5 Recipes For Your Rice Cooker

When it comes to weekday dinners and fast meal prep, a rice cooker is a college student’s best friend. Rice cookers are known for making cooking simple, fast and delicious. But did you know that rice cookers could make full meals that would be more complicated to cook otherwise? The rice cooker was designed to do the cooking for you and be a fast heat source for various meals. And while rice cookers were made purely for rice, the possibilities for recipes are endless. For your next dinner, let the rice cooker do all the work. Here are 5 recipes for your rice cooker.

This recipe is a fast and delicious way to give you that sense of rustic warmth.

1. Spanish Rice

When you’re craving something that is deliciously warm with a sweet kick, Spanish rice is a perfect fast meal. And while the calorie count of this dish is relatively low, the flavors and texture are out of this world. Toss out your box rice and try this great recipe the next time you’re in need of sweet and zesty Spanish rice.

Ingredients

2 cups of rice
1 can of tomatoes, diced with juice
3 cups of water
1 white onion, finely diced
3 bouillon cubes
3 pinches of chili powder
1 pinch salt
1 pinch cumin
1 small pinch garlic powder

Directions

Rinse your rice before adding it to the bottom of your rice cooker. Layer your diced tomatoes and water over the top. Next, add your seasonings and onion. Give it a little stir to ensure all the spices are dissolved. Cook according to the settings on your rice cooker. Note, most rice cookers will have settings for different variations of rice. If you’re unsure of what setting to use, go with the white rice setting( approximately 45 minutes) and check on it after 35 minutes to ensure it is the right texture. Serve hot and enjoy.

This dish is will warm your soul with it’s sweet creamy sauce and zesty kick.

2. Tortilla Soup

Surprisingly, yes, you can make great soup out of a rice cooker. This recipe especially works well with its various chunky ingredients including chicken breast, tomatoes, corn and diced tomatoes. If you’re in the mood for making something sweet and warm, this recipe will not disappoint.

Ingredients

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ white onion, finely diced
1 lb of chicken breast, skin off
1 can of tomatoes, diced
5 cups of chicken broth
½ cup brown sugar, raw
1 cup corn, canned
½ cup black beans, canned
2 cups of rice of your choice

Directions

Begin by putting your onion at the bottom of your hot rice cooker. Add some oil until it starts to brown. Add your garlic and lay your chicken down. Cook until browned. Next, add your chicken broth, tomatoes, rinsed and drained rice, corn and beans. Turn the rice cooker on the setting according to what rice you choose to do. Serve hot and enjoy.

This recipe will have you coming back for more.

3. Southwest Quinoa

Looking for a little southwest flavor in your life but don’t feel like doing the work? No problem! This rice cooker recipe favorite is a great way to make something that is flavorful and healthy for your next dinner. This recipe makes quinoa easy. I personally love this dish as it saves me from standing over a pot of boiling water for 15 minutes. Let the rice cooker do the work and enjoy a great southwest quinoa.

Ingredients

2 cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans of tomatoes with green chili peppers
2 cups of water
1 pinch cumin
1 pinch paprika
1 pinch salt
1 pinch garlic powder
1 box of quinoa

Directions

Begin by mixing your black beans, green chilies, diced tomatoes, seasonings, quinoa and water. Gently stir and set your rice cooker to cook for 1 hour. Note, you can also double check the instructions on the box of quinoa just to be sure. Be sure to stir halfway through cooking, around 30 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy.

This elegant delight is a great way to cook your buttery scallops.

4. Scallops And Rice

When you’re looking for a new way to make scallops fast, easy and savory, this recipe is a must try. Scallops are a naturally sweet buttery meat that balance the salt of the soy sauce and soft bite of the green onions perfectly. When you want a perfect sense of balance for your next rice recipe, try this scallops and rice dish.

Ingredients

2 cups of rice
½ lb fresh scallops
2 cups of water
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sake
2 tbsp butter
1 green onion, finely chopped, note chives work well too

Directions

Begin by lightly salting your scallops on both sides. Set to the side and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Rinse and drain your rice until white residue turns clear. In the rice cooker, add your rice, water, soy sauce and sake. Remove scallops from the fridge and gently pat dry. Gently, place in the rice cooker. Cook according to the settings on the rice cooker and let sit for 5 minutes. Add butter and lightly fluff up the rice. Fold in your chives. Serve and enjoy.

Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe for you, this rice is packed full of rich flavor.

5. Sushi Rice

This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for fast and plain rice to pair with any dish. But don’t let it’s simplicity fool you, this rice is packed full of flavor that is perfect for any dinner. Surprise yourself with some perfectly cooked sushi rice from your trusty rice cooker for your next meal.

Ingredients

1 cup sushi rice, rinsed and drained
2 cups water
¼ cup rice vinegar, seasoned

Directions

Begin by placing your rice into the rice cooker, followed by your water. Cook according to the instructions on the rice or following the settings on your rice cooker. When done, lightly toss to fluff and add your rice vinegar. Serve and enjoy.