BBQ Fish Rice Cooker Steaming

How to Steam Fish in a Rice Cooker: An Unlikely BBQ Hack for Tender Fillets

Written By Avi Green
How to Steam Fish in a Rice Cooker: An Unlikely BBQ Hack for Tender Fillets

If you are anything like me, a die-hard barbecue enthusiast, you must be wondering if there's more to cooking fish than just throwing it on the grill. Well, today, were diving into an unconventional yet highly effective method: steaming fish in a rice cooker. Yes, you read that right. Steaming fish in a rice cooker is an incredibly tender and flavorful alternative that will leave your friends asking for your secret recipe.

In this extensive guide, well explore the ins and outs of steaming fish in a rice cookerfrom choosing the right type of fish to seasoning tips that will have you ditching your grill (at least for one night). So grab your apron, and lets get started!

Why Steam Fish in a Rice Cooker?

Before you shake your head in disbelief, consider why youd want to steam fish in your trusty rice cooker. Unlike grilling, which can sometimes dry out your fish, the steaming method retains the fish's natural juices, resulting in a moist, tender, and flavorful fillet. Moreover, rice cookers provide a consistent and controlled cooking environment, making it almost impossible to overcook your fish.

how to steam fish in a rice cooker

Choosing the Right Fish

Best Types of Fish to Steam

Not all fish are created equal when it comes to steaming. Opt for varieties like salmon, trout, cod, or tilapiathese fish have a firmer texture and can hold up well to the steaming process. Their moisture contents balance beautifully, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

Why does my rice cooker smell like plastic?

Prepping Your Fish

Proper preparation is key to maximizing the flavor of your steamed fish. Make sure to clean and scale your fish thoroughly. If youre using fillets, ensure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like dill or parsley.

how to steam fish in a rice cooker

The Steaming Process

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Fill the rice cooker's steaming tray with water up to the recommended level.
  2. Lay your seasoned fish fillets evenly on the steaming rack.
  3. Cover the rice cooker with its lid and set it to the 'steam' function.
  4. Steam for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
  5. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. It should flake easily.

Enhancing the Flavor

Infusing Aromatics

Add a layer of complexity to your steamed fish by incorporating aromatics such as ginger, garlic, and lime slices. Place these directly on the fish or in the water tray to elevate the flavor.

Sauces & Marinades

While your fish is steaming, prepare a simple sauce to drizzle over your finished dish. A mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon works wonders. Alternatively, check out our guide on when to add butter for an extra touch of richness.

Pairing Your Steamed Fish

Whats a great fish fillet without the perfect side dish? Consider pairing your steamed fish with steamed vegetables like bok choy or green beans. They can also be prepared in the rice cooker, making for an effortless, one-appliance meal. Learn more in our articles on steaming bok choy and green beans.

For an even heartier meal, why not pair your steamed fish with a side of rice or quinoa? Find more helpful tips on how to use your rice cooker to prepare these sides effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I steam frozen fish in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to your steaming time to ensure that the fish is fully cooked through.

What temperature should I steam fish at?

Rice cookers typically maintain a good steaming temperature, around 212F (100C), which is perfect for cooking fish. No need to adjust the temperature manually.

How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the steaming rack?

Line your steaming rack with a piece of parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

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(180 Cu. In. (2 Pack)
$35.43
(2 Pack) Ocean'S Halo, Organic Soy-Free Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce, 12 Ounce
$48.00
(Hot&Spicy) CJ Korean BBQ Original Sauce Chicken & Pork Marinade 29.6 Ounce (1)
$27.98
(Set of 3) Heavy Duty Vegetable Grill Baskets for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Veggie Grilling Basket for All Grills, BBQ Gifts for Men, 1 Large & 2 Small
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, 24025BMT, Cast 2-Burner, Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black
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, 60936, Grill Light Cob Handle Mount,Black
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, Deli Slices, Hickory Smoked, 5.5 Oz
$10.28
, Inc. 1423 Broiler Brush, Black
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, One Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Seasoning Mix, 1.5 Oz
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, Santa Maria Style Seasoning, 7 Oz.
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- 4 Piece Black Drillbrush Ultra Stiff Cleaning Brush Set - Metal Brush for Drill Alternative - Grill Brush for Cordless Drill - Grill Grate Cleaner Brush
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- Carolina Barbeque Sauce, Gourmet Carolina Sauce, Tangy BBQ Sauce with Tomato Vinegar, Premium Ingredients, Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients (20 Oz)
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- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 1/4" Thick, 14" X 18"
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- Magnetic Barbecue BBQ Light Set for Grilling - 6 Alkaline AAA Batteries Included - Works on All Grills with an Exception to Stainless Steel.
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- Master Grill Pan, Korean Traditional BBQ Grill Pan - Stovetop Nonstick Indoor/Outdoor Smokeless BBQ Cast Aluminum Grill Pan
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- Meat Claws Bbq Grill Accessories Set - 2 Silicone Gloves, Claws for Pulled Pork, BBQ Thermometer - Perfect Smoker Accessories Grilling Tools Gift Set for (Orange Glove-Thermometer-Claw)
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- Monterey Seafood Seasoning and Hog Wild Cajun Seasoning, Gluten-Free Bbq Rubs and Spices for Smoking
$55.17
- Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Grill Pan, Coated with New Teflon Platinum Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) (12-Inch)
$87.98
- Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen, BBQ & Grill
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- Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan With, Pfoa-Free, Dishwasher Oven Safe, Made in Korea
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-Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven, Rotating Propane Pizza Grill Oven for Exterior Backyard Pizza Maker with 14" Pizza Stone, Portable Pizza Ovens for outside with Pizza Peel,Pia,Cutter,Gloves and Thermometer.
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. the Safer Grill Cleaning Brush. All Natural. No Metal Bristles.
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07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
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07061 22-Inch Electric Griddle with Removable Handles, Black, 22-Inch
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1 Pair/2 Pieces BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves, Heat Resistant Barbecue Oven Gloves, 1472°F/800°C Kitchen Fireproof Mitts Heat Proof for Grilling, Baking, Cooking, Welding Gloves Mitts - Red
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1 Piece Random Nonstick Enameled Cast Iron Pan/Pot (4 Styles: 10.25" Skillet/2Qt Saucepan/2.8Qt/4.8Qt Dutch Oven) – Healthy round Pot for Sourdough Bread Baking on All Stovetops, Mystery Cookware Box
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1-Piece 16.50 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan for Gas Stovetop | Double Sided Used on Open Fire & in Oven | Pre-Coated with Oil
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1/2" X 1/8" Lavalock High Temp BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal for Nomex Door Lid, Self Stick Grey
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1/3Pc Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mat 40*33Cm Baking Mat Cooking Grilling Sheet Heat Resistance Easily Cleaned Kitchen for Party
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub - All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket - Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub - BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling - No MSG, 0 Calorie - 10.5Oz Bottle
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10-LED Grill Light, as Labeled
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100 Pcs Grilling Gloves Kit Disposable BBQ Gloves with 2 Pairs Cotton Liners Grilling Gloves Cooking Gloves Latex Free Nitrile Gloves for Outdoor Grilling Barbecue Cooking
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100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets - Maple Wood (20 Lb. Bag) Perfect for Pellet Smokers, Smoky Wood-Fired Flavor
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100% Compostable Food Prep Gloves, Restaurant-Quality,For Food Handling, Powder-Free, 100 Count, Medium, Earth Friendly Highest ASTM D6400, US BPI and Europe OK Compost Certified, San Francisco
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100% Cotton Kitchen Apron with an Adjustable Neck with Long Ties for Women Men Chef
$40.14
12 Inch round Pizza Stone, Heavy Duty Cordierite Pizza Grilling Stone, Bread Baking Stone for RV Oven, Grill and Toaster Oven, Ideal for Baking Crisp Crust Pizza, Bread, Cookies and More
$73.03
12 Inch Lightweight Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle with Cleaning Kit - Smooth Polished Surface, Easy to Clean Cast Iron Skillets Use in the Oven, on the Stove or Grill, over a Campfire
$59.98