6 New Ways to Use a Rice Cooker
Did you know you can use your rice cooker to make everything from macaroni and cheese to rice and beans? Grab your rice cooker and give one of these unique recipes a try!
I’ve had a rice cooker for years and I love how it makes perfectly fluffy grains of rice every time. But I don’t love having a single-use appliance taking up cabinet space, so I started thinking about how I could use it for more than just a basic side dish. It turns out even a basic rice cooker can make all kinds of dishes! If your rice cooker has been gathering dust except for the occasional batch of rice, it’s time to dust it off and explore its full potential. Here are some surprising and delicious recipes you can whip up in your rice cooker.
New Ways to Use a Rice Cooker
Using your rice cooker to make this comfort food classic is not only easy, but also ensures perfectly cooked pasta every time. Simply add your pasta, water, milk, butter, and cheese to the rice cooker and let it work its magic. You'll have a delicious, gooey mac and cheese ready in no time, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. This is such a great option if you're cooking in a dorm room or somewhere else where you might not have access to a stovetop.
With a rice cooker, you can achieve a perfectly cooked, aromatic rice pilaf without the fuss. Combine your rice with broth, sautéed onions, garlic and seasonings, then let your rice cooker handle the rest. The result is a fragrant and savory pilaf.
For a hearty, protein-packed meal, try making rice and beans in your rice cooker. This dish is not only nutritious, but also incredibly easy to prepare. Add your choice of beans (canned or pre-cooked), rice, broth, and seasonings into the rice cooker. Let it cook until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it stores well and can be easily reheated.
Quinoa is a superfood that’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Cooking quinoa in a rice cooker is straightforward and guarantees fluffy, perfectly cooked grains every time. Simply rinse your quinoa, add it to the rice cooker with water or broth, and let it cook. You can then use the cooked quinoa as a base for salads, bowls, or as a side dish.
Need a quick side dish for taco night? Try this flavorful Mexican rice! Making it in a rice cooker simplifies the process. Combine rice with tomato sauce, broth, diced tomatoes, and spices, and let the rice cooker do the rest.
Couscous is another versatile grain that cooks beautifully in a rice cooker. Add your couscous to the cooker with the right amount of water or broth, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Once it’s done, fluff it with a fork and mix in your favorite ingredients like herbs, vegetables, or nuts for a tasty and quick side dish. I love stirring in fresh pesto to add tons of flavor!
How Does a Rice Cooker Work?
When you press the “cook” button, the rice cooker’s internal sensor detects the temperature and moisture inside. As the water heats up and starts to boil, it’s absorbed by the rice or grains. Rice cookers are designed to be foolproof and versatile. My rice cooker is really basic but some models come with additional settings for different types of rice, such as white, brown, jasmine, or even sushi rice. Some advanced rice cookers also have features like delay timers, steamers for vegetables, and even options for cooking other grains like quinoa. I have a very basic model with just two settings: cook and warm. That’s really all you need!
What Kind of Rice Cooker Do I Need?
You don’t need anything fancy. I have this basic Aroma rice cooker that I got on Amazon and it’s great. It’s less than $20 and it can make up to 6 cups of rice. There are plenty of expensive ones on the market, but you don’t need anything special to make rice pilaf.
I LOVE how easy it is to use the rice cooker. I didn’t think about all of the ways I could use it. I tried the mac and cheese and the taste and texture was just the way we like it.
This is genius! I’ve used my trusty rice cooker to make everything except the mac and cheese. Will be trying that very soon 🙂
What a great post on all the ways you can use this appliance. I know for a fact it does make perfectly cooked rice. I will have to try it for the other food as well.
I’m not gonna lie, the mac and cheese hack is pure brilliance (and it works like a charm)!