Are rice cookers only good for rice?

While rice cookers are primarily designed for cooking rice, they can also be used to cook a variety of other dishes. Many modern rice cookers come with multiple functions and settings, allowing you to cook stews, soups, porridge, pasta, and even cakes.

Here are some common dishes you can make in a rice cooker:

1. Oatmeal: Mix oats, water, or milk in a rice cooker and set it to the porridge setting.

2. Risotto: Use the rice cooker's "slow cook" setting to make creamy risotto dishes.

3. Congee: Cook rice with plenty of water to create a comforting Chinese rice porridge.

4. Chili: Brown ground beef or turkey, add your favorite chili ingredients, and let the rice cooker work its magic.

5. Steamed Vegetables: Place vegetables in a steamer basket inside the rice cooker and select the "steam" function. Add some seasoning for extra flavor.

6. Steamed Fish: Cook your favorite fish fillets (seasoned or marinated if desired) by placing them on a steamer tray or using a steam basket inside the rice cooker.

7. Chicken and Rice: Combine raw chicken (cut into chunks or strips), seasoned rice, water or broth, and your desired vegetables in the rice cooker for a one-pot meal.

8. Dumplings: Cook frozen or homemade dumplings by steaming them using the rice cooker's "steam" function and a steamer basket.

9. Soups and Stews: Some rice cookers have a "soup" setting, making it easy to simmer and prepare broth-based dishes.

10. Reheating Rice and Foods: Rice cookers can gently reheat rice and other leftovers without drying them out or overcooking them.

With a bit of creativity and experimentation, you can use your rice cooker to prepare a wide array of delicious and satisfying meals beyond just plain rice. Check the user manual of your specific rice cooker model for detailed instructions and any additional cooking functions it offers.