The Rice Cooker Revolution: What Can You Really Cook in It?

I remember the first time I got a rice cooker. It was a gift from my aunt who swore by it, and honestly, I was skeptical. How much could you really do with a rice cooker? Turns out, a lot. Like, a whole lot. We’re talking way beyond just steaming rice—though it does that perfectly, of course. But if you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering: what else can this thing actually do?

I’ve spent the last few years experimenting, burning a few things (RIP, my first attempt at cake), and discovering that a rice cooker might just be the most underrated appliance in your kitchen. Whether you’re a college student in a dorm, a busy professional, or just someone who loves efficiency, this little machine can be a game-changer. So, let’s dive into what you can really cook in a rice cooker—because spoiler alert, it’s not just rice.

And hey, if you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen setup, places like Chef’s Deal offer some great options. They’ve got everything from basic models to high-end ones, plus free kitchen design services if you’re looking to optimize your space. But that’s a conversation for another day. For now, let’s talk rice cookers.

Beyond the Basics: What Can You Really Cook in a Rice Cooker?

1. Perfect Rice Every Time (Obviously)

Okay, let’s start with the obvious—rice. But here’s the thing: a rice cooker doesn’t just cook rice; it perfects it. Whether you’re into fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or even wild rice blends, the rice cooker takes the guesswork out of it. No more burnt bottoms or undercooked grains. Just set it and forget it.

But here’s where it gets interesting. You can also use your rice cooker to make risotto. Yes, really. The slow, even heat is perfect for coaxing out that creamy texture without having to stand over the stove stirring for half an hour. Just add your Arborio rice, broth, and whatever mix-ins you like (mushrooms, peas, a splash of white wine), and let the cooker do the work. It’s almost too easy.

2. Soups and Stews That Simmer Themselves

This is where the rice cooker starts to feel like magic. Soups and stews are a breeze because the cooker maintains a steady simmer. I’m talking chicken noodle soup, lentil stew, even a hearty beef chili. The best part? You don’t have to worry about it boiling over or sticking to the bottom.

I’ve made a killer pho broth in my rice cooker before—just throw in your bones, aromatics, and spices, and let it go for a few hours. The flavor extraction is surprisingly good. And if you’re feeling lazy, you can even cook the noodles and meat right in the same pot afterward. One-pot meals for the win.

3. Steamed Vegetables and Dumplings

If your rice cooker comes with a steaming basket (and most do), you’ve got a built-in veggie steamer. Broccoli, carrots, asparagus—you name it. It’s a great way to get perfectly tender-crisp veggies without firing up another pot. And if you’re into dumplings, whether they’re frozen or homemade, the rice cooker is your new best friend. Just line the basket with some parchment paper to prevent sticking, and you’re good to go.

I’ve even steamed fish in there. A little lemon, some herbs, and a fillet of salmon or cod comes out perfectly moist. It’s one of those things you wouldn’t think to try, but once you do, it becomes a regular in your meal rotation.

4. Oatmeal and Breakfast Grains

Breakfast just got a whole lot easier. Steel-cut oats, which usually take forever on the stove, cook up beautifully in a rice cooker. Just add your oats, water or milk, and whatever sweetener or fruit you like, and let it go. You can even set it up the night before if your cooker has a delay timer.

But why stop at oats? Quinoa, farro, and even congee (a rice porridge popular in many Asian cuisines) are all fair game. Congee, in particular, is a revelation. It’s comforting, endlessly customizable, and the rice cooker’s slow cook function makes it effortless.

5. Cake. Yes, Cake.

This is where things get wild. You can bake a cake in a rice cooker. I know, it sounds crazy, but it works. The texture is a little different—more steamed than baked—but it’s moist and delicious. I’ve tried everything from simple vanilla cakes to chocolate lava cakes, and they all turn out surprisingly well.

The key is to use a recipe specifically designed for rice cooker cakes, as the proportions and cooking times differ from traditional baking. But once you nail it, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered turning on the oven.

6. One-Pot Pasta Dishes

Pasta in a rice cooker? Absolutely. The trick is to use enough liquid so the pasta cooks evenly without drying out. I’ve made everything from mac and cheese to spaghetti aglio e olio. It’s not quite as fast as boiling pasta on the stove, but the hands-off approach is a huge plus.

And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even make paella. The rice cooker’s wide base is perfect for getting that crispy bottom layer (the socarrat) that’s the hallmark of a great paella. Just layer in your rice, broth, and toppings, and let it cook. The results might surprise you.

7. Yogurt and Fermented Foods

If your rice cooker has a “keep warm” function, you can use it to make yogurt. It’s all about maintaining a consistent temperature, and the rice cooker does that beautifully. I’ve made both dairy and non-dairy yogurts with great success. It’s a fun weekend project that feels weirdly rewarding.

You can also use it for other fermented foods, like kimchi or even sourdough starter. The steady warmth helps the fermentation process along without you having to babysit it. It’s not the fastest method, but it’s certainly one of the easiest.

8. Hard-Boiled Eggs

This is one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” moments. You can hard-boil eggs in a rice cooker. Just add water to the pot, place your eggs in the steaming basket, and let it go. No watching the clock, no worrying about overcooking. The eggs come out perfect every time.

And if you’re making a big batch for meal prep, this is a total game-changer. I’ve done up to a dozen at a time with no issues. It’s one of those small things that makes you appreciate the versatility of this little appliance.

9. DIY Broths and Stocks

Making your own broth is one of those things that feels like a chore until you realize how easy it is in a rice cooker. Toss in your bones, veggie scraps, herbs, and water, and let it simmer away. The long, slow cook time extracts all the flavor without any effort on your part.

I’ve made chicken, beef, and even veggie broths this way, and they all turn out rich and flavorful. Plus, you can strain and store the broth right in the fridge or freezer for later use. It’s a great way to reduce waste and always have homemade broth on hand.

10. Desserts Beyond Cake

We’ve already talked about cake, but the dessert possibilities don’t stop there. You can make pudding, like rice pudding or even bread pudding, right in the cooker. The gentle heat ensures a creamy texture without any scorching.

And if you’re into Asian desserts, you can make things like mochi or sweet red bean soup. The rice cooker’s ability to maintain a steady temperature makes it perfect for these delicate desserts. It’s a fun way to explore new flavors without a ton of effort.

Final Thoughts: The Rice Cooker as Your Kitchen MVP

After all this experimenting, I’ve come to the conclusion that the rice cooker might be the most underrated appliance in the kitchen. It’s not just for rice—it’s a multi-functional powerhouse that can handle everything from breakfast to dessert. And the best part? It’s incredibly forgiving. Even when I’ve messed up a recipe, the results are usually still edible, which is more than I can say for some of my other kitchen experiments.

If you’re in the market for one, I’d recommend checking out suppliers like Chef’s Deal. They’ve got a great selection, and their free kitchen design services can help you figure out how to integrate it into your space. Plus, their competitive pricing and financing options make it easy to upgrade without breaking the bank.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that rice cooker and start experimenting. And if you try any of these ideas, let me know how it goes—I’m always looking for new recipes to test out!

FAQ

Q: Can I cook meat in a rice cooker?
A: Yes! You can cook chicken, beef, and even fish in a rice cooker. The key is to use enough liquid to prevent drying out and to cut the meat into smaller pieces for even cooking.

Q: How do I clean my rice cooker after cooking something like cake or pasta?
A: Most rice cookers have a non-stick pot, so cleaning is usually pretty easy. Just let it cool, then wash with warm, soapy water. For stuck-on bits, a little baking soda paste can help.

Q: Can I use my rice cooker as a slow cooker?
A: Some rice cookers have a slow cook function, but even if yours doesn’t, you can use the “keep warm” setting for slow cooking. It won’t get as hot as a dedicated slow cooker, but it works for many recipes.

Q: What’s the best rice cooker for someone who wants to do more than just cook rice?
A: Look for a multi-functional rice cooker with settings for slow cooking, steaming, and even baking. Brands like Zojirushi and Instant Pot offer models that are great for versatile cooking.

@article{the-rice-cooker-revolution-what-can-you-really-cook-in-it,
    title   = {The Rice Cooker Revolution: What Can You Really Cook in It?},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/rice-cooker-what-can-you-cook/}
}