft, thin meats such as chicken, fish, and other poultry. These types of meat can be cooked effectively using the steam generated by the rice cooker. For thicker cuts of meat, like beef or pork, a different approach is recommended.

Cooking Meat with Rice:

One option is to cook the meat and rice together in the rice cooker. Add the rice with the appropriate amount of water, and then place your seasoned meat on top. It is important that the meat is in thinner slices to ensure even cooking. The steam and pressure will cook both the meat and rice simultaneously. However, be cautious as rice may stick to the bottom of the cooker, especially when cooking meat and rice together.

Steaming Meat:

If you want to steam meat, it is recommended to use a steam rack or basket inside the rice cooker. This ensures that the meat doesn't touch the bottom of the cooker, preventing burning or malfunction. Use 500ml of water for fish and 625ml for chicken, pork, or beef. Place the seasoned meat on the steam rack and turn on the cooker. Keep in mind that rice cookers don't always have timers, so you may need to set your own timer to avoid overcooking the meat. With practice, you'll get a better sense of the ideal cooking time.

Braising and Stews:

Rice cookers can also be used for braising meat or making meat stews. Turn on the cooker to the 'cook' function, and once hot, sauté any vegetables or meat. Then, add the liquid and cover with the lid to let the dish cook thoroughly. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid used, depending on the specific recipe and the requirements of your rice cooker.

Food Safety and Temperature:

It is crucial to ensure that meat is cooked to a safe temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken and other poultry reach at least 165°F (73.5°C), while beef and pork should reach a minimum of 145°F (62°C).

Washing Meat:

It is not recommended to wash raw meat before cooking, as it can spread microbes to your kitchen surfaces and utensils. Instead, add the meat directly to the rice cooker or pan. Cooking effectively inactivates microbes, so there is no need to worry about them as long as the meat is cooked thoroughly.

Fish

Preparation

Before steaming, it is important to prepare the fish. You can use either whole fish or fish fillets. If using fillets, create three to four slits on both sides of the fish that are about a quarter to half an inch deep. For whole fish, make three half-inch clefts on each side. This will help the fish cook evenly.

Seasoning and Sauce

You have the option to season the fish with salt, soy sauce, or other spices and herbs of your choice. If you want to add a sauce, it must have at least one cup of liquid to ensure the fish cooks properly. Italian, Chinese, and Cajun-style sauces are all great options to pair with fish.

Cooking Process

Place the seasoned fish or fish and sauce into the rice cooker. If your rice cooker has a steamer basket, you can use that. Otherwise, simply place the fish directly into the cooker. Turn the cooker on to its lowest setting. The amount of time needed to cook the fish will depend on the thickness of the fillets or the size of the whole fish. For fillets, check after 5-10 minutes, and for whole fish, check after 12 minutes. The fish is done when the flesh easily flakes when poked with a fork.

Serving

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

Tips

• It is recommended to cook the fish and rice separately, as they have different cooking times.
• If cooking without a sauce, add 1-3 cups of water to the bottom of the rice cooker to ensure the fish cooks thoroughly.
• Always use foil when steaming fish to prevent the flavour from seeping into the rice.
• Check the fish often to ensure it does not overcook.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, tender, and flavourful steamed fish prepared right in your rice cooker!

Eggs

If you're looking to get more use out of your rice cooker, steaming eggs is a great option. It's a simple, low-effort method that yields perfect eggs every time. Here's how to do it:

Preparation

Before you begin, check your rice cooker's instruction manual to familiarise yourself with its steaming function. Most rice cookers come with a steam basket or tray, which is perfect for steaming eggs. If you can't find yours, you can always purchase a cheap alternative at a thrift store or online.

Cooking

First, add water to the inner pot of your rice cooker. The amount of water required will depend on the type of rice cooker you have. For a digital rice cooker with a steam tray, add 2 cups of water. If you have a classic rice cooker with a steam tray, add the same amount. However, if your rice cooker doesn't have a steam tray, you'll need to adjust the amount of water accordingly. For a digital rice cooker without a steam tray, add 3-6 tablespoons of water, depending on the desired doneness of your eggs. Similarly, for a classic rice cooker without a steam tray, use 3-6 tablespoons of water.

Next, place your desired number of eggs into the steam tray. If your rice cooker didn't come with a steam tray, you can carefully place the eggs directly into the inner pot. Close the lid of the rice cooker.

Timing

Now, it's time to set the timer. The timing will depend on the type of rice cooker you have and your desired level of doneness for your eggs. For soft-boiled eggs, set the timer for 8 minutes in a digital rice cooker with a steam tray or 13-15 minutes in a classic rice cooker with a steam tray. If you're using a digital rice cooker without a steam tray, set the timer for 8 minutes, and for a classic rice cooker without a steam tray, set it for 13-15 minutes. Medium-boiled eggs should be cooked for 11 minutes in either type of rice cooker, with or without a steam tray. Finally, for hard-boiled eggs, set the timer for 13 minutes in a digital or classic rice cooker with a steam tray or 20 minutes in a digital or classic rice cooker without a steam tray.

Finishing Touches

Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of iced water to halt the cooking process. Allow the eggs to sit in the ice bath for 2-3 minutes, and then they're ready to be peeled and enjoyed!

Tips

It's important to note that the timing may vary slightly depending on your specific rice cooker, so you may need to adjust the times accordingly. Additionally, if you prefer your eggs warm, it's best to make them fresh. However, you can always make a batch and store them in the fridge for later.

Beans

A rice cooker can be used to cook a variety of foods, including beans. Here is a guide on how to cook beans in a rice cooker:

Preparation:

First, sift through and clean the beans to remove any debris. Then, soak the beans in warm water. It is recommended to soak the beans overnight. In the morning, drain and rinse the beans, and put them back in the rice cooker. It is important to note that you should not add salt to the beans at any time during the cooking process, as this will cause them to remain hard. You can also add a bay leaf to the beans to help with digestion.

Cooking:

For every cup of beans, add two to three cups of water to the rice cooker. Use the steam function and run the cooker through one cycle. Check the water level and add more water if needed. Then, run the cooker through another cycle. The beans are done when they are tender. Simply remove the bay leaf, drain, and rinse the beans when they are finished cooking.

Tips:

It is recommended to cook no more than two cups of beans at a time in your rice cooker to avoid overflow. Additionally, tougher beans such as chickpeas may require more than two cycles to fully cook.

Frequently asked questions