10 foods you can cook with a rice cooker outside of rice

Rice cookers, often seen as a one-dimensional kitchen appliance solely for cooking rice, are in fact incredibly versatile tools that can handle a multitude of culinary tasks. With the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it functionality, rice cookers are perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. This article aims to shed light on the lesser-known capabilities of the humble rice cooker, demonstrating that it can do much more than just prepare your standard bowl of rice. From steaming vegetables to baking cakes, the range of dishes you can create with this simple appliance is surprisingly vast and varied.

Exploring the full potential of a rice cooker can transform your cooking experience, offering convenience and consistency in your meals. Whether you're living in a dorm with limited kitchen space, seeking to simplify your cooking process, or just curious about getting the most out of your rice cooker, this article is for you. We're going to dive into ten unexpected and creative ways to use your rice cooker, showcasing how this appliance can become an essential part of your cooking repertoire. So, get ready to be inspired and discover new culinary possibilities with your rice cooker!

Steamed Vegetables: Rice cookers are excellent for steaming vegetables. Simply add water to the cooker, place your vegetables in the steamer basket, and let the cooker do the work. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and beans can be steamed to perfection.

Quinoa: Quinoa cooks well in a rice cooker. Rinse the quinoa, add it to the cooker with a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio, and start the cooking cycle. It's a simple and foolproof method to get perfectly cooked quinoa.

Oatmeal: For a hearty breakfast, cook oatmeal in a rice cooker. Add oats and water (or milk for creamier oatmeal) to the cooker, and let it cook. You can also add fruits, nuts, or spices for flavor.

Soup: You can make various soups in a rice cooker. Just add your ingredients, such as vegetables, broth, and seasonings, and let the cooker simmer the soup to perfection.

Pasta: Cooking pasta in a rice cooker is straightforward. Add pasta, enough water to cover it, and a pinch of salt. Once the pasta is cooked, you can stir in your favorite sauce.

Boiled Eggs: To make boiled eggs, place eggs in the rice cooker with enough water to cover them. Use the steam setting to cook the eggs to your desired level of doneness.

Risotto: A rice cooker can simplify the risotto-making process. Sauté onions and garlic, if desired, in the cooker, add Arborio rice, broth, and your choice of ingredients. The cooker will maintain the perfect temperature for creamy risotto.

Steamed Fish: Delicate fish can be steamed in a rice cooker. Season the fish, place it in the steamer basket, and let the rice cooker steam it until it's perfectly cooked.

Pancakes: Yes, you can make a giant pancake in a rice cooker. Pour pancake batter into the greased cooker, close the lid, and let it cook. You'll end up with a fluffy, round pancake.

Cakes and Breads: Surprisingly, you can bake in a rice cooker. Mix your cake or bread batter, pour it into the cooker, and let it bake. While it won't brown like in an oven, it will be moist and delicious.