10+ Rice Cooker Recipes to Make Mealtime a Breeze

10+ Rice Cooker Recipes to Make Mealtime a Breeze

ByPin These Recipes Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Rice cookers are versatile kitchen appliances that can do much more than just steam rice. They can help you prepare a wide variety of delicious meals with minimal effort.

A rice cooker surrounded by various ingredients and spices, with steam rising from the pot as it cooks

From hearty one-pot meals to tasty side dishes, rice cookers allow you to explore new recipes while enjoying everyone’s favorite flavors. With just a few ingredients and some easy steps, you can create satisfying dishes that cater to your taste preferences.

1) Chicken Fried Rice

A rice cooker filled with freshly made chicken fried rice, steam rising from the fluffy grains, surrounded by colorful vegetables and savory chunks of chicken

Chicken fried rice is a tasty and easy dish you can make in your rice cooker. It’s perfect for using leftover chicken and vegetables. You’ll love how quick and convenient it is.

Start by adding cooked rice, diced chicken, and frozen peas and carrots to the rice cooker. A splash of soy sauce adds flavor. Don’t forget to toss in garlic and ginger for an extra kick.

Set your rice cooker to the “cook” setting and let it work its magic. In about 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Add rice, chicken, peas, and carrots to the rice cooker.
  2. Pour in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
  3. Stir well to combine.
  4. Close the lid and set to cook for about 20 minutes.
  5. Fluff and serve warm.

2) Rainbow Fried Rice

A rice cooker filled with vibrant, colorful fried rice, resembling a rainbow of vegetables and spices

Rainbow Fried Rice is a fun and colorful dish that’s easy to make in a rice cooker. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, making it a flexible recipe. The bright colors also make it a hit with kids.

To prepare, start by rinsing jasmine rice. This will help make the rice fluffy. You will need some chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and broccoli for added flavor and nutrients.

Cook the rice with the water in your rice cooker. Once the rice is ready, add the vegetables and seasoning. This dish is delicious and can be ready in a short time.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons diced carrots
  • 2 tablespoons chopped broccoli

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water.
  2. Add the rice and water to your rice cooker.
  3. Cook until the rice is done.
  4. Stir in the chopped vegetables and seasonings.
  5. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

3) One-Pot Peanut Chicken

A rice cooker filled with peanut chicken, rice, and vegetables, surrounded by ingredients and a wooden spoon

One-Pot Peanut Chicken is a tasty and easy dish to make in your rice cooker. It’s perfect for a quick dinner and packed with flavor. The creamy peanut sauce adds a wonderful taste to tender chicken.

To make this dish, you’ll combine chicken with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Then, add peanut butter for that rich texture. It pairs well with rice that absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Cooking in a rice cooker allows you to prepare everything in one pot. This means less cleanup for you! Just set it and enjoy the rich aroma filling your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) chicken thighs
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (125g) peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Cooking Instructions

  1. Place the chicken in the rice cooker.
  2. Add chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
  3. Close the lid and set to cook for 25-30 minutes.
  4. Once done, serve with cooked rice.

4) Steamed Vegetables and Rice

A colorful array of steamed vegetables and fluffy rice spilling out of a rice cooker onto a clean, white plate

Steaming vegetables and rice together in a rice cooker is quick and healthy. You can enjoy a colorful mix of flavors and nutrients. Use your favorite vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers.

To start, add the rinsed rice to the inner pot of your cooker. Then, fill the steamer basket with the chopped vegetables.

Add water according to your rice cooker instructions. Usually, that’s about 1 ½ to 2 cups of water for every cup of rice. Set your cooker and let it steam until the rice is fluffy and the vegetables are tender.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
  2. Place the rice in the inner pot.
  3. Fill the steamer basket with vegetables.
  4. Add water to the cooker.
  5. Set the rice cooker and start cooking.

5) Savory Jambalaya

A steaming rice cooker filled with colorful jambalaya, surrounded by ingredients like sausage, shrimp, bell peppers, and onions

Savory jambalaya is a delicious rice dish packed with flavor. You can make it easily in your rice cooker, perfect for busy nights. This recipe combines chicken, sausage, shrimp, and spices for a tasty meal.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need rice, your choice of meat, and some vegetables. The seasoning adds a nice kick to the dish.

Here’s how to cook it. First, combine all ingredients in your rice cooker. Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Set your cooker to the appropriate setting and let it work its magic.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 lb sausage, sliced
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to the rice cooker.
  2. Stir to mix well.
  3. Set the rice cooker to the “White Rice” setting.
  4. Cook until done and fluff with a fork before serving.

6) Lentil and Spinach Pilaf

A rice cooker surrounded by lentils, spinach, and pilaf ingredients on a kitchen counter

Lentil and spinach pilaf is a quick and nutritious dish that you can easily make in your rice cooker. This meal combines lentils, spinach, and rice for a flavorful and filling option.

Start by measuring out your ingredients. You’ll need lentils and basmati rice, along with some vegetable broth. The broth adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.

To prepare, simply add your rinsed lentils, rice, and broth to the rice cooker. You can also toss in chopped onions and garlic for extra taste. Set the cooker and let it do the work!

Once it’s cooked, stir in fresh spinach. The heat will wilt it perfectly without overcooking. Serve this dish warm for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup green lentils
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils and rice together.
  2. Add lentils, rice, and vegetable broth to the rice cooker.
  3. Stir in chopped onions and garlic.
  4. Set to cook and wait for it to finish.
  5. Once cooked, stir in fresh spinach.
  6. Serve warm.

7) Thai Curry with Jasmine Rice

A steaming bowl of Thai curry sits next to a pile of fluffy jasmine rice, surrounded by vibrant herbs and spices

Thai curry with jasmine rice is a simple and tasty meal that you can make at home. The creamy coconut milk and fresh spices create a delightful flavor that pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice. This dish is quick to prepare and is ready in about 30 minutes.

Start by sautéing your favorite vegetables in the rice cooker. Add a can of coconut milk and your choice of curry paste. Bring everything to a simmer, allowing the flavors to blend well.

While the curry cooks, prepare your jasmine rice in the rice cooker according to the package instructions. Once everything is ready, serve the curry over a bed of rice for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of jasmine rice
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons of curry paste
  • Your choice of vegetables (like bell peppers and onions)
  • Protein (chicken, tofu, or shrimp, optional)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Sauté vegetables in the rice cooker.
  2. Add coconut milk and curry paste; stir well.
  3. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Cook jasmine rice in the rice cooker.
  5. Serve curry over jasmine rice.

8) Cheesy Broccoli Rice

A steaming rice cooker filled with fluffy rice, vibrant green broccoli florets, and melted cheese

Cheesy broccoli rice is a simple and delicious side dish that you can make in your rice cooker. It combines fluffy rice with fresh broccoli and creamy cheese for a tasty treat.

You can have this dish ready in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a quick and easy meal.

To make it even better, you can customize it with different cheeses or add spices to boost the flavor. This dish pairs well with chicken or fish.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 head of broccoli, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Add the rice and chicken broth to the rice cooker.
  3. Place the chopped broccoli on top without stirring.
  4. Add butter, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions.
  6. Once done, fluff with a fork and stir in the cheese until melted.

9) Breakfast Rice Pudding

A rice cooker filled with creamy rice pudding topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of cinnamon, set on a rustic wooden table

Breakfast rice pudding is a delightful way to start your day. It’s creamy, warm, and comforting. You can prepare it easily in your rice cooker.

For a simple recipe, combine rice, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. You can also add vanilla or cinnamon for extra flavor. Cook it in your rice cooker for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender.

Feel free to top your pudding with fresh fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of honey. This makes it both nutritious and tasty.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 cups milk (any kind)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: vanilla extract or cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
  2. Add the rice, milk, sugar, and salt to the rice cooker.
  3. Stir to combine.
  4. Cook on the regular setting for about 30 minutes.
  5. Check the consistency and stir if needed.
  6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

10) Steamed Fish with Rice

A steaming rice cooker sits next to a plate of perfectly cooked fish and rice, emitting a delicious aroma

Steaming fish in a rice cooker is an easy and tasty way to prepare a healthy meal. You can cook both the fish and rice together, saving time and dishes.

Start by selecting a fish you enjoy, like salmon or tilapia. Place the fish on a heatproof plate that fits in your rice cooker. Season it with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like.

Add rice to the cooker with the right amount of water. Place the plate with the fish on top of the rice. Then, steam everything for about 20 minutes. The fish should be flaky and tender.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of fish fillets
  • 1 cup of rice
  • 2 cups of water
  • Salt and pepper
  • Herbs (like dill or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water.

  2. Add rice and water to the rice cooker.

  3. Season the fish with salt and pepper.

  4. Place the fish on a heatproof plate.

  5. Put the plate on top of the rice in the cooker.

  6. Close the lid and set the cooker to steam for 20 minutes.

  7. Check if the fish is fully cooked, then serve.

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