How to steam vegetables in a rice cooker – Step-to-step guide

Did you know it’s possible to steam vegetables in your rice cooker? The rice cooker can do many things, and one of which is steaming your fresh vegetables. As we continue you will learn how to do this.

There are ways to prepare vegetables, but steaming is the best option because it does not wash away the flavor, color, and nutrients.

Let’s get into the article!

steam vegetables in a rice cooker

How to steam vegetables in a rice cooker

The simple method on how to steam vegetables in a rice cooker, may not require a parcel of creative appliances to steam vegetables. Below is a list of what you would require to steam vegetables in a rice cooker.

  • Vegetables
  • Water
  • Steam basket
  • Preparation & cook time

Vegetables

Select any sort of vegetable you want, or anything in the season. Some could include broccoli florets and green beans cauliflower florets. Ensure to wash and trim before cooking time.

Water

Water is a vital part of the preparation when steaming vegetables in a rice cooker. Water in the rice cooker is utilized to make steam. The quantity of water you’ll require will depend on the estimate and the sort of electric rice cooker you have got.

Normally, you’ll need to utilize approximately 1 cup of water for every 2 mugs of vegetables that you simply need to cook. On the off chance that you’re not certain how much water to utilize, you may add water until beneath your rice cooker is covered.

Steam basket

A steaming basket is equipment that is placed inside the rice cooker pot and takes in the vegetables.

It permits the steam to spread around the vegetables and slow-cook them at the same time.

In case you don’t have a basket, you may utilize a colander or strainer that fits your rice cooker.

Preparation & cook time

The cooking time for vegetables takes about 15 minutes to steam inside the rice cooker. The prep time takes about 5 minutes. However, the type of vegetable to be used will need to be considered. Cooking rice takes almost 35 minutes.

Guidelines for steaming vegetables in a rice cooker

Pour the required quantity of water into your rice cooker, which may well be as small as an inch of water.

Slice the vegetables up into uniform portions to cook evenly.

Include the vegetables on the steaming rack. Begin with a layer up from starchy vegetables to greens on the surface. Be sure it is even so that they cook properly.

Now, position the basket into the cooking pot of the rice cooker, close the top, and begin the rice cooking cycle.

Afterward, position the top on your rice cooker and turn it on. The cooking time depends on the vegetable that is about to be cooked. For illustration, steam broccoli takes almost 5 minutes to steam, whereas carrots take approximately 10 minutes.

A few rice cookers have a steam cook option planned to steam vegetables, in case you have got this setting utilize it.

After the vegetables are done steaming, evacuate them from the rice cooker with a slotted spoon. You’ll be able to serve as it is.

How do I make my steamed vegetables taste good?

Whereas steaming vegetables are nutritious and easy to prepare, they can however taste flat sometimes. Fortunately, there are a few basic ways to upgrade the flavor of steamed veggies.

You may attempt sprinkling the steaming vegetables with olive oil or balsamic vinegar. Another method is to add toppings like chopped nuts, shredded cheese, etc. You may also spice up the steamed veggies by including them in stews, soups, or pasta dishes.

By utilizing these basic strategies, you’ll be able to turn your steaming veggies into a tasty and satisfying dinner.

What seasoning can I use for my steamed vegetables?

Whereas a few individuals lean toward their steamed vegetables plain, others like to include a bit of flavor. One method to carry this out is to season the vegetables before steaming.

A few great seasonings to add will be salt, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, and dried herbs such as basil.

You may include new herbs after steaming, or throw the vegetables with a bit of olive oil or lemon juice, and experiment until you discover a mix that you just like.

With some creativity, you’ll be able to have your steaming veggies turned into a tasty and nourishing side dish.

Can I steam vegetables and rice in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can steam vegetables and cook rice in a rice cooker. However, keep in mind that some vegetables could take a shorter time to cook, than how white rice or brown rice cooks.

To get better off with this, include healthy vegetables mid-way through the cooking rice time.

This can be a speedy and simple way to create a right-on-time meal with little effort to the cooked rice and vegetables.

How to steam vegetables in a rice cooker with a steamer basket

Most rice cookers incorporate a vegetable steamer basket. So in case, you’re arranging to utilize your electric rice cooker to steam vegetables take these steps:

  • To begin with, pour 2-3 mugs of water into the cooker pot.
  • Position your vegetables in the small steamer basket, place it in the cooker, and proceed to cover.
  • Tap the cook button and begin the steaming process.
  • Allow to steam until cooked, or to your desired preference.

Tips

On the off chance that you’re utilizing a one-button type of electric rice cooker, only tap the button to begin cooking.

In case you’re utilizing a processor-operated type, you may select the steam alternative.

You are capable of setting a timer to an increase of one minute. Once you wrap up setting a reasonable time, the rice cooker will begin steaming vegetables or you may press the cook button.

Remember that the timer as it were, begins when the water inside the rice cooker is bubbling and starts to steam

In this way, the real-time cooking is longer than what you have got set on the timer. You may have a better knowledge of the complete time it takes to steam vegetables after you have attempted the process a few times (once or twice).

How to steam vegetables in a rice cooker without a basket

Many rice cookers don’t incorporate a steamer basket. But you’ll utilize elective ways to steam vegetables together with your rice cooker.

  • You’ll need a trivet that fits within the cooking pot. At that point, put the vegetables in a bowl, or on a plate.
  • An alternative is to put a small wire mesh strainer stacked with the vegetables over the pot and cover the pot with a top.
  • Keep in mind to wrap the surface of the rice cooker employing a clean kitchen towel to keep the steam. Without this process, the strainer will keep the top open and let the steam out.
  • Then again, you may use a bowl or a colander in the cooker with the water to steam the vegetables.
  • You’ll be able to utilize foil balls as a base in the rice cooker. Only roll the foil into balls, at that point utilize a plate, and lastly include the vegetables.

Conclusion

It truly is conceivable to steam vegetables in a rice cooker, and it’s very simple to do. Keep in mind to slice the vegetables into uniform portions, don’t stuff the steaming basket, and check if the vegetables are rightly cooked using the time preference.

In case you follow these tips, you’ll be beyond any doubt to end up with impeccably cooked veggies each time.

Question & Answer

Can I steam veggies in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can steam veggies in a rice cooker. Cooking vegetables will steam-cook in a little time, approximately five to fifteen minutes but depends on the vegetables.

How do you steam vegetables in an instant rice cooker?

Pour 2 glasses of water into the instant pot. Wash florets in running water and place them in a steaming basket. Position it in the rice cooker and close the top. Utilizing the steam function, time by 3 minutes.

Can I steam vegetables in a rice cooker without a basket?

Yes, you can steam vegetables in a rice cooker without a basket. To begin with, take three sheets of aluminum foil and roll the sheets up. Put them on the base of the pot, and sprinkle in almost an inch of water.

At that point, rest the plate on the surface of the foil balls, and include anything nourishing you’re attempting to steam to the plate. Close the pot with a tight top and hot steam.

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