As a BBQ enthusiast, mastering the art of making the perfect sides can really set your gatherings apart. While the grill takes center stage for meats, don't overlook the powerful and versatile side dishes you can prepare with a simple rice cooker. Yes, you heard it righta rice cooker is not just for rice. You might wonder, How long to cook potatoes in a rice cooker? Well, you're in for some delightful surprises as we dive deep into this unconventional but highly effective cooking method.

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Why Use a Rice Cooker for Potatoes?

If you have never tried cooking potatoes in a rice cooker, you're missing out on a remarkably convenient cooking alternative. Whether you need them for a potato salad, mashed potatoes, or as a quick snack, cooking potatoes in a rice cooker can save you time and effort.

Rice cookers are designed to steam and cook evenly, which makes them perfect for potatoes. Plus, they free up stove spacea valuable commodity during busy BBQ preparations!

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Not all potatoes are created equal. Russet potatoes, with their high starch content, are great for mashed potatoes. Red and new potatoes hold their shape well and are perfect for salads or roasting.

Make sure to wash your potatoes well and cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster, which is essential when you're managing multiple BBQ dishes simultaneously.

Russet Potatoes

Ideal for: Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes.

Red Potatoes

Ideal for: Potato salads, roasting.

Yukon Gold

Ideal for: Versatile use. They are good for both mashing and roasting.

Preparing Your Potatoes

Before placing the potatoes in the rice cooker, consider blanching them first. This will soften them up and ensure even cooking:

• Peel and wash the potatoes.
• Cut them into evenly-sized pieces.
• Blanch the potatoes by plunging them into boiling water for about 5 minutes.

Once youve prepared the potatoes, youre ready to load them into the rice cooker.

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The Cooking Process

So, how long to cook potatoes in a rice cooker? This can vary depending on the size of your potato pieces and the specific model of your rice cooker. Here's a breakdown of the general steps and time estimates:

1. Load the Potatoes: Place the blanched potato pieces into the rice cooker.
2. Add Water: Add about a cup of water. The steam generated will cook the potatoes.
3. Season: You can add salt, herbs, or garlic to the water for added flavor.
4. Start Cooking: Set the rice cooker to its regular cook setting. Usually, it will take about 20-30 minutes to cook the potatoes, but this can vary.
5. Check for Doneness: Test the potatoes with a fork. If they are tender and easily pierced, they are done. If not, let them cook for another 5-10 minutes and check again.

If you find that your potatoes are cooking too quickly or too slowly, you can adjust the water quantity or the size of the potato pieces accordingly.

BBQ-Specific Tips

Pairing potatoes with your BBQ is an art. Here are some BBQ-specific tips to make your potatoes stand out:

• Smoky Flavor: If you love that smoky BBQ flavor, adding a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle seasoning can do wonders.
• Grilled Texture: Want those grill marks? After cooking the potatoes in the rice cooker, toss them on the grill for a few minutes to get that perfect finish.
• Marinades: Pre-marinating your potato pieces in olive oil, herbs, and a touch of vinegar can enhance the flavor profile dramatically.

Expert Tips

For BBQ enthusiasts seeking to perfect their side dishes, these expert tips will elevate your potato game:

• Double Cooking: Use the rice cooker to first steam your potatoes and then finish them off on the grill to get the best of both worlds.
• Infused Flavors: Adding broth instead of water in the rice cooker can infuse the potatoes with extra flavor.
• Herb Sachets: Throw in some rosemary or thyme wrapped in a cheesecloth to add a subtle herbal note to your potatoes while they cook.

If you're still unsure about how to use your rice cooker for potatoes, check out this [helpful resource](https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/how-to-use-a-rice-cooker). It provides a comprehensive guide to mastering your rice cooker.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook potatoes in a rice cooker?

Generally, it takes about 20-30 minutes to cook potatoes in a rice cooker. However, the exact time can vary depending on the size of the potato pieces and the specific model of your rice cooker.

Can I cook sweet potatoes in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can! The cooking process is similar, but sweet potatoes might take a bit longeraround 30-35 minutes.

What settings should I use on the rice cooker?

Most rice cookers have a basic cook setting that works perfectly for potatoes. If your model has a steam function, you can use that as well.

If you're interested in learning more about cooking times for different rice varieties in rice cookers, check out our detailed articles on long-grain rice, Oster rice cooker, and Pampered Chef rice cooker.

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