This is my story. My alternate title for this post is: “Why I Finally Bought My Dream Rice Cooker (And What I’m Cooking First)” For almost five (5) years, a rice cooker has been on my Christmas wish list. Not sure why, but nobody wanted to gift me one. Every year, I received some other gift that I had asked for, or gift cards, which I always used to buy groceries. But never a rice cooker. One of my kids bought a rice cooker for his apartment, but broke it. (Long story. Broke the waffle maker too!) Another one of my kids bought a rice cooker, but it's too small. I'm trying to feed a group of 6 to 8 people. So I needed a bigger pot.
FINALLY!! I decided to buy a rice cooker for myself. It's my birthday/anniversary/mother's day/holiday… whatever reason I could think of gift. LOL.😄
I am very pleased with MYAroma Housewares 32-Cup (Cooked) (16-Cup UNCOOKED) Pot Style Rice Cooker (ARC-7216NG) , White. It's bigger than I thought it would be, and I don't just want to cook rice. As soon as I watched a cooking video and the person cooked a pot of chicken stew … I'm on a hunt for rice cooker recipes. DID YOU KNOW you can cook hard-boiled eggs in a rice cooker? Just add water and let the steam do the work. Some say you can make cheesecake in a rice cooker. But I haven't tried that yet.
If you visit my blog, then you know I love sharing links to recipes found on the web. Keep scrolling and you'll find the rice cooker links at the end of this post. IF you're just cooking rice, here are a few ideas on how to turn your rice cooker into a flavor powerhouse. You can infuse flavor into your rice while it cooks.
♦ Savory Infusions
Broth instead of water: Use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth for a richer base.
Bouillon cubes or granules: Dissolve in the cooking liquid for a punch of umami.
Garlic butter: Sauté garlic in butter, then add rice and broth—this combo is heavenly.
Herbs & spices: Toss in bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, or cumin seeds while cooking.
♦ Tropical & Sweet Twists
Coconut milk: Swap part of the water for coconut milk for creamy, island-style rice.
Fruit juices: Pineapple or orange juice adds a sweet tang—great with Caribbean dishes.
Cinnamon & cloves: Perfect for sweet rice or as a base for Moroccan-style meals. (Also add in raisins or dried dates.)
♦ Fresh & Zesty Additions
Citrus zest: Lemon or lime zest brightens up the flavor.
Fresh herbs: Add cilantro, parsley, or basil right before serving for a pop of green.
Infused oils: Drizzle with chili oil, sesame oil, or garlic oil after cooking.
♦ Global Inspirations
Tomato paste or salsa: Stir into the water for Spanish-style rice.
Soy sauce or miso: Adds depth and saltiness—great for Asian-inspired dishes.
Pesto or tapenade: Mix in after cooking for Mediterranean flair.
***
REFERENCES:
14Ways To Add More Flavor To White Rice | Tasting Table
Garlic Butter Rice | Spend With Pennies
Tasty Ways to Infuse Rice and Inspired Infusion Ideas | Minute® Rice
Elevate Your Dish: How to Add Flavor to Cooked Rice | Easy CleanCook
@aargh42g5. “Rice Cooker Japanese Chicken Stew Recipe.” YouTube, Video, 25 Jan. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuFEwgGCW3w.
***
RECIPE SHARING:
The Joy of Homemaking. “Cooking Veggies for the First Time in My Rice Cooker! #homemaker #momlife #familyof5 #cooking.” YouTube, Video, 10 July 2022, https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s1F8Sc-K-Zg.
@Karebearstare. “Simple Rice Cooker Recipes That Are Awesome.” YouTube, Video, 15 Feb. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YieIRSCHndM.
ONE-POT
Rice Recipes for rice lovers | Marion's Kitchen
Dishes
like Hainanese chicken rice, lamb biryani, and honey soy chicken—YUM!
10
Easy Rice Cooker Recipes | Food Network
Mac
& cheese, salmon bowls, and even pancakes—all
rice cooker-friendly.
24
Best Rice Cooker Recipes (Quick and Delicious One-Pot Meals)
A
treasure trove of recipes for fried rice, teriyaki shrimp, chili, and
desserts like rice pudding and chocolate cake.
37
Rice Cooker Recipes - The Picky Eater
Vegetarian,
vegan, and gluten-free options galore—this
blog shows how to make everything from burrito bowls to Korean sweet
rice.
*
