How To Use The Steam Tray In Your Rice Cooker

The steam tray, or basket, in a rice cooker is used to steam vegetables, meat, fish, and dumplings while the rice cooks below. This saves time and counter space, and can enhance the nutrients and flavor of the rice.

The steam tray can be used to steam vegetables

The steam tray in a rice cooker can be used to steam vegetables, allowing you to cook rice and vegetables simultaneously and saving you time and counter space. Steaming vegetables in a tray just above your rice can also enhance the nutrients and flavour of your rice.

To use the steam function, vegetables should be cleaned and cut before being placed in the basket. Vegetables with stiff skin, such as squash or pumpkin, should be turned flesh-down. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, so steam can escape properly.

The cooking time for vegetables in a rice cooker is typically between five to 15 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable. To perfectly time both your rice and vegetables, add your vegetables part-way through the rice cooking cycle. For larger vegetables, such as squash or pumpkin, you may need to cut them into sections to fit properly in the basket and steam them in multiple batches.

Experiment with different types of vegetables and find the perfect timing for each to ensure they are tender and flavourful.

It can be used to steam dumplings

The steam tray in a rice cooker can be used to steam dumplings. This is a convenient and efficient way to cook dumplings without needing any specialised equipment. The dumplings can be cooked simultaneously with rice, streamlining the cooking process.

To steam dumplings in a rice cooker, start by preparing the filling. Combine your choice of filling ingredients, such as minced pork, shrimp, chicken, or vegetables, in a bowl. Add seasonings like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for extra flavour. Mix everything well until the filling is evenly combined.

Next, assemble the dumplings. Take a dumpling wrapper and place a spoonful of filling in the centre. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water and fold it in half, creating a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together, making small pleats to seal the dumpling. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.

To prevent the dumplings from sticking to each other, dust them lightly with flour. Then, arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the steamer basket or tray, leaving some space between each dumpling to allow proper steam circulation.

If you don't have a steam tray, you can place a bowl in the centre of the rice cooker with the dumplings and fill the rest with about an inch of water. Close the lid and turn on the rice cooker. The dumplings will take around 5-10 minutes to cook, depending on the temperature of the water and the number of dumplings.

When the dumplings are cooked, serve them with a dipping sauce. A classic choice is a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a drizzle of chilli oil. You can also garnish the dumplings with thinly sliced green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for added freshness and colour.

You can steam meat in the tray

Many rice cookers come with a steam basket or tray, which can be used for steaming vegetables or meat. If you're unsure if your rice cooker can be used for steaming, check its instruction manual or look for a separate steam tray or basket that came with the cooker. The size of the cooker will dictate how much food you can steam.

You will need to experiment with cooking times and temperatures, as these will vary depending on the type of meat and the toughness of the cut. Meat will need to be cut into chunks to ensure it cooks through. Thinner cuts of meat will cook faster than thicker ones. You can also sear the meat before steaming it to improve the texture and flavour.

Some rice cookers have preset steam settings, which can be useful for getting started with steaming meat. However, you may need to adjust the settings depending on the type of meat you are cooking.

The tray can be used to wash rice

The steam tray in a rice cooker can be used for more than just steaming food. One of its additional uses is washing rice. The tray, often with holes at the bottom and slots on the side, can be used as a basket to wash rice. This method marginally speeds up the process of rinsing the rice.

To wash rice using the steam tray, follow these steps:

• Place the desired amount of rice in the tray.
• Rinse the rice with water, ensuring that the water passes through the holes in the tray.
• Gently agitate the rice with your hands or a spoon to ensure that all the grains are thoroughly cleaned.
• Drain the cloudy water and repeat the process until the water runs clear.
• Once the rice is sufficiently rinsed, you can proceed to cook it in the rice cooker as usual.

Using the steam tray for washing rice not only makes the process more efficient but also helps to reduce the amount of rice that sticks to the bottom of the pot during cooking. This makes cleanup easier and minimizes food waste.

It is important to note that different rice cooker models may have varying designs for their steam trays, so it is always a good idea to refer to the instruction manual for specific guidelines on how to use the tray for washing rice. Additionally, proper care and maintenance of the steam tray are essential to ensure its longevity and food safety. Regular cleaning of the tray, especially after each use, is recommended to prevent the buildup of bacteria and food residue.

It can be used to steam eggs

The steam tray in a rice cooker can be used to steam eggs. Steaming is a gentle way of cooking eggs, and it can be a convenient method if you are already cooking rice. The eggs can be placed in the steam tray and cooked at the same time as the rice or you can add them part-way through the cooking cycle if you prefer your eggs less cooked.

To steam eggs in a rice cooker, you will need to add water to the rice cooker, as you would when cooking rice. The amount of water will depend on the type of rice cooker you have, so it is always a good idea to check the instruction manual. Most rice cookers will have a minimum and maximum fill line, so you can add water within this range. You will also need to ensure that the steam tray is inserted correctly and that it is not overcrowded, so steam can escape properly.

Once the rice cooker is prepared, you can place the eggs in the steam tray. It is best to use a steaming rack or trivet inside the steam tray to elevate the eggs above the water. You can then place the lid on the rice cooker and turn it on. The eggs will cook via the steam generated by the rice cooker.

The cooking time for the eggs will depend on several factors, including the number of eggs, their size, and your desired level of doneness. Generally, steaming eggs take around 10-20 minutes, but it is important to monitor the eggs to ensure they are cooked to your liking. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the eggs. For runny yolks, aim for a temperature of around 150°F, while for set yolks, you will need a temperature of at least 160°F.

Using a rice cooker to steam eggs is a convenient and gentle way to prepare them. It allows you to cook eggs and rice simultaneously, saving time and effort. By adjusting the cooking time and temperature, you can also achieve your desired level of doneness for the eggs.

Frequently asked questions