Hello and welcome to the world where your rice cooker is the star of the show. I am talking about 20 recipes that go way beyond plain white grains.
You can make soups and curries and even pasta in this magical little appliance. It is time to make dinner easier than ever before.
1. Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese
I bet you had no idea that you could make pasta in here. This mac and cheese comes out just as cheesy and creamy as the stove top version.
It is actually much easier to throw together. The rice cooker proves its versatility once again with this comfort food classic.
2. Rice Cooker Asian Chicken Rice
I just love the simplicity of this meal. You get tender juicy chicken right alongside perfectly steamed grains.
The real star here is the sauce made with ginger and garlic plus soy sauce and miso. I recommend doubling that red chili sauce recipe because you will want to put it on everything.
3. Rice Cooker Chicken Curry
You can actually make Japanese curry in just 30 minutes. This dish is loaded up with big chunks of chicken and potatoes.
The result is a thick and creamy meal that is savory and spicy all at once. It has everything you could ever ask for in a quick dinner.
4. Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice
Fragrant jasmine grains get a major flavor boost from ginger and brown sugar here. Fresh shrimp brings a nice sweetness and texture to the mix.
It feels like eating fried rice but it is actually steamed so it is lighter on the calories. I love that it only requires a handful of affordable ingredients.
5. Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Rice
Juicy chicken and meaty mushrooms are always a winning combination. This classic Chinese dish is bursting with savory flavors.
I love the appetizing earthy colors in the bowl. You marinate the meat and mushrooms in a magnificent sauce to really bring out the best taste.
6. Ginger Chicken and Rice
Chicken and grains are such a classic pairing. You can make things interesting by adding bouillon and fresh ginger plus coconut milk.
The result is so creamy and savory with just a touch of spice. I like to top it with spinach for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
7. Rice Cooker Vegetable Thai Curry
You do not need meat to make a complete and hearty dish. This vegetable curry uses a paste made from tomato and chili plus garlic and galangal.
It is quite different from other popular curries but it is phenomenal. I love the intense flavor profile of this Thai inspired meal.
8. Sushi Rice
Sushi is hands down my favorite food in the entire world. Soft and perfectly flavored grains are the core of any good roll or nigiri.
You do not have to be a master chef to nail this recipe at home. It is a must try for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine as much as I do.
9. Rice Cooker Chicken
This classic Asian meal cooks the meat and the grains at the exact same time. It is not exactly authentic but it is 100% effective.
You only need about 10 minutes of prep time to get this going. I am all about not complicating life when it comes to dinner.
10. Spanish Rice With Chicken and Shrimp
Classic Spanish rice makes for a perfect burrito filling. This version adds chicken and shrimp to become a complete stand alone meal.
The soft fluffy grains cook in chicken broth and tomatoes for maximum flavor. You just dump everything into the pot without any need for babysitting.
11. Easy Spanish Rice
You can flavor any type of grain with tomatoes and spices for a Taco Tuesday hit. This recipe is minimal effort with maximum flavor results.
I love that you just dump the ingredients in and let the machine do its magic. It is surprisingly easy to make this aromatic side dish.
12. Rice Cooker Saffron Rice
This golden dish looks brighter than the sun. The fragrant aroma of saffron will drive you absolutely crazy in the best way.
It has a mildly sweet and earthy flavor with floral notes. Saffron is worth every penny for the delicious taste it adds.
13. Rice Cooker Coconut Rice
The smell of this cooking makes my mouth water immediately. Coconut milk adds a unique creaminess that transforms basic steamed grains into something epic.
You can serve it plain or sprinkle on toasted coconut for a crunch. The flavor is truly out of this world amazing.
14. Quick White Rice
I am obsessed with grains and refuse to rely on takeout every night. You just need to nail the water ratio to get golden results.
This appliance takes care of the rest for you. It is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without any stress.
15. Rice Cooker Southwest Style Quinoa
Quinoa is a superfood that packs a ton of nutrition. I love the lovely nuttiness and crunch it adds to my meals.
This recipe combines it with black beans and tomatoes plus taco seasoning. You get a hearty Mexican feast right from your countertop appliance.
16. Taco Soup in the Rice Cooker
This thick and hearty soup combines all the things you love about tacos. It is loaded with beans and chicken plus corn and onions.
The whole thing comes together in one pot in just 45 minutes. I lean on this recipe whenever I forget to prep dinner ahead of time.
17. Scallops and Rice
You can pair classic white grains with nutty buttery scallops for a scrumptious meal. This one pot dinner feels incredibly fancy and decadent.
The mixture of butter and chives creates a stunning flavor profile. It is easy enough to add to your weekly rotation but tastes special.
18. Rice Cooker Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
This recipe combines Andouille sausage and chicken for one of the most delicious dishes in the world. I always thought Jambalaya was complicated but this method is a breeze.
It only takes 45 minutes to get this Cajun meal on the table. Imagine my joy when I found out how easy it is.
19. Perfect Basmati Rice
Basmati is a staple in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. You had better master the art of cooking it if that is your jam.
Thankfully this recipe makes the process very easy. Follow the tips to nail it on your very first attempt.
20. Rice Cooker Fried Rice
This simple hack lets you make fried rice without actually frying it. You coat the grains in sesame oil for that aromatic flavor.
It cooks right alongside bacon and garlic plus plenty of vegetables. I love eating this favorite takeout dish without the extra guilt.