What Can You Cook In a Rice Cooker Other Than Rice?

What are some things you can cook in a rice cooker, other than rice?

1. Other grains
2. Pastas
3. Oatmeal
4. Pancakes and pastries
5. Viands
6. Pizza
7. Eggs

Rice cookers have many hidden talents. There are several things you can cook in them besides rice. This article gives you an overview of what to cook in a rice cooker besides rice. We hope it’ll inspire you to diversify your palate and experiment with food options, because thanks to the rice cooker, it’s never been easier.

From healthier grain options to viands to bread, your meals will never be the same with the ease that a rice cooker provides. You might even consider them some of the best kitchen appliances in the Philippines. Keep reading to learn more!

Other grains

It might not surprise you that you can cook other grains in a rice cooker, such as quinoa or barley. After all, the process of cooking these grains doesn’t differ much from cooking rice.

Just like rice, you should not forget to rinse your grains before you cook them. Aside from cleaning the grains, this very important step removes any bitterness that you may taste while eating. The time it takes to cook different grains depends on the grain you choose. A good tip is to season your water with salt and pepper before cooking them to add that extra flavor. Then, the general rule for grain to water ratio is 1 part grain to 2 parts water.

Pastas

Cooking pasta in a rice cooker is easy! In contrast to making rice, pasta has to be put in once the water is already boiling. Simply pour in enough water, add a bit of salt, then start the boiling process by pressing “cook”. To avoid overflows, make sure the water is below two-thirds of the bowl. Once the water is boiling, you can add the pasta. Just make sure to take it out when it’s al dente—the preferred choice of many!

Oatmeal

Cooking oatmeal on a stovetop can be tricky because you have to keep watching it to make sure it doesn’t overflow and make a mess. That’s not a problem when you’re making oatmeal in a rice cooker.

Simply start with your oats (quick-cooking or even rolled oats are fine), add your liquids like milk, water, or both, and cook until the oatmeal reaches your desired consistency. For instant oats, it can take only 10-15 minutes, but it’ll take longer for rolled or steel-cut oats.

Pancakes and pastries

You might be familiar with the Japanese trend of souffle pancakes—those fluffy, cake-like creations —and the good news is, you can make them yourself in a jiffy! All it takes is some batter, non-stick spray coating, and—surprise—a rice cooker.

It’s not the only baked item you can make in a rice cooker, either. You can even make bread, cakes, and cookies. Each process may be a little different from what you’re used to, but only in terms of baking. You’ll find that making the batter, shaping your pastry, and placing it in the rice cooker bowl are very familiar actions, the only difference is you replace an oven with a rice cooker instead.

Viands

You’d be surprised at how well you can even cook viands, such that your guests will never guess they were prepared in a rice cooker. For example, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs or hearty chili can be made in a rice cooker.

Another good idea is if you have a rice cooker that comes with a steamer basket, you open up a whole range of possibilities. Steam dumplings, corn on the cob, rice cakes, or anything else that usually requires a steamer. Who knew that rice cookers could do so much with a simple addition?

Pizza

From pull-apart pizza bread to a flavorful deep dish to a regular old thin-crust pie, you can make nearly any kind of pizza in a rice cooker. You can even combine the methods of baking other bread and pastries, and make a pizza cake!

Eggs

Egg dishes are found on any breakfast table, but you can have eggs even after your morning meal. No need to stress about making them, either. It’s so easy to make frittatas, omelets, or even scrambled, poached, and hard-boiled eggs with a rice cooker on hand. With so many recipes to choose from, you can have eggs every day in so many different ways!

Key Takeaway

This article showed you what to cook in a rice cooker. There’s so much more you can do with it besides making rice. If you’re in doubt about whether or not you need a rice cooker, think of all the dishes made easy by having one in your kitchen.

And if you’re on the lookout for a rice cooker where you can make all these recipes, we’ve got them! Whether for personal, family, or commercial use, you’re sure to find a rice cooker that fits your household needs. Check out other Fukuda products in our shop today!