A Guide To Using Your Aroma Food Steamer

The Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook rice and steam vegetables, meats, and seafood. It is designed to simplify meal preparation and save time in the kitchen. The product comes with an inner cooking pot, a steam tray, a rice paddle, and a rice measuring cup. To use the steamer, users should first wash the inner pot and steam tray with warm soapy water, then place the inner pot into the main unit. They can then add the desired amount of rice and water, following the recommended ratios, and place the steam tray on top if steaming vegetables or seafood. The lid should be closed securely before plugging in the power cord and selecting the appropriate cooking mode. The Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer will automatically switch to warming mode once the cooking cycle is complete.

Unboxing and setup

When you receive your Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, the first step is to unbox it and ensure you have all the necessary components. This typically includes the main unit, inner cooking pot, rice measuring cup, steam tray, and rice paddle. It's important to refer to the user manual to make sure you have everything.

The next step is to wash all the removable parts, including the inner cooking pot, steam tray, rice measuring cup, and rice paddle, with warm, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly and ensure they are completely dry before their first use.

Now, you can assemble the appliance. Place the inner cooking pot into the main unit, ensuring a snug fit. Some models may have a locking mechanism to secure the pot in place.

After that, you can fill the inner cooking pot with the desired amount of rice and water, following the recommended ratios provided in the user manual or recipe instructions. The rice measuring cup will help you measure accurately.

If you wish to steam vegetables or seafood along with cooking rice, place the steam tray on top of the inner cooking pot. You can also layer the ingredients directly on top of the rice.

Securely close the lid, ensuring it is tightly in place. Some models may have a locking lid feature, so be sure to engage it.

Finally, plug in the power cord and locate the control panel. Familiarize yourself with the various buttons and settings by referring to the user manual. The control panel will allow you to set the cooking time and select the appropriate cooking mode based on what you're preparing.

Cooking rice

Firstly, open the rice cooker by pressing the "Lid Release" button. Make sure the device is unplugged. Remove the inner pot from the cooker. Measure the desired amount of rice (for example, one or two cups) with the provided measuring cup and pour it into the inner pot. Rinse the rice inside the pot with water until the water becomes clear, then drain the water.

Next, add the correct amount of water to the inner pot. The amount of water required depends on the type of rice being cooked. For example, for two cups of white rice, add 2 and a half cups of water. If cooking wild or brown rice, add an additional 3/4 cup of water compared to white rice. Add more water for softer rice.

Now, replace the inner pot and close the lid. Plug the cooker into a power outlet. Press either the "White Rice" or "Brown Rice" button to start the cooking process. When the rice is cooked, Keep-Warm will be displayed on the control panel. Allow the rice to remain on Keep-Warm for five to ten minutes, then open the lid and spoon out the rice.

Some Aroma models may differ slightly. For example, the Aroma Digital Rice & Grain Multicooker has a digital screen and delay timer. It also beeps to alert you when the rice is cooked, whereas the Aroma Select Stainless only switches to "warm" when the rice is ready. The Aroma Digital also has an induction heating element, which cooks food evenly, whereas the Aroma Select Stainless heats the rice from a single hotplate, which can cause uneven cooking.

Cooking other grains

The Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer is a versatile appliance that can be used to cook a variety of grains in addition to rice. Here are some detailed instructions on how to cook different grains using your Aroma Rice Cooker:

Quinoa

To cook quinoa, start by rinsing it under cold water to remove any bitterness. Then, add the desired amount of quinoa and water to the inner cooking pot, following the recommended water-to-quinoa ratio (typically 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of quinoa). Select the white rice setting or the appropriate cooking mode, and adjust the cooking time if needed. Once the quinoa is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork to separate the grains.

Couscous

Cooking couscous in the Aroma Rice Cooker is quick and easy. Simply add the desired amount of water to the inner cooking pot, following the package instructions. Bring the water to a boil using the steam or soup setting. Once the water is boiling, add the couscous and give it a quick stir. Close the lid and let the couscous steam for just a couple of minutes. When it's done, fluff the cooked couscous with a fork to separate the grains and serve.

Quinoa and Rice Blends

If you want to cook a blend of quinoa and rice, start by rinsing the grains separately. Then, add the desired amount of water, quinoa, and rice to the inner cooking pot. Choose the appropriate cooking mode based on the type of rice you're using, and adjust the cooking time as needed. Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the mixture rest for a few minutes before gently fluffing it.

Wild Rice

To cook wild rice, start by giving it a quick rinse under cold water to remove any debris. Then, add the desired amount of water and wild rice to the inner cooking pot, using a 1:3 water-to-rice ratio as a starting point, and adjust as needed. Select the brown rice setting or the appropriate cooking mode, and adjust the cooking time if necessary. Once the wild rice is cooked, allow it to rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

Other Grains

The Aroma Rice Cooker can also be used to cook various other grains such as bulgur, millet, or farro. The process is similar to cooking rice or quinoa. Simply rinse the grains, add the desired amount of water, select the appropriate cooking mode, set the cooking time, and allow a few minutes of resting time after cooking. Each grain may have different water-to-grain ratios and cooking times, so be sure to refer to specific instructions for optimal results.

Steaming vegetables and seafood

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Select your preferred vegetables and seafood. Suitable vegetables include broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, and zucchini. For seafood, consider options such as fish, shrimp, mussels, and clams. Ensure you wash the vegetables thoroughly and clean the seafood properly before proceeding.

Step 2: Add Water to the Inner Cooking Pot

Pour an appropriate amount of water into the inner cooking pot of the Aroma Rice Cooker. The required amount of water will depend on the quantity of vegetables and seafood you intend to steam. Ensure that the water level is below the steam tray or basket to avoid any contact.

Step 3: Place the Steam Tray or Basket

Securely position the steam tray or basket on top of the inner cooking pot. If your Aroma appliance features multiple tiers, you can stack the trays or baskets to steam different ingredients simultaneously, allowing you to prepare a complete meal in one go.

Step 4: Season and Arrange the Ingredients

Enhance the flavours of your vegetables and seafood by seasoning them with your preferred herbs, spices, or sauces. Evenly space the ingredients on the steam tray or basket to ensure proper steam circulation. Remember that seafood may require a shorter cooking time than vegetables, so stagger their cooking times accordingly.

Step 5: Close the Lid and Select the Steaming Mode

Close the lid of the Aroma Rice Cooker and select the appropriate steaming mode. Most models feature a dedicated steam setting or a separate button for steaming.

Step 6: Set the Cooking Time

Based on the type and quantity of ingredients, set the cooking time accordingly. As a guide, vegetables generally take around 5-10 minutes to steam, while seafood can take anywhere from 5-20 minutes, depending on its size and thickness.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Periodically check the vegetables and seafood to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can use a fork or a paring knife to test the tenderness of the vegetables. Seafood should appear opaque and flaky when adequately cooked. Adjust the cooking time as needed, and continue steaming until everything is cooked to perfection.

Step 8: Remove the Steamed Ingredients

Once the steaming process is complete, carefully remove the steam tray or basket using oven mitts or tongs. Allow any excess steam to escape before transferring the steamed vegetables and seafood to a serving dish.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle additional seasonings or garnishes, if desired, and serve your nutritious and flavourful meal immediately. Enjoy the convenience and delicious results of steaming with your Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer!

Making soups and stews

Step 1: Choose Your Ingredients

Select your desired ingredients for the soup or stew, including vegetables, meat, poultry, legumes, and herbs and spices. You can follow a specific recipe or get creative and use ingredients you have on hand.

Step 2: Sautéing (Optional)

Some models of the Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer offer a sauté function, allowing you to brown meat, onions, garlic, or other aromatics directly in the inner cooking pot before adding the remaining ingredients. This step is optional but can add extra flavour to your dish.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Inner Cooking Pot

Place all your ingredients into the inner cooking pot. This includes vegetables, protein, broth or stock, herbs, spices, and any other desired seasonings. Stir the ingredients to distribute the flavours evenly.

Step 4: Select the Soup or Stew Mode

On the control panel, choose the appropriate cooking mode for soup or stew. Some models have dedicated buttons for soup or stew, while others may have a slow cook or multi-cook mode that can be adjusted to your desired cooking time and temperature. Refer to the user manual for specific settings and cooking times recommended for soups and stews.

Step 5: Adjust the Cooking Time

Depending on the recipe and the ingredients used, you may need to adjust the cooking time. For example, soups or stews with denser or tougher cuts of meat may require a longer cooking time to tenderise and develop flavour. Refer to your recipe or use your best judgment to determine the optimal cooking time for your dish.

Step 6: Start the Cooking Process

Once you've selected the appropriate mode and adjusted the cooking time, press the start or cook button. The Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer will handle the rest, slowly cooking your soup or stew to perfection. Enjoy the delightful aromas that fill your kitchen!

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Periodically check your soup or stew to ensure that all the ingredients are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Use a spoon or fork to test the tenderness of vegetables and meat. If needed, adjust the cooking time and continue simmering until everything is fully cooked and the flavours have melded together.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cooking process is complete, carefully remove the inner cooking pot from the appliance. Allow the soup or stew to cool slightly, then serve in bowls or soup plates. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve your delicious creation alongside crusty bread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

With the Aroma Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, making comforting soups and stews is easy and convenient. Experiment with different ingredients and flavour combinations to create signature recipes that warm your soul and delight your taste buds.

Frequently asked questions