Practical and Tasty Recipes for Your Rice Cooker

Rice cookers are not just for cooking rice! These versatile kitchen appliances can be used to prepare a variety of delicious dishes, from savory main courses to sweet desserts. Here are some innovative recipes that highlight the hidden culinary capabilities of a rice cooker.

Braised Pork Belly in a Rice Cooker

Satisfy your craving for tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with this recipe. The humble rice cooker transforms a simple cut of meat into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 lb 500g pork belly Bowl of light soy sauce A dash of dark soy sauce A bit of rock sugar or regular sugar A splash of cooking wine 1 piece of ginger A pinch of star anise and cinnamon A handful of chopped scallions 1 bowl of rice

Instructions

Cut the pork belly into cubes. Boil it with cooking wine and ginger slices, skim off the foam, drain, and set aside. Mix 1 bowl of light soy sauce, a dash of dark soy sauce, and a bit of sugar (preferably rock sugar) to make a sauce. Line the bottom of the rice cooker with ginger slices, place the pork belly on top, pour in the sauce, and add enough water to cover the meat. Add star anise and cinnamon. Press the 'Cook' button to begin cooking. The pork belly will be tender and delicious when done.

Tips:

Add boiled eggs, tofu, or chicken feet to the broth for extra snacks. Let the pork belly cool completely before slicing to maintain its texture.

Rice Cooker Cheesecake

Looking for a cheat-day dessert that’s both quick and easy? Look no further than this creamy and indulgent cheesecake. Enjoy a slice without even reaching for the oven!

Ingredients

40g cake flour 4 eggs 60-80g white sugar A dash of white vinegar or lemon juice 60ml milk 80g cheese slices A small amount of cooking oil

Instructions

Separate the egg yolks and whites into dry bowls. Beat the yolks lightly. Sift 40g of flour into the egg yolks. Add 40ml milk and 50g sugar, stirring until smooth. Melt 80g cheese slices with a bit of oil or butter and 20ml milk (microwave or steam until fully melted). Mix into the egg yolk batter. Beat the egg whites with a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice until foamy. Gradually add sugar, whipping until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture in 3-4 additions, mixing gently to maintain air. Preheat the rice cooker with a layer of oil to prevent sticking, then pour in the batter. Cook for 5 minutes, then let it sit on.

Tips:

Cooking mostly involves steaming, so avoid overcooking to prevent burning. Adjust times based on your rice cooker. Resist the urge to open the lid during cooking to maintain the steam.

Easy Braised Beef in a Rice Cooker

Combine the simplicity of a rice cooker with the rich flavors of braised beef for a dish that’s sure to please. This recipe requires minimal fuss and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

1 whole beef shank Salt, generous for better seasoning A dash of dark soy sauce 3 bay leaves 3-4 star anise pods A handful of Sichuan peppercorns 2-3 dried chili peppers A splash of yellow wine

Instructions

Wash the beef shank and place it in the rice cooker. Add enough water to cover, then add salt, soy sauce, and all the spices. Press the 'Cook' button to begin cooking.

Tips:

Add boiled eggs, tofu, or chicken feet to the broth for extra snacks. Let the beef cool completely before slicing to maintain its texture.

Corn and Pork Ribs Soup

Create a comforting and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of corn with the savory richness of pork ribs. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made in your rice cooker.

Ingredients

1 pork rib 2 ears of corn A pinch of salt

Instructions

Cut the pork rib and corn into small pieces. Place them in the rice cooker and pour in enough water to cover. Press the 'Cook' button to begin cooking.

Tips:

This soup is simple yet delicious and any leftovers can be used as a broth for noodles. You can also add carrots or other vegetables for variety.