Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience when it comes to your weeknight meals? Look no further! With a rice cooker, you can whip up a delicious and nutritious meal in no time. And we’re not just talking about plain old white rice here – oh no! We’ve got 18 mouthwatering recipes that will make you wonder how you ever managed without this amazing kitchen appliance.
From savory dishes like Garlic Butter Rice with Vegetables to sweet treats like Sweet Rice Cooker Banana Bread, our collection of easy rice cooker recipes has something for everyone. And the best part? Each and every one of these recipes can be prepared in under an hour – perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Garlic Butter Rice with Vegetables
This flavorful side dish combines aromatic garlic butter with a medley of sautéed vegetables, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for accompanying your favorite main courses!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add diced onion and sliced bell peppers; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted.
5. Serve vegetable mixture over cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Milk Jasmine Rice
Elevate your rice game with this creamy and aromatic Coconut Milk Jasmine Rice recipe, perfect as a side dish or paired with your favorite stir-fry or curry. This simple and flavorful recipe combines the comforting warmth of jasmine rice with the richness of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Rinse the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
4. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the coconut milk and salt.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the coconut milk is fully incorporated and the rice is creamy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pot Rice Cooker Chicken Biryani
This aromatic and flavorful biryani is a perfect blend of spices, chicken, and basmati rice cooked to perfection in a one-pot rice cooker. Serve with a side of raita or salad for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp cumin powder
– 1 tsp coriander powder
– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in the one-pot rice cooker. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until onion is translucent.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt; stir well.
5. Drain excess water from the rice and add it to the cooker. Stir gently.
6. Cook on high for 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Japanese Takikomi Gohan
Takikomi Gohan is a popular Japanese dish that combines cooked rice with various ingredients and seasonings to create a flavorful and nutritious meal. This recipe is a simple yet delicious way to prepare this traditional Japanese side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup edamame (boiled or steamed)
– 1/4 cup diced carrots
– 1/4 cup diced green onions
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese cooking wine) or dry white wine
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, combine edamame, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, sake (or dry white wine), and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender.
3. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the pan with the vegetable mixture. Stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese
This recipe uses your rice cooker to create a creamy, cheesy macaroni dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup macaroni
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the macaroni, water, and butter to the rice cooker.
2. Cook on white rice setting for 15-20 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
4. Add the flour to the cheese mixture and stir well.
5. Once the macaroni is cooked, add the cheese mixture to the rice cooker and stir to combine.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-23 minutes
Savory Mushroom and Spinach Rice
This recipe combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms and spinach with fluffy rice, creating a satisfying and nutritious side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start browning (5-6 minutes).
4. Stir in thawed spinach, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Once rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the mushroom-spinach mixture.
6. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Rice Cooker Banana Bread
This recipe combines the convenience of a rice cooker with the warmth and comfort of banana bread, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious loaf ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 3-4 ripe bananas
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Peel the bananas and mash them in a bowl until smooth.
2. In the rice cooker pot, combine brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the mashed bananas, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Cook on “White Rice” mode for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pineapple Fried Rice in a Rice Cooker
A sweet and savory twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the flavors of pineapple, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs for a delightful and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 cup diced pineapple
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add mixed vegetables, pineapple, and garlic to the rice cooker.
2. Cook on “Fried Rice” setting according to manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Crack in eggs and stir until scrambled.
4. Stir-fry cooked rice mixture with vegetable oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Garnish with scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on rice cooker model)
Rice Cooker Spanish Rice
Add a flavorful and aromatic twist to your meals with this simple Spanish rice cooker recipe. Perfect as a side dish or incorporated into main courses, this recipe yields a deliciously seasoned rice that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add rice, water, olive oil, onion, garlic, paprika, and cumin to the rice cooker.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Herb Quinoa in a Rice Cooker
Elevate your quinoa game with this bright and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This Lemon Herb Quinoa is infused with the warmth of garlic, the brightness of lemon zest, and the freshness of parsley.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Add quinoa and water/broth to the rice cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the quinoa mixture in the rice cooker.
4. Cook on the “White Rice” or “Porridge” setting for 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rice Cooker Honey Soy Chicken and Rice
This recipe combines the convenience of a rice cooker with the flavors of honey, soy sauce, and chicken for a delicious and easy meal. With minimal prep work and no constant monitoring required, you can enjoy a satisfying dinner without much fuss.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
– 1 cup honey soy sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Place the chicken in the rice cooker, followed by cooked rice, honey soy sauce, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on “white rice” setting for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Fluff with a fork and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rice Cooker Lentil and Rice Pilaf
A flavorful and nutritious pilaf recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch. This dish is a great way to use up leftover lentils and veggies.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 1 cup cooked lentils (any type)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and add it to the cooker.
2. Add the cooked lentils, water, olive oil, onion, garlic, and thyme on top of the rice.
3. Close the lid and set the cooker to “Cook” mode.
4. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rice Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful side dish with this simple recipe that combines the goodness of broccoli, cheese, and rice cooked to perfection in your rice cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the rice and water to your rice cooker.
2. Place the broccoli on top of the rice mixture.
3. Dot the broccoli with butter.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the broccoli.
5. Pour in the milk.
6. Cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions (usually 20-25 minutes).
7. Fluff the cooked rice and broccoli mixture with a fork.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rice Cooker Pumpkin Risotto
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this creamy, comforting rice cooker risotto infused with roasted pumpkin and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add rice, water, pumpkin puree, olive oil, onion, garlic, and thyme to the rice cooker.
2. Cook on “White Rice” mode for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rice Cooker Teriyaki Salmon and Rice
Cook up a delicious and healthy meal with this simple recipe that combines the flavors of teriyaki sauce, savory salmon, and fluffy rice. This one-pot wonder is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxing weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb salmon fillet (6 oz), skin removed
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the salmon fillet under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. Add rice, water, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to a 6-quart rice cooker.
3. Place the salmon fillet on top of the rice mixture.
4. Cook on “white rice” or “porridge” setting for about 40-45 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Rice Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Start your day with a delicious and healthy bowl of oatmeal cooked to perfection in your rice cooker. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a comforting breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup diced apple (about 1 medium-sized apple)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Add the oats, water, apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to your rice cooker.
2. Cook on the “Porridge” or “Oatmeal” setting for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the oatmeal has reached your desired consistency.
3. Once cooked, fluff the oatmeal with a spoon and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rice Cooker Mexican Rice with Black Beans
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious rice cooker recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add rice, water, and olive oil to the rice cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together black beans, onion, garlic, and cumin.
3. Add the bean mixture to the rice cooker with the rice.
4. Cook on high pressure for 6-8 minutes or 15-20 minutes on low pressure.
5. Let pressure release naturally before opening the cooker.
6. Fluff with a fork and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes (high pressure) or 15-20 minutes (low pressure)
Rice Cooker Egg Fried Rice
This recipe is a simplified version of the classic Chinese dish, made possible with the help of your trusty rice cooker. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into the rice cooker and scramble them until cooked through.
2. Add the vegetable oil, onion, and garlic to the rice cooker. Stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the cooked rice to the rice cooker and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
4. Add soy sauce and salt to taste. Stir-fry for another minute.
5. Transfer the egg fried rice to a serving platter and garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to simplify your meal prep with these 18 easy rice cooker recipes perfect for busy weeknights! From savory dishes like Garlic Butter Rice with Vegetables and Savory Mushroom and Spinach Rice, to sweet treats like Sweet Rice Cooker Banana Bread and Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, there’s something for everyone. These convenient recipes require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Plus, explore international flavors with One-Pot Rice Cooker Chicken Biryani, Coconut Milk Jasmine Rice, and Japanese Takikomi Gohan. Whether you’re a rice lover or just looking to mix things up, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
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