What can the steaming function be used for and can I cook rice and steam veg/meat at the same time?
The steaming function on our compatible rice cookers is a versatile way to prepare a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, meat, fish, dumplings and much more.
You can use the steaming function in two ways:
Steam food at the same time as cooking rice, allowing you to prepare multiple parts of a meal simultaneously.
Use the cooker as a standalone steamer, without cooking rice underneath.
Maximum Rice Capacity When Steaming
If you are steaming food while cooking rice, it is important not to exceed the recommended maximum amount of rice for your particular model.
This is because rice expands significantly as it absorbs water and cooks. If too much rice is placed in the bowl, the expanding rice can rise into the steaming basket and potentially push the basket against the cooker lid or cause the lid to open.
For this reason, the following maximum rice quantities should be observed when using the steaming basket while rice is cooking:
Rice Cooker | Maximum Rice When Steaming |
|---|---|
Panda | 1 cup |
Kumo | 1 cup |
Sakura | 3 cups |
Bamboo | 3 cups |
Fuji | 1 cup |
Hotaru | 1 cup |
NS-TSQ10 / NS-AAQ10 | 2 cups |
NS-TSQ18 / NS-AAQ18 | 4 cups |
These limits apply when using the steaming basket at the same time as cooking rice.
Why Is There a Maximum?
The maximum isn't related to the normal rice-cooking capacity of the cooker. Instead, it is necessary because uncooked rice expands during cooking.
If too much rice is cooked beneath the steaming basket, the rice can expand upwards and make contact with the basket. This may cause the basket to push against the underside of the lid and potentially force it open.
Keeping within the recommended quantities ensures there is sufficient space for the rice to expand while allowing the steaming basket and lid to remain correctly positioned throughout the cooking cycle.
What Can You Steam?
The steaming function is suitable for a wide range of foods, including:
Vegetables
Fish and seafood
Meat
Dumplings
Potatoes
And many other foods suitable for steaming
It's particularly useful for preparing rice and steamed food simultaneously, helping you create a complete meal using one appliance.
Models Without a Steaming Function
Please note that the following models do not have a steaming basket or steaming function:
NS-LAQ05
NL-BGQ05
NS-YSQ10
NS-YSQ18
Always follow the maximum rice quantity specified for your particular model when steaming and cooking rice simultaneously. This ensures that there is enough room for the rice to expand without interfering with the steaming basket or cooker lid.