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