Easy Recipes You Can Make in a Rice Cooker

Modern multi-function rice cookers are far more versatile than their name suggests. Beyond delivering perfectly fluffy rice, these appliances can simplify a surprising array of dishes, making them ideal for busy weeknights, small kitchens, or anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons with minimal effort. Leveraging their steaming, slow cooking, and even sautéing capabilities, you can create delicious and convenient meals that go way beyond just a bowl of grains.

1. One-Pot Chicken and Rice

This classic dish becomes incredibly simple in a multi-function rice cooker. It’s a complete meal that cooks together, infusing the rice with rich flavors.

• Ingredients: Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into pieces), rice, chicken broth, diced onion, garlic, mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), and your favorite seasonings (paprika, cumin, salt, pepper).
• Method:
  1. If your rice cooker has a sauté function, brown the chicken pieces and sauté the onion and garlic directly in the inner pot.
  2. Add rinsed rice, chicken broth, and seasonings. Stir in the mixed vegetables.
  3. Select the “Rice” or “Mixed Grain” setting.
  4. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then fluff and serve.

2. Steamed Fish and Veggies

For a healthy, light, and incredibly easy meal, use your rice cooker’s steaming function.

• Ingredients: Fish fillets (salmon, cod, snapper), assorted vegetables (broccoli florets, asparagus, bell pepper strips), lemon slices, herbs (dill, parsley), salt, and pepper.
• Method:
  1. Place water in the bottom of the rice cooker’s main pot.
  2. Arrange vegetables in the steaming tray. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place fish fillets on top of the vegetables or in a separate layer if your steamer allows. Season fish with salt, pepper, lemon slices, and herbs.
  4. Select the “Steam” function. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the fish and vegetables (typically 10-20 minutes).
  5. Serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil or a light sauce.

3. Hearty Oatmeal or Porridge

Start your day right with a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal or porridge, cooked perfectly overnight with a delay timer.

• Ingredients: Rolled oats or steel-cut oats, water or milk, a pinch of salt. Optional toppings: fruit, nuts, honey, cinnamon.
• Method:
  1. Combine oats, liquid, and salt in the rice cooker’s inner pot.
  2. If your cooker has a “Porridge” or “Oatmeal” setting, select it. Otherwise, use a “Slow Cook” setting on low.
  3. Use the delay timer to set it to finish cooking just as you wake up.
  4. Stir well before serving and add your favorite toppings.

4. Simple Lentil Soup or Stew

Your rice cooker’s slow cook function is perfect for tender, flavorful soups and stews with minimal fuss.

• Ingredients: Lentils (rinsed), vegetable broth, diced carrots, celery, onion, garlic, canned diced tomatoes, and your preferred herbs and spices (thyme, bay leaf, oregano).
• Method:
  1. (Optional) If your cooker has a sauté function, quickly sauté the onion, celery, and garlic.
  2. Add rinsed lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, and seasonings to the inner pot.
  3. Select the “Slow Cook” setting (usually on low for several hours, or a dedicated “Soup” setting if available).
  4. Cook until lentils are tender and flavors have melded.

5. Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese

A surprisingly easy and creamy one-pot mac and cheese, perfect for a quick comfort meal.

• Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, water, milk, butter, shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella), salt, and pepper.
• Method:
  1. Combine macaroni, water, milk, butter, and salt in the rice cooker.
  2. Select the “White Rice” or “Quick Cook” setting.
  3. Once the cooking cycle is complete and the liquid is absorbed, immediately stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
  4. Season with pepper and serve warm.

These are just a few examples of the culinary possibilities that open up with a multi-function rice cooker. Its ability to handle various cooking methods with consistent results makes it an invaluable tool for simplifying your kitchen routine and expanding your meal options.