Do you have a rice cooker sitting in your kitchen cabinet that you never use? Well, it’s time to dust it off and put it to work! A rice cooker can be used for so much more than just cooking rice. In fact, did you know that it can also be used as a steamer? That’s right – with the right accessories, your rice cooker can become the perfect tool for steaming vegetables, fish, and even chicken.

What is a Rice Cooker?

A rice cooker is an appliance that is specifically designed to cook rice. It typically has a heating element and a cooking pot that are both enclosed in a housing unit. The rice cooker also has a thermostat that controls the temperature of the cooking pot. This allows the rice cooker to maintain a consistent temperature, which is necessary for cooking perfect rice.

There are many benefits to using a rice cooker.

First, it is very simple to use. Just add the rice and water (following the instructions in your manual), and turn it on. The rice cooker will do the rest!

Second, a rice cooker can cook perfect rice every time. No more burnt or undercooked rice for you!

Finally, a rice cooker is very versatile. In addition to cooking rice, you can use it to steam vegetables, fish, and chicken.

Now that we’ve answered the question “what is a rice cooker,” let’s move on to how to use it as a steamer.

Rice Cooker as a Steamer

To use your rice cooker as a steamer, you will need the following items:

• A rice cooker
• A steaming basket or insert
• Water

1. Add a layer of water: In order to steam food in your rice cooker, you’ll need to add a layer of water to the pot. Depending on the size of your rice cooker, you’ll want to add anywhere from 1-2 cups of water.

2. Place your steam basket in the pot: Once you’ve added the water, it’s time to place your steam basket in the pot. This will be where you’ll place the food that you’re going to steam.

3. Add your food: Now it’s time to add your food to the steam basket. Make sure that the pieces are small enough so that they will cook evenly.

4. Cook according to the instructions: Once you’ve added your food, it’s time to cook according to the instructions in your rice cooker manual. Most rice cookers have a specific setting for steaming, so be sure to use that.

So there you have it – things you need to know about using your rice cooker as a steamer.

What are the foods you can steam in a rice cooker?

A rice cooker is a great kitchen appliance to have because it can do so much more than just cook rice. In fact, with a little creativity, you can use it to steam all sorts of food. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, green beans, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are all great choices for steaming in a rice cooker. Just add water to the pot, arrange the veggies on the steam rack and let them cook until tender.

Seafood

Shrimp, fish fillets, crabs, lobster tails. Seafood are another great option for steaming in a rice cooker. Just add water to the pot, place the seafood on the steam rack and let it cook until it’s opaque and flaky.

Dumplings

Chicken and dumpling soup, wonton soup, potstickers. Whether you’re making homemade dumplings or using store-bought ones, they can be easily steamed in a rice cooker. Just add water to the pot, arrange the dumplings on the steam rack and let them cook until they’re hot and slightly puffy.

So next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal idea, don’t forget that your trusty rice cooker can do more than just cook rice. With a little creativity, it can be used to steam all sorts of delicious food.

How to Steam Vegetables in a Rice Cooker?

Steaming vegetables is a quick and easy way to cook them while preserving their nutrients. And a rice cooker is the perfect kitchen appliance for the job. Here’s how to do it:

First, add the desired amount of water to the pot of your rice cooker. Then, place a steamer basket inside and fill it with your chopped vegetables. Close the lid and turn on the cooker. The steam will begin to build up and cook the veggies in just a few minutes.

Once they’re done, remove the lid and use tongs to transfer the vegetables to a serving dish. Season them as desired and enjoy! You’ll never go back to boiling or microwaving your veggies again once you’ve tried this healthy and delicious cooking method.

How to Steam Fish in a Rice Cooker?

As any home economist knows, steam is a great way to cook fish. It helps to retain moisture, prevents sticking, and is less likely to dry out the fish. And what better way to steam fish than in a rice cooker? Rice cookers are designed to steam rice, so they’re more than up to the task of steaming fish. Plus, they’re easy to use and relatively inexpensive. Here’s how to steam fish in a rice cooker:

1. Rinse the fish and pat it dry. Season it with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.

2. Place the fish in the steamer basket of the rice cooker. Add enough water to come up to the level of the steamer basket.

3. Set the rice cooker to the “steam” setting and let it steam the fish until it’s cooked through. This will vary depending on the type of fish you’re cooking, but it should take between 10 and 15 minutes.

4. Depending on the size and thickness of your fish, it should take about 10 minutes to steam. To check if the fish is cooked through, insert a fork into the flesh. If it flakes easily, it’s done! Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the steamer and enjoy!

As you can see, using your rice cooker as a steamer is easy and can help you to create healthy and delicious meals. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal idea, don’t forget that your trusty rice cooker can do more than just cook rice. With a little creativity, it can help you to create a whole range of steamed dishes. Enjoy!