Learn how to cook in a rice cooker with this ultimate guide to non-rice recipes. Discover how easy it is to prepare a variety of dishes, from savory meals to sweet treats, using just your rice cooker. Easy rice cooker recipes included!

chicken ketchup rice in a rice cooker

Table of Contents

Cooking with a Rice Cooker

I think most people have this idea that you can only cook rice and grains in a rice cooker. While rice cookers were originally intended for cooking rice, you can actually cook so much more with it!

In Japan, rice cookers are used to cook a variety of rice beyond plain, such as sekihan (red beans and rice) and a huge variety of takikomi gohan (mixed rice). People have been using rice cookers for years to make other dishes, treating it like a pressure cooker, Instant Pot, or slow cooker. My mom used rice cookers to cook simmered dishes like chicken, tonjiru (pork miso soup), and pasta when we were kids, especially during busy times. She would throw a bunch of ingredients in the rice cooker and set a timer so that everything would be ready when we got home from extracurricular activities and tutoring. At the time, she used a huge 10-cup rice cooker since she was feeding a family of five.

When I went to university 8 years ago, my mom bought me my first small rice cooker to keep in my dorm, and I used it almost daily. I made rice, oatmeal, steamed vegetables, steamed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pasta, and even instant pancake mixes and cakes in it.

I didn’t think much of it, but my roommates thought it was the funniest thing. Fast forward to today, and rice cooker cooking has become extremely popular. Tons of viral recipes are circulating on both Japanese and American social media, which has been so fun to watch.

Last year, I posted my first rice cooker set meal recipe and received tons of questions on how to cook several dishes at once, how to cook in a rice cooker, and how to cook certain ingredients. After testing many recipes over the year, I’m finally here to share the tips, tricks, and recipes I’ve accumulated over the months! I hope this guide on how to cook in a rice cooker inspires you to get creative, try new ideas, and enjoy making your own delicious meals. Let’s get started!

Why Use a Rice Cooker for More Than Rice?

A rice cooker is convenient, easy to use, and perfect for one-pot meals. It’s especially great for:

  • Saving time with hands-off cooking
  • Simplifying meal prep
  • Reducing the number of dishes to wash

Whether you own a basic or multifunctional rice cooker, there are countless ways to get creative in the kitchen.

What Can You Cook in a Rice Cooker?

Beyond cooking rice, here are some dishes you can easily prepare:

1. Steamed Vegetables

Most rice cookers come with a steaming tray. While your rice cooks, you can steam vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans!

  • How to Do It: Add water to the rice cooker bowl, place the vegetables in the steaming tray, and set the cooker to cook.
  • Tip: Use a timer to prevent over-steaming. c

You can even cook root vegetables right in the pot like Japanese sweet potatoes in a rice cooker.

2. Meat

Meat is one of my favourite ways to use my rice cooker. It keeps it tender, soft and juicy! Here are some of my favourite way meat rice cooker recipes:

3. Fish & Sea Food

You can also cook fish and seafood in your rice cooker. Here are some recipe ideas:

  • Rice Cooker Teriyaki Salmon
  • Rice Cooker Soy Butter Salmon
  • Rice Cooker Miso Butter Cod

5. Soups and Stews

A rice cooker can double as a slow cooker for soups and stews. Here are some comforting recipes to try:

3. Pasta

Cooking pasta in a rice cooker is easy and eliminates the need for an additional pot. Here are some pasta recipes to try:

  • Simple 1-pot rice cooker pasta (coming soon)
  • Rice cooker bolognese (coming soon)
  • Rice cooker napolitan (coming soon)

4. Frittatas and Omelets

A rice cooker can cook eggs evenly, making it great for frittatas or omelets! Here are some egg rice cooker recipes:

  • Rice cooker tamagoyaki (coming soon)
  • Rice cooker chawanmushi (coming soon)
  • Rice cooker frittatas (coming soon)

5. Oatmeal and Porridge

Start your morning with a warm bowl of oatmeal or congee made right in your rice cooker.

  • How to Do It: Combine oats or rice with liquid (milk, water, or broth) and set to cook.
  • Tip: Add toppings like fruit, nuts, or spices after cooking.

6. Seasoned & Mixed Rice

7. Quinoa

Quinoa cooks just like rice in a rice cooker, making it an easy side dish or base for bowls.

  • How to Do It: Rinse the quinoa, add it to the rice cooker with water (1:2 ratio), and cook as you would rice.
  • Tip: Add seasonings or broth for extra flavor.

8. Cakes and Bread

Yes, you can bake in a rice cooker! You can make simple cakes, quick bread and even yeasted bread! Here are some cake and bread rice cooker recipes:

Tips for Cooking in a Rice Cooker

  1. Use the Right Settings: If your rice cooker has multiple functions, choose the one that matches what you’re cooking (e.g., porridge for oatmeal).
  2. Monitor Liquid Levels: Some recipes, like pasta or soup, may require more or less liquid.
  3. Grease the Bowl: For sticky dishes like cakes or bread, lightly grease the rice cooker bowl.

Making Multiple Dishes in a Rice Cooker at Once

Simultaneous cooking in a rice cooker is possible with any rice cooker as long as it has a regular cooking function. When making your favorite recipe, keep these two points in mind:

  • If making rice, it should always be at the bottom.
  • You may want to slightly reduce the amount of liquid for the rice as certain ingredients release water.
  • If you don’t want the rice to take on the flavor of other ingredients, separate using parchment paper parcels.
  • Don’t overfill the pot, as this can prevent even cooking due to the vent being blocked.
  • Place longer-to-cook ingredients (e.g., root vegetables) at the bottom and layer quicker cooking ingredients (e.g., thinly sliced meats, fish, and leafy vegetables) on top.

Using a Rice Cooker for Sous Vide

Using a rice cooker for sous vide cooking is a great way to achieve perfectly cooked meals with minimal effort. By utilizing the rice cooker’s precise temperature control, you can create sous vide-style dishes like tender steaks, juicy chicken, and even vegetables without the need for expensive equipment. For example, you can try my sous vide chicken breast recipe or make rice cooker onsen tamago. Simply set the rice cooker to a consistent, low temperature and use a vacuum-sealed bag or resealable ziplock bag to cook your ingredients. The rice cooker’s built-in temperature regulation ensures that your food cooks evenly and retains all of its natural flavors and nutrients. This method is a cost-effective and convenient alternative for those who want to try sous vide cooking without investing in a specialized machine.

FAQs About Cooking in a Rice Cooker

Can you cook meat in the rice cooker?

Yes! You can steam, boil, or stew meats like chicken, fish, or ground beef. Ensure the meat is cooked to the proper internal temperature.

Can I cook with any rice cooker?

Not always. Pressure rice cookers may not be suitable for some recipes. Using them incorrectly can lead to accidents like burns or explosions. Always check the instruction manual to understand what’s safe.

How can I remove lingering smells from the rice cooker?

Transfer food promptly, then wash the inner pot and removable parts. For strong odors, cook a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 3 cups of water in the rice cooker. Use the cleaning mode if your rice cooker has one.

What’s the best type of rice cooker to use for versatile cooking?

Multifunctional rice cookers with steaming and slow cooking options offer the most flexibility.

Types of Rice Cookers: Which One Is Right for You?

  • Standard/Basic Rice Cookers – Best for beginners and basic rice varieties.
  • Micom Rice Cookers – Offers multiple cooking modes and is great for different rice types.
  • Fuzzy Logic Rice Cookers – Versatile, with advanced settings for consistent results.
  • Induction Heating (IH) Rice Cookers – Even heat distribution for perfect texture and quality.
  • Pressure Rice Cookers – Ideal for faster cooking and softer rice.
  • Smart Rice Cookers – Connect to your smartphone for remote operation.
  • Multi-Cookers with Rice Settings – All-in-one gadgets for rice, slow cooking, steaming, and more.
  • Mini Rice Cookers – Compact, perfect for single servings or small spaces.

Rice Cooker Brands: Which is the Best?

If there’s one kitchen appliance I could never give up, it’s my rice cooker. My family has always relied on Tiger and Zojirushi for as long as I can remember. In fact, my mom still uses her 10-cup Tiger rice cooker that’s over 15 years old, and still used to this day.

As for me, I’ve been loyal to Zojirushi for years. I started with the NS-ZCC10 5.5-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker, and after more than 8 years of perfect rice, I decided to upgrade to the William Sonoma x Zojirushi collaboration rice cooker. It’s an absolute game-changer! The design is sleek, and the cooking performance is everything you’d expect from Zojirushi. If you’re curious, the Zojirushi NW-QAC10 5.5-Cup Flat-Top Induction Cooker and Warmer is very similar, featuring the same induction heating technology and custom cooking pan that delivers incredible results every time.

Here are the top rice cooker brands:

  • Zojirushi – Known for precise cooking and durability, ideal for rice lovers.
  • Tiger – Simple, reliable, and built to last.
  • Toshiba – Great for a variety of rice and grains.
  • Cuckoo – Best for Korean-style rice and pressure cooking.
  • Panasonic – Affordable and dependable.
  • Instant Pot – While not a dedicated rice cooker, its rice mode works well for quick meals.

Rice Cooker Recommendations

I have tested and used all three of these rice cookers and can vouch for them for perfectly cooked rice and making meals!

Rice Cooker vs. Instant Pot: What’s the Difference?

An Instant Pot and a rice cooker are both popular kitchen appliances, but they serve different purposes. A rice cooker is designed specifically for cooking rice, with easy, one-touch operation and settings for different types of rice, ensuring perfectly cooked rice every time with minimal effort. It’s great for people who eat rice regularly and want a hassle-free, specialized appliance.

In contrast, an Instant Pot is a multi-functional appliance that can do much more than cook rice. It combines several cooking methods like pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of dishes. While the Instant Pot can cook rice, it’s not as specialized as a rice cooker, so the texture might not be as perfect.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a simple, reliable way to cook rice, a rice cooker is the way to go, but if you want an all-in-one appliance that can tackle multiple cooking tasks, an Instant Pot might be a better fit.

Rice Cooker FAQs: Everything Else You Need to Know

How does a rice cooker work?

A rice cooker simplifies cooking by automatically adjusting heat and timing. It monitors the temperature as the water absorbs into the rice and switches to a warming mode once the rice is ready.

Is it necessary to rinse rice before cooking?

Yes, rinsing your rice is essential. It removes excess starch from the surface, helping to avoid clumping and ensuring each grain remains light and fluffy.

What is the ideal water-to-rice ratio?

A common guideline is 1.5 cups of water for every cup of rinsed white rice. However, the ratio may vary depending on the type of rice, so always check your rice cooker manual or rice packaging for recommendations.

How long does it take to cook rice in a rice cooker?

Cooking times depend on the type of rice and the specific rice cooker. White rice usually cooks in 20–30 minutes, while brown rice can take 30–45 minutes. Advanced models with additional settings may have longer cycles but often produce better results.

What’s the best way to clean and care for a rice cooker?

Once the cooker has cooled, wash the inner pot with warm, soapy water, and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Make sure all parts are completely dry before putting them back together to prevent odors and maintain performance.

Is it safe to leave the rice cooker on the warming setting?

Modern rice cookers are designed to keep rice warm for hours safely. However, to retain the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to consume the rice within a few hours of cooking.

How do I choose the right size rice cooker?

The right size depends on how much rice you need to cook. A smaller 3-cup model is great for individuals or couples, while 6- to 8-cup models suit small families. Larger options, such as 10-cup cookers, are ideal for bigger households or events.

Why does my rice cooker overflow or make a mess?

This can happen if the cooker is overfilled or too much water is used. Following the recommended measurements and rinsing the rice beforehand can prevent spills and boiling over.

Can I open the lid while the rice is cooking?

It’s best to avoid opening the lid during cooking, as it disrupts the steam and heat needed to cook the rice evenly. Let the cooker complete its cycle for the best results.

Easy Rice Cooker Recipes to Make

Final Thoughts

Your rice cooker can be so much more than a single-use appliance. With a little creativity, you can make a variety of meals and snacks without extra effort. Try some of these ideas and see how versatile this kitchen staple can be!! This blogpost will continue to be updated as recipes are publised.

Konnichiwa

About Lisa

I'm Lisa, a home cook, recipe developer and founder of Okonomi Kitchen. Here, you'll find a mix of classic and modernized Japanese recipes, and creative, plant-forward meal inspiration using seasonal ingredients. I hope to share more about Japanese cuisine and culture through food and recipes.

Read More About Me

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