6 Genius Ways to Use a Rice Cooker You Hardly Knew About in 2024
A rice cooker is a must-have in many kitchens, perfect for cooking rice with zero hassle. But did you know this appliance can do so much more? Whipping up breakfast to crafting desserts, a rice cooker is a surprisingly versatile kitchen gadget. Let’s take a peak into the world of some creative ways you can use your rice cooker beyond just making rice.
Table of Contents
1. Breakfast with The Perfect Rice Cooker
Oatmeal
Forget standing over the stove to make oatmeal. Just toss your oats and water (or milk) into the rice cooker, hit the porridge setting, and let it do its magic. Want to spice things up? Add some fruits, nuts, or a dash of cinnamon. Easy, right?
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Frittatas
Yes, you can make a frittata in your cooker! Mix up some eggs, milk, cheese, and your favorite veggies or meats. Pour the mix into the greased cooker pot and cook on the ‘white rice’ setting until the eggs are set. Boom, breakfast is ready!
2. Comforting Soups and Stews
These cookers are great for making soups and stews because they keep a steady simmer going.
Chicken Soup
Throw in some chicken broth, chopped veggies (carrots, celery, onions), diced chicken, and your favorite seasonings. Use the ‘slow cook’ setting if you have one, or just let it cook on the regular cycle, stirring occasionally. You’ll have a cozy, homemade chicken soup in no time.
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Chili
Chili in a rice cooker? You bet! Combine ground beef, beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Let it cook slowly, and you’ll have a hearty chili that’s perfect for a cold day.
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3. One-Pot Wonders
These handy cookers make one-pot meals a breeze, ensuring even cooking and super easy cleanup.
Risotto
Traditional risotto needs constant stirring, but not with a rice cooker. Sauté some onions and garlic right in the cooker, add Arborio rice and broth, and let the cooker handle the rest. You’ll get creamy risotto without all the work.
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Mac and Cheese
Yes, you can make mac and cheese in your cooker. Cook the pasta in the cooker first, then drain the water. Add milk, cheese, butter, and seasonings, and stir until you get a creamy, delicious mac and cheese. So simple and so good!
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4. Savory Dinners
Pulled Pork
Season a pork shoulder with your favorite rub, place it in the rice cooker, and add some barbecue sauce and a bit of water or broth. Set it to the ‘slow cook’ mode and let it cook until the meat is tender and shreds easily. Serve it on buns for delicious pulled pork sandwiches.
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Steamed Fish
Place a piece of fish on a piece of aluminum foil, season it with herbs and lemon, and fold the foil into a packet. Put it in the rice cooker with some water underneath, set it to the ‘steam’ setting, and cook until the fish is done. Healthy and tasty!
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5. Sweet Treats
Your rice cooker can even handle dessert!
Rice Pudding
Combine cooked rice, milk, sugar, and a bit of vanilla extract in the cooker. Cook on the ‘porridge’ setting, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into creamy rice pudding. Sprinkle with cinnamon for a finishing touch.
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Cakes
Believe it or not, you can bake a cake in a rice cooker. Mix up your favorite cake batter and pour it into the greased cooker pot. Set it to ‘cook’ and let it bake until a toothpick comes out clean. It’s a fun way to make a cake without an oven.
6. Snacks and Sides
Quinoa
Quinoa cooks perfectly in a rice cooker. Just use the same ratio of water to quinoa as you would for rice, and let the cooker do its thing. Fluffy quinoa without any fuss.
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Hard-Boiled Eggs
Want an easy way to make hard-boiled eggs? Place the eggs in the rice cooker, add enough water to cover them, and set it to ‘steam’ for about 12-15 minutes. Cool them in ice water, and you’re done!
Conclusion
A rice cooker is more than just a one-trick pony. With a bit of creativity, you can use it to make a wide range of delicious meals and snacks. So next time you’re in the kitchen, think beyond rice and explore all the possibilities your rice cooker has to offer.
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Read More:
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