Steam Broccoli in a Rice Cooker
Rice cookers aren't just for cooking rice. Like microwaves and other appliances, most rice cooker brands include a steam rack with it. Using a rice cooker as a steamer may take a longer time than the stove top method, but it does alleviate "kitchen traffic" by opening more space while cooking.
Contents
Steps
Preparing the Broccoli
- Wash them. Under running water, rinse them to ensure any dirt particles are off.
- Chop the broccoli into florets. You will want individual florets, as if you are serving it right away and fit into the rice cooker appropriately.
- Cut off the stalk (or bottom) of the broccoli.
- Cut each floret into slices.
Steaming the Broccoli
- Add the water. Add about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of water into the rice cooker. Insert the steam rack as well.
- Add the broccoli florets. You will want to stack them on the steam rack, about 2/3 full. Be sure that nothing is underneath it, or else they might get boiled.
- You can always add the bigger/thicker pieces on the bottom and smaller/thinner pieces at the top.
- Steam the broccoli. Refer to your manual for the appropriate cooking times; the average time amount is 5 minutes. Place the lid on, turn the rice cooker on, and manually time it. Set the timer on at the same time you push the rice cooker on.
- Turn the rice cooker off and unplug it. Leaving the appliance on a "warm" setting will still continue to cook the food.
- Drain the broccoli and use running cold water on them. This stops all of the cooking process.
Serving or Storing the Broccoli
- Use it immediately. Have them as a steamed side dish, in a salad, or by themselves.
- Freeze the broccoli. The freezing process prolongs the life of food. The quality of broccoli are retained for 12 months when frozen.
- Spread the broccoli florets out on a baking sheet, so that they don't touch each other.
- Flash freeze them for about an hour or two.
- Add them to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag with the date of when you steamed them.
Tips
- When doing multiple batches for a freezer stockpile, you can prepare and steam as you go. To avoid any "shock" to the broccoli that are already bagged frozen, add the newly steamed batch to a flat baking sheet and place it in the freezer for an hour. Add the contents to the freezer bag afterwards.
