Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of rice cooker magic!
I am so excited to share these 20 recipes that prove this appliance can do way more than just steam white grains.
We are talking about everything from luscious curries to cheesy pasta and hearty soups.
Let’s get these effortless meals on your table!
1. Rice Cooker Chicken
This classic Asian dish might not be strictly authentic but it is totally effective. I just love how the recipe cooks the rice and chicken together in the same appliance at the exact same time.
You only need about 10 minutes of prep time before leaving the rest of the work to your machine. Why would we ever want to complicate life?
2. Easy Spanish Rice
You can fill your burritos with this aromatic and flavorful Spanish rice. It flavors the rice with tomatoes plus bouillon and spices so your Taco Tuesday will be a certified hit.
I am always surprised by how easy this is to make thanks to the handy rice cooker. You really just dump the ingredients in and wait for the magic to happen with minimal effort.
3. Scallops and Rice
What do you get when you pair classic white rice with nutty and buttery scallops? You get a scrumptious stand alone meal that you will not forget anytime soon.
This one pot meal is as fancy as can be. Rice and scallops mix with butter and chives to create a stunning meal that is decadent yet easy enough for your weekly rotation.
4. Rice Cooker Coconut Rice
The smell of coconut rice boiling in the cooker makes my mouth water instantly. The creaminess and unique flavor that coconut milk adds to the grains are absolutely stunning.
It is amazing how one simple ingredient can transform basic steamed rice into an epic experience. You can serve it as is or sprinkle on toasted coconut for a perfect crunchy finishing touch.
5. Taco Soup in the Rice Cooker
All the things you love in a taco combine here to make one thick and hearty soup. You have rice plus beans plus chicken plus corn plus carrots plus tomatoes plus onions in the mix.
The kicker is that it all comes together in just one pot and 45 minutes. I lean on this recipe whenever I am in charge of dinner but forgot to prep anything.
6. Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese
I bet you did not know that you can make mac and cheese in the rice cooker. This is just further proof of how versatile this appliance is.
The result is just as cheesy and creamy and delicious as any other version but is a lot easier to make.
7. Sushi Rice
Sushi in any form is hands down my favorite food in the world. I love them all whether it is nigiri or maki or temaki.
Soft and perfectly flavored sushi rice sits at the core of every recipe. You must try this if you enjoy sushi as much as I do because you do not have to be a sensei to nail it.
8. Quick White Rice
You cannot always rely on takeout if you are obsessed with rice like I am. You should learn to cook your own classic white rice because it is easy when you have a cooker by your side.
You are golden as long as you nail the water ratio since the machine takes care of everything else. It is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd since you can cook a ton at once.
9. Rice Cooker Vegetable Thai Curry
We are using curry for this recipe but with a Thai flair. The vegetable curry is hearty and loaded with flavor which proves you do not need meat to make a complete dish.
Red Thai curry paste contains tomato plus chili plus garlic plus shrimp paste and galangal unlike Indian curries. It is different from more popular curries but it is phenomenal all the same.
10. Teriyaki Shrimp and Rice
This simple dish is packed with tons of flavor. Fragrant jasmine rice gets a teriyaki flair thanks to ginger plus soy sauce and brown sugar.
Fresh shrimp adds sweetness and textural contrast to the dish. You can think of it as shrimp fried rice that is steamed instead of fried so it is not as heavy on calories.
11. Rice Cooker Saffron Rice
This golden rice dish is brighter than the sun! The fragrant aroma from the saffron will drive you absolutely crazy.
Saffron is not the most budget friendly spice but it is definitely worth every penny. I find it just delicious with its mildly sweet and earthy floral taste.
12. Spanish Rice With Chicken and Shrimp
Classic Spanish rice is a perfect burrito filling. You get a complete stand alone meal when you throw chicken and shrimp into the mix.
This is the recipe for you if you are looking for a quick and easy dinner that delivers on flavor. The soft fluffy rice is cooked in chicken broth and tomatoes without any babysitting needed.
13. Rice Cooker Fried Rice
Can you make rice without actually frying it? This simple hack is perfect if you are craving fried rice but do not care for the extra calories.
The rice gets coated in sesame oil for an aromatic flavor alongside bacon plus garlic plus onion and vegetables. It is like eating your favorite takeout without the guilt.
14. Perfect Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is often used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. You had better master the art of cooking basmati if that is your jam.
It is thankfully very easy to do. The recipe has a bunch of tips to make sure you nail it on your very first attempt.
15. Rice Cooker Southwest Style Quinoa
Say hello to a non rice dish on this list. Quinoa is a superfood that is packed with nutrition and tasty to boot. I love how it adds a lovely nuttiness and crunch to my dishes.
You will get a hearty Mexican feast by combining it with black beans plus tomatoes plus taco seasoning and green chile peppers.
16. Rice Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Rice
Hearty rice plus juicy chicken and meaty mushrooms always make a great combination. Chicken and mushroom rice is a classic Chinese dish that is bursting with flavor.
The earthy colors make the dish so appetizing too. The chicken and mushrooms are marinated in a magnificent sauce here to bring out their lovely flavors.
17. Rice Cooker Asian Chicken Rice
I just love the simplicity of this dish. Tender and juicy steamed chicken meets perfectly steamed white rice.
It might not sound too exciting but wait until you try the sauce made from ginger plus garlic plus soy sauce plus vinegar plus miso plus sugar and red chili. I highly recommend doubling the recipe for the sauce because I bet you will want to serve it with everything.
18. Rice Cooker Chicken Curry
Can you believe Japanese rice curry takes just 30 minutes? I did not think it was possible but it is. We have the rice cooker to thank as always.
The curry is extra loaded with chicken and potatoes and rice for flavor that is spot on.
19. Rice Cooker Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Chicken plus Andouille sausage and Cajun rice create one of the most delicious dishes in the world. I was under the impression that it was complicated even though I love it.
Imagine my joy when I found out it was actually a breeze. It takes just 45 minutes with the rice cooker and you are all set.
20. Ginger Chicken and Rice
Rice and chicken make such a classic pair. This recipe is a must try if you care to make things more interesting.
Bouillon plus ginger and coconut milk infuse more flavor to the dish. It is so creamy and savory with a bit of spice topped with spinach for a pop of color.