Set It and Forget It
The real MVP of any Asian household – rice cookers. When you just want a lazy meal at home without all the fuss, these one-pot wonders are a true gamechanger.
If you’re keen to take your rice cooker repertoire to the next level (beyond plain white rice), we’ve got you covered. Save this selection of rice cooker recipes featuring vibrant Southeast Asian flavours, all tried and tested in the Meatmen kitchen.
1. Tomato Pork Rice
If you’re looking for something quick and healthy that has all your food categories (rice, veggie, meat, a singular fruit), you’re looking at the right bowl. With every scoop, you’ll find that the rice is packed with flavour, absorbing the aroma of the lap cheong and the sweetness of the tomato.
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/rice-cooker-tomato-rice/
Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves 3-4 pax.
2. Mille-Feuille Cabbage Rice
This one’s a breeze. Stack your fresh cabbages and pork belly, and leave to simmer with the rest of your ingredients in your trusty rice cooker. No fuss, no mess – just tender juicy layers and flavour-packed rice by the time it beeps.
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/mille-feuille-cabbage-rice/
Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves 3-4 pax.
3. Salted Egg Meatball Rice
Let your fingers do the shaping and your rice cooker do the rest. In this savoury recipe, we make little patties of minced pork and salted egg, setting them on top of rice for an indulgent weeknight meal.
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/rice-cooker-salted-egg-meatball/
Preparation Time: 45 minutes. Serves 5 pax.
4. Yam Rice
This one asks for a little more effort – but it gives back tenfold. Think of it as a pot full of memories: tender pork belly, lap cheong, fried shallots, dried shrimps and mushrooms, coming together in your rice cooker, filling your home with fragrance that feels nostalgic; almost like familial love. Pair it with a pot of homemade Bak Kut Teh, and you’ve got the kind of meal that lingers – warm, soulful and made to be shared.
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/one-pot-yam-rice/
Preparation Time: 45 minutes. Serves 5-6 pax
5. Smoked Duck Pumpkin Rice
The next time you do a grocery run, add smoked duck to your cart for this simple rice cooker recipe. We recommend stir-frying the ingredients first to draw out the flavours, before tossing them all in a rice cooker to let it work its magic.
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/smoked-duck-pumpkin-rice/
Preparation Time: 45 minutes. Serves 5 pax.
6. Tom Yam Chicken Rice
Until Tom Yum Mama comes up with an instant rice version, we will swear by this recipe every time. Savoury, spicy and just the right amount of sour, this one’s for when you want something effortless and indulgent to unwind after a long day – or even the mid-day meal to keep you energised.
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/tom-yum-chicken-rice/
Preparation Time: 45 minutes. Serves 5 pax.
7. Soy Sauce Chicken Rice
Simple, soulful and made for days when you want to take it slow. Marinate your chicken, lay it over the rice, and let your rice cooker infuse every grain with garlicky, gingery goodness. By the time it beeps (and when you’ve ticked off your to-dos), you’ll have a deliciously warm homecooked meal waiting for you.
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/rice-cooker-soy-sauce-chicken-rice/
Preparation Time: 45 minutes). Serves 3-4 pax
8. Chicken Adobo
A Filipino comfort classic that is sarap (“delicious” in Tagalog) and so satisfying. This is a rice cooker recipe that tastes like hours of work in the kitchen, but in reality, takes no more than 45 minutes to make.
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/rice-cooker-chicken-adobo/
Preparation Time: 45 minutes. Serves 5 pax.
9. Fried Rice
This isn’t your typical fried rice – it’s next-level tasty. Do your stir frying first, then transfer everything (the rice, eggs, luncheon meat, chicken, shrimp and veggies) into your rice cooker. It turns it into a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for meal prep and an easy worknight dinner.
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/rice-cooker-fried-rice/
Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves 4 pax.
10. Claypot Rice
Nothing hits quite like the charr of claypot rice – even better when your rice cooker makes it effortless, bringing together all the familiar flavours; marinated chicken, lap cheong, salted fish and that golden, crispy-bottom rice we remember oh-so-well. Just layer according to the recipe instructions, and let your rice cooker work its charm. It’s the kind of meal that will leave you scraping the pot!
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/rice-cooker-claypot-rice/
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes. Serves 3-4 pax.
11. Nuo Mi Fan (糯米飯)
Whether you call it Nuo Mi Fan, Lo Mai Fan or just sticky rice, this one brings together all the best bits – juicy roast pork, lap cheong, dried shrimp, scallops and mushrooms into one fragrant pot. All you need to do is a little stir frying to unlock those savoury, smoky flavours, then let your rice cooker do the rest. Sticky, chewy and umami-packed… just how it should be!
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/nuo-mi-fan-rice-cooker-chinese-sticky-rice/
Preparation Time: 1 hour. Serves 3-4 pax.
12. Scallops Rice
This one-pot wonder brings together the best of land and sea. You’ve got sweet scallops, juicy prawns and tender pork belly over perfectly fluffy rice. Add your protein in during the last 10 minutes, drizzle on the sauce, close the lid and let magic happen. With a little timing, topped with crispy shallots, garlic, and scallions… Chef’s kiss!
Recipe: https://themeatmen.sg/recipes/rice-cooker-scallops-rice/
Preparation Time: 30 minutes. Serves (serving size, pax, pieces)
Dig in!
Who knew a humble rice cooker had this much range? With just one appliance and a handful of pantry staples, you’ve got yourself a hearty, umami-loaded, weeknight-friendly meal. So go on – set it, forget it and dig in!
More of what you might like:
- Two Pizzas, and Then Some
- Sugar, Spice and a Story: Our Singaporean Chefs Share Their Favourite Story
- Comprehensive Guide On Asian Condiments
P.S. We’ve got recipes for all your Singaporean and Asian favourites on our Youtube channel. Subscribe and share with your friends!
P.P.S. Can’t find a recipe you like? Drop us a comment or ping us on our socials.
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