If you’re unsure what to cook with your rice cooker, don’t worry! This versatile appliance is capable of producing a wide variety of dishes beyond just perfecting the art of cooking rice.
With over 27 mouth-watering recipes at your disposal, you’ll get the most out of this kitchen staple and make it a valuable addition to your cooking arsenal.
From fluffy jasmine rice to fragrant basmati, or even experimenting with quinoa cakes and pudding, the possibilities are endless.
So why settle for just one use when you can unlock a world of culinary possibilities with your trusty rice cooker?
Veggie Fried Rice
Transforming a classic carrot and pea combination into a delectable Japanese-inspired dish is a great way to introduce some culinary innovation while incorporating more veggies into your diet without realizing it. The addition of a small onion and shiitake mushrooms takes this veggie dish to the next level, offering an exciting twist on a familiar favorite. For more affordable dinner recipes, explore our collection.
Tuna Takikomi Rice
In this mouthwatering recipe, the harmonious trio of veggies, tuna, and rice comes together in perfect culinary synchrony. The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and leaves you feeling satisfyingly full. This trifecta of ingredients forms the foundation of a culinary masterpiece that will quickly become a favorite.
Japanese Cheesecake
Elevate your baking experience by effortlessly crafting a divine cheesecake using your trusty rice cooker and this exceptional recipe. By adhering to the guidelines with precision, carefully combining ingredients, and allowing the rice cooker to work its magic, you’ll be rewarded with a delectably fluffy treat that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour.
Edamame Rice
Experience the thrill of cooking with four exceptional ingredients to create an unforgettable rice dish! Edamame takes center stage in this recipe, accompanied by nametake – a savory mushroom condiment typically found in jars or bottles – and Ochazuke Wakame, a delightful combination of seaweed and rice crackers. This trifecta of flavors is sure to elevate your culinary game.
Chinese Rice Cooker Recipes
Similar to Japanese rice, Chinese-style rice is another staple that can be effortlessly prepared in a rice cooker. If you’re looking to try something new, here’s how to achieve perfectly cooked and fluffy rice using a pressure cooker.
Chinese Sticky Rice
In this recipe, the humble pork, shrimp, and Chinese sausages take center stage, accompanied by sticky glutinous rice. Together, they form a mouth-watering one-bowl meal that’s sure to delight. The real magic happens when the garlicky and gingery oyster/soy sauce is added, infusing the dish with an irresistible blend of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Chinese Fried Rice
While a combination of rice, potatoes, sausage, carrots, and peas might not immediately evoke Chinese cuisine, the addition of oyster and soy sauce elevates the dish to a new level of flavor complexity. The cooking time may be an hour, but the actual preparation requires only a swift 5 minutes. For more inspiring Sunday dinner ideas, explore our collection.
Chinese Sausage Lap Cheong
In a remarkably short time of 25 minutes, you can whip up a tasty meal using only three essential ingredients: rice, Lap Cheong (the Chinese sausage), and water. The simplicity of this dish is truly impressive, allowing you to prepare it effortlessly without sacrificing flavor. To elevate the taste even further, simply add a drizzle of soy sauce and relish in your culinary creation.
Lo Ma Gai
Lo Ma Gai, a savory rice dish, takes center stage with the star of the show being Chinese sausage, also known as Lap Cheong. A medley of flavors combines to create a harmonious blend: glutinous rice, ginger’s subtle warmth, pungent garlic, dried shrimp’s nutty undertones, and a hint of minced meat. This sticky and saucy delight is sure to satiate your cravings for Chinese cuisine from the very first bite.
Healthy Rice Cooker Recipes
Seeking nutritious meal options with minimal added sweetness? You’re in luck! The perfect companions to your rice cooker await, comprising a collection of delectable and sugar-conscious recipes that will please even the most discerning palates.
Quinoa
Cooking quinoa with your rice cooker is another simple trick up its sleeve. By following this straightforward method, you’ll achieve fluffy and consistently cooked quinoa every time. The secret to this success lies in allowing the cooked grain to sit for exactly 5 minutes before opening the lid.
Perfect White Rice
When preparing white rice as a side dish, a perfect balance is key: fluffiness, slight stickiness, and a well-defined shape. The question is, how can one achieve this while simultaneously juggling cooking duties on the stovetop? The answer lies in utilizing a trusty rice cooker, allowing for hands-free cooking and optimal results.
Brown Rice
While this simple yet versatile brown rice recipe may be the last one you’ll ever need, its adaptability is what truly sets it apart. By providing step-by-step guidance on how to perfectly prepare brown rice, we’re confident that you’ll find endless ways to make it your own and enjoy it for years to come.
Turmeric Rice
The harmonious union of rice and turmeric is a match made in heaven. The vibrant yellow hue, intoxicating aroma, and rich buttery texture of this silky turmeric rice, cooked to perfection in a flavorful chicken broth, is sure to delight your senses every time it’s served. For more mouthwatering side dish ideas to pair with your chicken, explore our collection.
Chicken Rice with Vegetables
One-pot recipes are a savior for many of us, especially on those chaotic evenings when cooking seems like an insurmountable task. This rice with chicken thighs and vegetables is the perfect solution, requiring minimal effort and preparation to deliver a complete meal comprising grain, protein, and steamed veggies.
Coconut Lime Rice
Transforming white rice into a flavorful masterpiece is as simple as cooking it with coconut milk and finishing it off with a squeeze of lime juice after fluffing it up. This creative combination imparts a revitalized taste profile to your table, making it an excellent accompaniment to various dishes. Not only does this recipe offer a boost in nutritional value, but its aromatic appeal ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser as a side dish.
Chicken and Mushroom Rice
A staple in many kitchens, cooking chicken with rice and mushrooms is an art that requires some extra time and elbow grease. The payoff, however, is well worth the effort, as a Chinese-inspired, sausage-enriched chicken and rice dish loaded with earthy shiitake mushrooms is a culinary experience you won’t soon forget.
Saffron Rice
When seeking to elevate the humble rice dish from monotony, look no further than the majestic saffron. This prized spice adds an unparalleled depth of flavor and aroma to your culinary creations. Imagine a harmonious blend of buttery richness, the subtle warmth of saffron, and the tanginess of broth and lemon juice – the perfect accompaniment to any meal. As it turns out, this mouthwatering side dish pairs particularly well with polish sausage recipes.
Best Rice Cooker Recipes
Don’t accept mediocrity in your cooking experience when you have the opportunity to elevate it with exceptional results. The following top-notch rice cooker recipes will challenge your expectations and take your culinary game to the next level, all while showcasing the versatility of this incredible kitchen appliance.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
The quintessential Singaporean dish, this mouthwatering chicken and rice combination is elevated by a bold, aromatic sauce infused with pungent garlic and ginger notes. For those who prefer milder flavors, feel free to temper the heat by reducing or omitting the red chili peppers altogether; however, I highly recommend incorporating some subtle red chili flakes for an added depth of flavor.
Giant Pancakes
The allure of these pancakes is undeniable – despite being technically referred to as such, they effortlessly evoke the desire to transform them into a decadent dessert by adding a rich buttercream topping. The simplicity of drizzling maple syrup only serves to heighten their appeal, but it’s when paired with a dollop of icing or chocolate ganache that their true potential is unleashed.
Quinoa
While we’ve previously explored a simple quinoa recipe, I’m partial to this approach. Both methods have their merits, and it’s worth experimenting with each to determine your personal preference. For my part, however, this technique stands out as a clear winner.
Honey Glazed Upside Down Apple Cake
Indulge in a scrumptious upside-down apple cake, effortlessly crafted within your trusty rice cooker. The tender, fluffy cake is infused with sweetness, perfectly complemented by the honey-kissed apples that tantalize the taste buds. To take it to the next level, serve with a dollop of whipped cream and be prepared for an irresistible second (and third) slice!
Upside Down Cake: Pineapple, Plum, or Orange
Indulge in a delightful upside-down cake recipe that combines the sweetness of plums with the flexibility to choose from three additional toppings: plums, oranges, or mangoes. The result is a mouthwatering dessert that’s perfect for serving warm alongside an ice cream scoop, elevating the experience to new heights.
Rice Pudding
Indulge in the creamy delight of this vanilla-flavored rice pudding, a sweet treat that melts effortlessly in your mouth. This satisfying afternoon snack is sure to curb any craving for something sweet. While preparation time is brief, the cooking process requires a bit more patience, but the payoff is well worth the extra hour spent chilling in the fridge – a true culinary reward.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Indulge in the comforting combination of rice, cheese, and broccoli! This delectable side dish is elevated by being cooked in rich chicken broth and infused with savory flavors from dried onions, garlic powder, cheddar, and butter. The result is a satisfyingly filling accompaniment to any meal.
Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is often synonymous with spicy, and our recipe delivers on that promise. This straightforward yet incredibly flavorful side dish combines the punch of diced green chilies, the freshness of tomatoes, the sweetness of onions, and a rich buttery undertone. It’s an absolute must-try.
Mac and Cheese
Indulge in a culinary delight by making mac and cheese directly from your rice cooker – a game-changer for comfort food enthusiasts. This indulgent dish boasts a rich, creamy texture infused with a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and subtle seasonings. What’s more, this one-pot wonder eliminates the need for pre-boiling pasta or subsequent draining, making it a truly effortless culinary experience.
Parmesan Rice
Rich, creamy Parmesan rice is a decadent delight that combines the simplicity of cooked rice with the indulgent flavors of melted butter, garlic, and generous helpings of parmesan cheese. This aromatic side dish is designed to elevate even the most straightforward meat-based meals into a satisfying and flavorful experience. With its silky texture and deep umami notes, it’s no wonder this versatile recipe has become a staple for busy home cooks seeking to add an extra layer of sophistication to their evening meal prep.
Ribs and Rice
Indulge in the unassuming delight of rice cooker-braised ribs and rice. The harmonious blend of gingery, garlicky flavors, accompanied by tender carrots and earthy shiitakes, is nothing short of a culinary indulgence. As if this weren’t enough, the dish is elevated by the deep, savory notes imparted by dark soy sauce-marinated ribs.