Have you ever used a rice cooker before? When people think of rice cookers, they often think of just cooking rice. However, rice cookers can be used for so much more. If not, you may be surprised at all the different ways they can be helpful in the kitchen.
In this post, we’ll give you some tips on rice cooker uses to their fullest potential. From cooking perfect rice every time to making other delicious dishes, your rice cooker can do it all! So keep reading for more information on how to get started.
Here are some of our favorite recipes that can be made in a rice cooker:
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Non-Rice Grains:
You can cook so much more than just rice in your rice cooker. Depending on the model, you can cook other grains like quinoa, barley, and oats. These grains can be cooked in the same way as rice, with the water to grain ratio being similar. Simply add the desired amount of grain and water to the pot and let it cook!
Beans and Legumes:
Cooking beans and legumes in a rice cooker is incredibly easy and they come out perfectly every time. Soak your beans overnight, then drain and add them to the pot with some fresh water in the morning. Set the cooker to the “bean” or “slow cook” setting and let it do its thing. You’ll have perfectly cooked beans in no time!
Soups and Stews:
Soups and stews can also be easily made in a rice cooker. Simply add all of your ingredients to the pot and set it to the “soup” or “stew” setting. Let it cook until everything is nice and hot, then ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Rice Pudding:
Rice pudding is a delicious and easy dessert that can be made in a rice cooker. Simply cook your rice as usual, then stir in some milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and raisins (if desired). Let it cook until thick and creamy, then enjoy!
Bibimbap:
Bibimbap is a Korean dish that can be made in a rice cooker. It’s a bowl of rice topped with vegetables, meat, and an egg. To make it, cook your rice as usual. Then, sauté your vegetables and meat in a pan. Once everything is cooked, assemble the bibimbap bowls with a scoop of rice, vegetables, meat, and a sunny-side up egg on top. Serve with soy sauce and gochujang (Korean chili paste) if desired.
Giant Pancake:
Yes, you read that right. You can make a giant pancake in your rice cooker! Simply whisk together some eggs, milk, flour, and baking powder. Then, pour the batter into the pot and set it to the “cake” or “pancake” setting. Let it cook until golden brown, then flip and cook for a few more minutes. Serve with syrup or your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Whip up an easy oatmeal breakfast:
The morning meal is one of the most important parts in a day. It provides you with energy to get through your tasks and make it easier for yourself throughout the rest if not busy schedule but still many people neglect their health by eating cereal or other quick foods instead, which can be harmful because they lack nutrients needed at this time including calcium!
But now there’s an easy answer: Your rice cooker will provide all these things plus more like oatmeal cooked right before our eyes without any effort on behalf person who loves breakfast too much – simply add rolled oats, water or milk, and any other desired ingredients like honey, raisins, or peanut butter then set it to the “porridge” setting. In under 30 minutes you’ll have a delicious bowl of oatmeal that will give you everything needed to power through your day!
Vegetarian Chili:
Chilli is a great winter dish because it’s hearty and filling. It’s also perfect for vegetarians as it can be made without meat. To make vegetarian chili in your rice cooker, simply saute some onions, garlic, and vegetables in a pan. Then, add canned tomatoes, beans, and spices to the pot and set it to the “soup” or “stew” setting. Let it cook until everything is hot and bubbly, then ladle into bowls and enjoy!
Spaghetti and Meatballs:
You can even make spaghetti and meatballs in your rice cooker! Simply cook the spaghetti noodles in the pot according to package instructions. Then, make your meatballs by mixing ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, and spices. Roll the mixture into balls and add them to the pot. Set it to the “soup” or “stew” setting and let it cook until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve with spaghetti sauce and enjoy!
Apple Crisp:
Apple crisp is a delicious and easy dessert that can be made in a rice cooker. Simply mix together some chopped apples, sugar, flour, oats, butter, and cinnamon. Then, pour the mixture into the pot and set it to the “cake” or “pancake” setting. Let it cook until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft, then enjoy!
Make the easy creamy risotto:
Risotto is a delicious and creamy Italian dish that is usually made with rice, broth, and Parmesan cheese. It can be time-consuming to make, but if you have a rice cooker it’s a breeze! Simply saute some onions and garlic in a pan. Then, add the rice and broth to the pot and set it to the “risotto” setting. Let it cook until the rice is tender and the dish is creamy, then stir in some Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Poached eggs:
Poached eggs are a great way to start your day or have a light meal. They can be tricky to make, but if you have a rice cooker it’s a breeze! Simply fill the pot with water and set it to the “soup” or “stew” setting. Then, use a spoon to create a whirlpool in the water. Carefully drop in your eggs and let them cook for 3-5 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and enjoy!
Roasted vegetables:
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish. They can be time-consuming to make, but if you have a rice cooker it’s easy! Simply toss some chopped vegetables with olive oil and spices. Then, pour the mixture into the pot and set it to the “soup” or “stew” setting. Let it cook until the vegetables are tender and roasted, then enjoy!
Quinoa Fried Rice:
Quinoa is a healthy and delicious alternative to rice. It’s also great for people with gluten sensitivities as it’s gluten-free. To make quinoa fried rice in your rice cooker, simply cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Then, saute some veggies in a pan. Add the cooked quinoa and veggies to the pot and set it to the “fried rice” setting. Let it cook until everything is hot and bubbly, then enjoy!
Use it as a slow cooker:
A rice cooker can also be used as a slow cooker! Simply add your ingredients to the pot and set it to the “slow cook” setting. Let it cook for the desired amount of time, then enjoy your delicious meal!
Rice cookers are an amazing kitchen appliance that can be used to make a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to make a hearty meal or a delicious dessert, a rice cooker is a great option. So next time you’re in the kitchen, try one of these 15 rice cooker recipes and see for yourself how versatile and convenient they can be!
Steam fish or vegetables:
Steaming fish or vegetables is a great way to cook them without using any oil. It’s also a healthy and low-calorie option. To steam food in your rice cooker, simply add water to the pot and set it to the “steam” setting. Then, place your fish or veggies in the steaming basket and let it cook until they’re tender. Remove them from the pot and enjoy!
Conclusion
If you have a rice cooker, put it to good use with one of these recipes! With so many options for things to make in a rice cooker, there’s bound to be something here that tickles your fancy. From non-rice grains and beans and legumes, to soups and stews, there are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can cook up in your trusty appliance. So go ahead and give one of these recipes a try – your taste buds (and stomach) will thank you.