Automatic Steamer & Rice Cooker Guide

Basic Rice Preparation

• Start by rinsing your rice until the water runs clear, unless the rice package says not to, and spray your rice cooker bowl with cooking spray. This will keep the rice from sticking to the sides. Next, add the appropriate amount of rice. Most rice cookers come with a rice measuring scoop. If yours has one, measure with that. If yours didn't, or if it has been lost, use a 3/4-cup measuring cup as a scoop. Then, add the water to the cooker up to the numbered line, matching the number of scoops you put in the cooker. Place the lid on the bowl, put the bowl in the rice cooker body, then turn it on and wait for the cooker to sound that your rice is finished.

Specialty Rices

• If you want to use different types of rice than regular white rice, or if you you want to season them, you will need to alter your method somewhat. To season the rice with a spice, simply add a small amount to the water after you pour it in. Consider curry, a flavored bouillon powder, paprika, cayenne pepper or just salt. For brown rice, increase the water by about a half cup per scoop of rice. For medium and short grain rice, just add a little less water, about a quarter cup less.

Steaming

• Steaming foods in an automatic rice cooker and steamer works in a similar manner to cooking rice in one. Add water to the bowl, place the steaming rack or basket inside the bowl, and then add the foods you want to steam. Each food item that you wish to steam will require different water amounts and cooking times, so you will want to consult your recipe for specifics. There is no need to adjust the timing and water when using the rice cooker. Simply steam the food as you would over the stove in a steamer.

Cleanup

• If you greased your rice cooker bowl, you shouldn't have much difficulty removing cooked rice. For what remains, use a plastic scraper, brush or mesh pad to remove the rest. Avoid using a metal mesh pad, since this can scratch the rice cooker bowl. All of the parts of the rice cooker are dishwasher safe, except for the rice cooker body.