How to Steam Vegetables in a Rice Cooker (Times and Tips)
Quick answer: Add about 1 cup of water to the pot, set a steamer basket or tray on top, add cut vegetables and press Cook. Most vegetables take 5 to 15 minutes once the water boils. Switch it off or lift the basket as soon as they are tender-crisp.
Last updated: November 9, 2026
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Steaming times
| Food | Cut | Time after water boils |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Small florets | 5 to 8 minutes |
| Carrots | ¼ inch slices | 8 to 12 minutes |
| Green beans | Whole, trimmed | 6 to 10 minutes |
| Potatoes | 1 inch cubes | 12 to 18 minutes |
| Fish fillet | ½ to 1 inch thick | 8 to 12 minutes, until it flakes |
| Dumplings | Frozen | 10 to 15 minutes |
These are guides. Check by piercing with a fork, and cook fish and meat until fully done.
Steps
- Pour about 1 cup of water into the inner pot. A bigger cooker can take a little more.
- Place the steamer basket or tray on top. If your cooker did not come with one, a heat-safe insert that fits works.
- Add the vegetables in a single layer and keep the lid closed.
- Press Cook. Most cookers shut off or switch to Warm when the water has boiled away.
- Check for tenderness. If they need longer, add a splash of water and press Cook again.
Cook rice and vegetables together
You can steam on top of rice. Start the rice as normal, then add the basket of vegetables for the last 10 to 15 minutes of the cook cycle. Keep the lid shut as much as you can, and do not block the steam vent.
Tips
- Cut pieces evenly so they finish together.
- Do not overfill the basket, since steam needs to circulate.
- Season after steaming with salt, lemon, soy sauce or a little sesame oil.
- Wash the pot and basket afterward. See how to clean a rice cooker inner pot.
Do you need a steamer basket?
Many cookers include one. If not, a rice cooker steamer insert is cheap, but check the size against your cooker first. Our best rice cookers guide notes which models include one.
Frequently asked questions
Can any rice cooker steam vegetables?
Most can, if there is room for a steamer basket above the water. Check your manual for approved uses.
How much water do I need to steam in a rice cooker?
About 1 cup is typical for short steaming. Use more for foods that need 15 minutes or longer.
Why did my cooker stop early?
The cooker shuts off when the water boils away. Add a little more water and press Cook again.
Can I steam eggs this way?
Yes. See boiling eggs in a rice cooker.
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