Indecisive about what to cook in your trusty rice cooker? Worry no more! With a plethora of 27 delectable recipes at your disposal, you’ll be making the most of this kitchen appliance in no time.
If rice is your go-to grain, then having a rice cooker at home makes perfect sense. By eliminating guesswork and consistently producing fluffy results, it’s an indispensable addition to any kitchen arsenal.
From aromatic jasmine rice and nutty basmati rice to long-grain rice and even cake, quinoa, pancake, and pudding, the possibilities are endless.
How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker?
Rice cookers simplify the process of preparing perfect rice by allowing you to add various types and set the desired setting without constant monitoring. However, achieving the ideal consistency requires finding the right ratio. Most models recommend a 1:1 proportion, but some may suggest a 1:1.5 ratio for optimal results. Once you’ve determined the suitable ratio, simply place rinsed rice in the cooker, add the corresponding liquid, set the desired cooking mode (quick, normal, etc.), and let it do its magic. After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the cooked rice to rest for a few minutes before opening the lid, fluffing the grains, and serving.
What Should You Add to Rice to Make It Delicious?
While personal preferences play a significant role in the preparation of rice, incorporating aromatic spices, herbs, and a hint of richness can elevate its taste experience. Consider adding a tablespoon of butter shortly after cooking plain rice to introduce a creamy element. Alternatively, you can also enhance the flavor profile with soy sauce or parmesan cheese as a finishing touch. When crafting loaded rice dishes, remember that an assortment of vegetables can add depth, visual appeal, and valuable nutrients. To take your rice game to the next level, consider cooking it with broth instead of water for an added layer of complexity.
Japanese Rice Cooker Recipes
The versatility of a rice cooker is undeniable, particularly when it comes to preparing an array of delectable Japanese dishes. In fact, failing to utilize this appliance for certain recipes is a culinary oversight that can be easily rectified. To help you make the most of your rice cooker, we’ve compiled a list of mouthwatering Japanese rice-based delights that are sure to elevate your cooking game.
Veggie Fried Rice
This Japanese-inspired recipe puts a creative twist on the traditional carrot and pea combination, effortlessly incorporating more vegetables into your meal. The addition of a small onion and shiitake mushrooms elevates this dish to new heights, all while remaining remarkably affordable. For more budget-friendly dinner options, explore our collection.
Tuna Takikomi Rice
This mouthwatering dish is the perfect marriage of veggies, tuna, and rice, offering a trifecta of flavor, nutrition, and filling satisfaction. The harmonious combination of ingredients creates a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a new favorite. To take it to the next level, we’ll be incorporating the distinct flavors of Japan with shiitake mushrooms, sake, soy sauce, and hijiki. With minimal prep time – just under an hour – you can transport yourself to the Far East right in your own kitchen.
Japanese Cheesecake
Transforming a humble rice cooker into a cheesecake-making powerhouse is a game-changer for anyone seeking to simplify their baking routine. By combining this impressive recipe with your trusty appliance, you can craft a stunningly fluffy cheesecake with minimal fuss and effort. To achieve this culinary masterpiece, merely adhere to the instructions, ensure each component is meticulously prepared, and allow the rice cooker to take care of the rest, effortlessly producing a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to delight.
Edamame Rice
Get ready to revolutionize your rice game with four game-changing ingredients! Edamame takes center stage in this mouth-watering recipe, but it’s the supporting cast of nametake, Ochazuke Wakame, and a dash of magic that truly elevates this dish to new heights. The humble trio of edamame, rice, and these two unique components come together to create a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Chinese Rice Cooker Recipes
Similar to the iconic Japanese rice dishes, Chinese-style rice recipes are equally enticing when prepared in a rice cooker. To create the perfect fluffy rice using a pressure cooker, consider these top picks.
Chinese Sticky Rice
At the core of this delectable recipe lies an unlikely trio: succulent pork, plump shrimp, and savory Chinese sausages. When paired with stick-to-your-rib glutinous rice, these ingredients form a harmonious union that yields a satisfying one-bowl meal. The pungent aroma of garlic and ginger mingles with the rich flavors of oyster and soy sauce, resulting in a dish that’s impossible to turn down.
Chinese Fried Rice
While a dish consisting of rice, potatoes, sausage, carrots, and peas may not immediately evoke Chinese cuisine, the addition of oyster and soy sauce transforms it into a unique flavor profile. The hour-long cooking time belies the mere 5 minutes required to prepare this Sunday dinner staple.
Chinese Sausage Lap Cheong
In as little as 25 minutes, you can savor a mouthwatering dish using only three fundamental components: rice, the savory Lap Cheong sausage, and water. This straightforward combination yields a delectable meal that’s easily elevated by a drizzle of soy sauce, allowing you to experience an even more rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Lo Ma Gai
Lo Ma Gai is a staple Chinese dish that combines the simplicity of cooked rice with the rich flavors of Lap Cheong, a type of Chinese sausage. The harmonious blend of glutinous rice, aromatic ginger and garlic, dried shrimp, and savory minced meat creates a sticky and saucy delight that will satisfy your cravings for authentic Chinese cuisine.
Healthy Rice Cooker Recipes
Seeking nutritious dishes that don’t rely heavily on sugary flavor enhancers? Look no further! Your rice cooker is about to become the ultimate kitchen companion when preparing these wholesome culinary delights.
Quinoa
When it comes to cooking quinoa in a rice cooker, you’re not limited to just cooking rice. The result is consistently fluffy and easy to achieve, thanks to a simple trick: letting the cooked quinoa sit in the cooker for exactly 5 minutes before opening the lid. This brief pause allows the quinoa to steam further, ensuring a perfect consistency that’s hard to replicate using other cooking methods.
Perfect White Rice
Achieving the perfect side dish in terms of white rice is all about striking a balance between fluffiness, slight stickiness, and holding its shape. As you’re busy attending to other cooking tasks on the stovetop, it can be challenging to achieve this ideal texture. Fortunately, having a rice cooker at your disposal makes it easier than ever to get the job done with minimal fuss.
Brown Rice
Mastering the art of cooking perfect brown rice has never been easier. This versatile recipe serves as a solid foundation that can be tailored to suit individual tastes, making it a go-to for any meal or occasion. With step-by-step guidance on how to achieve the ideal texture and flavor, this recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cooking game.
Turmeric Rice
The harmonious union of rice and turmeric is a culinary delight that never fails to impress. The vibrant yellow hue, accompanied by an irresistible aroma and buttery texture, makes this silky turmeric rice cooked in rich chicken broth a consistent crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or the main event, this flavorful accompaniment is sure to leave your guests wanting more.
Chicken Rice with Vegetables
For those who swear by one-pot recipes, this rice dish featuring chicken thighs and mixed vegetables is a game-changer for hectic evenings when cooking and cleanup seem like insurmountable tasks. By combining grain, protein, and steamed veggies in a single vessel, you’ll enjoy a satisfying full meal with minimal effort and preparation.
Coconut Lime Rice
When white rice is cooked with coconut milk and finished with a squeeze of lime juice after being fluffed to perfection, it’s transformed into a vibrant and aromatic accompaniment that can elevate a variety of dishes. This simple yet flavorful combination not only adds a nutritional boost but also injects a burst of freshness, making it an excellent side dish option for a wide range of culinary creations.
Chicken and Mushroom Rice
The humble combination of chicken, rice, and mushrooms is a staple in many households. While it may require a tad more time and elbow grease, the end result – a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish loaded with sausage and earthy shiitake mushrooms – is well worth the extra effort.
Saffron Rice
When seeking to elevate the humble rice dish from bland to grand, look no further than the subtle yet powerful presence of saffron. This prized spice lends an unmistakable warmth and depth to the dish, transforming it into a truly exciting accompaniment that can stand proudly beside polish sausage recipes, its buttery, slightly sweet flavor perfectly complementing the savory charm of these flavorful sausages.
Best Rice Cooker Recipes
Ditch mediocre results and elevate your cooking game with these exceptional rice cooker recipes that truly showcase the versatility of this kitchen staple.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
A culinary staple in Singapore, this beloved dish is elevated by the harmonious marriage of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a bold, aromatic sauce infused with the pungency of garlic and ginger. While the authentic recipe does boast a spicy kick from red chili peppers, feel free to temper the heat to your liking by reducing or omitting them altogether. However, I highly recommend incorporating some red chili flakes to preserve the dish’s signature zing.
Giant Pancakes
While the term ‘pancakes’ might be accurate from a technical standpoint, there’s something about these breakfast treats that irresistibly whispers sweet indulgence – not just in the form of a drizzle of maple syrup, but also the allure of a rich buttercream or chocolate ganache. The latter transforms this morning staple into an even more decadent delight.
Quinoa
While we’ve explored a straightforward quinoa recipe previously, I’m particularly fond of this technique. The beauty lies in its simplicity – it’s easy to replicate, and the results are consistently impressive. In fact, I encourage you to experiment with both methods and decide for yourself which one reigns supreme.
Honey Glazed Upside Down Apple Cake
Indulge in a scrumptious upside-down apple cake, effortlessly prepared in your trusty rice cooker. The result is a tender, fluffy masterpiece topped with caramelized apples that are sure to satisfy even the sweetest of toothaches. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and dare yourself to stop at just one slice – the temptation will be too great!
Upside Down Cake: Pineapple, Plum, or Orange
Indulge in a decadent upside-down cake that boasts not one, but four delectable fruit options: plums, providing a sweet and tangy twist. Alternatively, opt for oranges or mangoes to add a burst of citrusy or tropical flavor, respectively. Serve the cake warm, topped with a scoop of creamy ice cream, for an unparalleled indulgence experience.
Rice Pudding
Indulge in a creamy delight that’s as soothing as it is satisfying: this heavenly rice pudding boasts a trio of alluring flavors – milky, sweet, and vanilla-like. As you take a bite, the velvety texture melts effortlessly on your tongue, making it the ideal treat to perk up your afternoon and curb those sweet cravings.
Though the prep work is swift, the cooking process requires a bit more patience, but trust us, the extra hour of refrigeration time is well worth the wait. The end result is a scrumptious, comforting dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice
The humble combination of rice, cheese, and broccoli has won over many a heart. This particular recipe adds depth to the trio by cooking the rice in chicken broth and infusing it with the savory flavors of dried onions, garlic powder, cheddar, and butter. The result is a satisfying side dish that’s sure to become a staple.
Mexican Rice
The quintessential Mexican rice is often synonymous with bold flavors, and our recipe delivers just that. By incorporating diced green chilies, juicy tomatoes, sautéed onions, and a rich pat of butter, we’ve crafted a delectable side dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. This straightforward yet incredibly flavorful recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic Mexican culinary experience.
Mac and Cheese
Imagine a comforting bowl of mac and cheese that’s as effortless as it is indulgent. This recipe for rice cooker mac and cheese delivers on its promise, boasting a richly flavored sauce infused with creamy milk, a satisfying cheesiness, and just the right balance of seasonings to elevate this classic comfort food to new heights. The best part? No tedious pre-boiling or draining required – simply add your pasta to the rice cooker and let the magic unfold in one convenient pot.
Parmesan Rice
A decadent delight, Parmesan rice is a simple yet indulgent side dish that’s rich in butter and garlic, with the unmistakable tang of Parmesan cheese. Its velvety texture and robust flavor profile are elevated by a subtle aroma that will leave you wanting more. A versatile accompaniment to meat-based meals, this creamy rice is an ideal choice for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying side dish that’s easy to prepare in advance.
Ribs and Rice
Indulging in ribs and rice cooked to perfection in a rice cooker is an experience that shouldn’t be overlooked. The harmonious blend of gingery, garlicky flavors, accompanied by the natural sweetness of carrots and earthiness of shiitake mushrooms, culminates in a taste sensation that will leave you craving more. The addition of rich soy sauce and marinated ribs further elevates this dish, with the dark soy sauce imparting a deep, complex flavor profile that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
