How to Use Zojirushi Rice Cooker for Perfect Rice Every Time

Rice cookers continue to advance and add new features to enhance your user experience. While it’s great to use a rice cooker with up-to-date technology, it might also be difficult, especially for a first-time user.

The Zojirushi rice cooker is one of the most popular rice cookers with leading technology but is tricky due to its different cooking features.

If you’re having trouble using this, you should read our guide on how to use Zojirushi rice cooker. After that, you’ll know how to use the different features of the rice cooker, as well as the process for cooking perfect rice with the appliance. Let’s take a closer look.

What is Zojirushi Rice Cooker?

The Zojirushi rice cooker is a versatile cooking appliance made with inductive inference, making it flexible and easy to adapt to any cooking process.

On the rice cooker, you will most likely find menu options that help you figure out how to cook rice, grains, and meals. Plus, you can look out for freebies when you buy the best Zojirushi rice cookers, like a steam tray or rice scoop.

Zojirushi is a Japanese company that makes rice cookers and other kitchen appliances like glass bottles, carafes, breadmakers, beverage dispensers, and small electric cookware.

The company is reputable and reliable, too, evident in the quality of the rice cooker.

The Zojirushi rice cooker is designed with a thick spherical inner pan that ensures nonstick coating while you cook rice.

It comes with a wide range of settings and the ability of the rice cooker to think for itself based on the settings you might have placed previously. This saves time in cooking rice, as you can always use the preset settings.

This is the Micom feature and can even go as far as setting up cooking environments, depending on what you are cooking. When you put a setting, the rice cooker will decide how long it should cook and the right temperature to use.

How It Works

How a Zojirushi rice cooker works depends on the model that you use. The internal part of the rice cooker can be made with stainless steel or aluminum. And to ensure thermal conductivity, the cooker is made with materials like ceramic, carbon, diamond powder, or copper.

Aside from the smart technology, it comes with different settings for cooking more than rice. The cooker is designed with an LCD screen for easy use, and its stylish design makes it a great addition to any kitchen. When you put water and rice into the cooking bowl, you will cover it and press the right settings.

The temperature usually goes up to 100 degrees Celsius when the water is boiling, and once the temperature is above this and the water has been absorbed by the rice, you can be sure that the rice is ready.

The rice cooker will shut off when it is done cooking and keeps the rice warm.

Zojirushi Rice Cooker Common Functions

The Zojirushi rice cooker functions make it easy for you to use the cooker and take care of your food while busy. There are several features to look out for when you get a Zojirushi rice cooker.

Zojirushi Rice Cooker has several modes to help you cook rice perfectly every time. It is an excellent choice for those who are busy or new to cooking rice and want to rely on a machine to do the job.

Steamer feature

As the name implies, this feature is meant to steam food. The Zojirushi rice cooker does not only make rice but can steam other kinds of food. You can place vegetables, fish, and other kinds of food into the cooker and put it to steam to retain its nutrition content.

To turn on the steamer, you will press Menu on the LCD controls and look for the steamer option. You can set how long it will take for the food to steam and click on the Start button. You will be notified when it is ready.

Delay timer

A pretty cool feature of the Zojirushi rice cooker is the delay timer, which allows you to set a time for your rice to be cooked in the future. You can add rice to the appliance and delay it for a bit, depending on when you’re ready for the rice.

You might do this when stepping out or cooking. Based on user reviews, the Zojurishi NS-TSC18 is the ideal choice with two timer settings.

Now, how to use a timer on Zojirushi rice cooker? If you want to use this feature, open the delay timer in the Menu on the LCD screen. You can set the time that you want your rice to be ready and how long you want the rice to boil. Then, click on Start.

Keep warm feature

Sometimes, you’re not eating your rice immediately after cooking it, or you eat a little and leave the rest for the next meal time. This is where the keep warm feature on the Zojirushi rice cooker will come in handy.

It will keep your rice warm for up to 12 hours, allowing you to eat it at any time without having to microwave it. It also stops rice from going bad.

If you want to use the keep warm feature on the rice cooker, open the Menu on the LCD controls to look for this option. Then, set how long you want it to be warm with the plus and minus buttons, and then click on Start.

Quick cook feature

You’ll be surprised by the quick cook feature on the Zojirushi rice cooker. As the name implies, it’s the perfect setting for cooking rice quickly.

If you’re in a hurry and want to have breakfast quickly or back it with you, you can set the rice to cook faster than the regular cycle and spend that time getting ready.

The quick cook feature is available on the Menu, too, so you can find it when you open the LCD controls. Select it and click on Start, and watch your rice cook really quickly.

Reheat feature

If you want to warm up rice you don’t have to take it out and put it in the microwave because the Zojirushi rice cooker has a function to reheat the rice.

If you leave your rice in the Zojirushi rice cooker without keeping it warm, or if the rice has been refrigerated and frozen, you can reheat the rice. The highlight is that it can reheat the rice without making it overcooked.

Like other features, find reheat in the Menu after going through the LCD menu. You can use the plus and minus buttons to set how long the food should reheat before starting.

How to Use Zojirushi Rice Cooker: Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the settings and features you can take advantage of, let’s answer the question of how to use the Zojirushi rice cooker.

It’s pretty easy to use this cooker as it is one of the best Japanese rice cookers you can get.

Measure rice accurately

The first thing you should do is measure rice. Measuring rice is usually difficult for people who are new to making rice because you never know how much you should cook.

Keep in mind that rice will swell up while cooking, so don’t fill up the cooker.

The Zojirushi rice cooker usually comes with a measuring cup for more accurate measurements. If yours doesn’t, you can purchase a rice measuring cup separately.

Fill up the measuring cup with rice and then level off the cup. Pour the rice into a container. How many cups you measure is dependent on how many people will eat.

Wash rice in a bowl

You can’t boil rice without washing it because there might be dirt, impurities, sand, and more, in it.

So in this step, you pour the measured rice into a clean bowl. Fill the bowl with water above the rice level. You simply need to move the rice around with your water so that any particles and dirt will float to the top.

Do this up to three times, and the water will soon be as clear as possible. Now that your rice is clean, you can move to the next step.

Place rice in the inner pot and add water

If you’re not sure how much water to add, you can measure it by placing a ratio of 240 ml of water for every 180 grams of rice or one cup for one cup each.

Keep in mind that the amount of water that you use to cook depends on the type of rice.

You can’t use the same amount of water used in jasmine rice for basmati rice. After adding water, you can put the rice in.

Choosing the Right Type of Rice

Not all rice is created equal, my friend. You’ve got your white rice, brown rice, jasmine, basmati, and so many more. Each type has its own vibe.

White rice is your everyday go-to, while brown rice packs a bit more of a nutritional punch. Jasmine and basmati are great for those aromatic dishes. Pick your rice based on what you're cooking and what you’re in the mood for.

Water-to-Rice Ratios Explained

Now, the big question: What is the ratio of water to rice in a rice cooker? The general rule of thumb is a 1:1 ratio, but it can vary depending on your rice type. White rice often uses a 1:1 ratio, while brown rice might need a bit more water, like 1.5:1.

Here's a quick table to keep things straight:

Remember: The key to perfect rice is getting your ratios right. It’s a game-changer.

Make sure the rice is spread evenly

When you put rice into a Zojirushi rice cooker, you shouldn’t just dump it in and forget about it.

Stir the rice around and ensure that it is spread evenly. This makes sure that all the grains are well coated by the water. Without doing this, some parts of the rice might be half-done after cooking.

After spreading the rice out evenly, you can take the pot and put it in the rice cooker. When doing this, ensure the cord is not hanging over the counter.

Cooking Different Types of Rice

Cooking rice isn't one-size-fits-all. Different types of rice require different amounts of water and cooking times. Here's a quick rundown:

Basmati Rice: 1¾ cups of water per cup of rice, cook for about 15-20 minutes.

Jasmine Rice: 1½ cups of water per cup of rice, cook for about 15-20 minutes.

Short Grain Rice: 1½ cups of water per cup of rice, cook for about 20-25 minutes.

These are just starting points; feel free to tweak as needed.

Turn on the rice cooker

You might be expecting a simple on and off switch to turn the rice cooker and start making your food. Although Zojirushi rice cookers are easy to use, you still have to check the LCD controls to make sure that it is in the right setting – you don’t want to be steaming instead of cooking.

You can use the quick cook feature or even the delay timer after this process. This way, you can eat this rice at any time if you’re making mixed rice with the Zojirushi cooker to make jambalaya or bibimbap and other similar dishes. The setting for this and others is in the LCD display.

When cooking is completed

Once the rice is ready, the rice cooker will turn the indicator light on, and the machine will beep to let you know. It will shut down automatically, too, so you don’t have to worry about wasting electricity.

After cooking, you should leave the rice for 10 minutes to make it fluffy and absorb all the water.

You can turn on the keep warm feature after cooking if you do not have the food immediately. Also, if you leave the rice there for a while, you can use the reheat feature when next you come.

If you’re looking for a wide range of settings, including even porridge, customers have praised the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best equipment, things can go awry. Here are some common hiccups and how to fix them:

Rice Too Mushy: You probably used too much water. Next time, reduce the water slightly.

Rice Undercooked: This might mean you need a bit more water or a longer cooking time.

Rice Sticking to the Bottom: Make sure you're not stirring the rice once it's in the cooker. Stirring can break the grains and cause sticking.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don't be discouraged if your first batch isn't flawless. Each attempt gets you closer to that perfect bowl of rice.

Cooking Brown Rice in a Zojirushi Rice Cooker

Although you know how to use Zojirushi Rice Cooker, cooking brown rice is a bit different. It is one of the best rice cookers for brown rice, keeping it chewy and well-cooked.

Keep in mind that for every cup of brown rice you want to make, you need two cups of water. Another thing to keep in mind is how long it takes to make the rice. Brown rice cooks slower than normal white rice, up 45 minutes.

Some models also come with the brown rice setting that offers you the ideal chewy and soft texture, so you can look out for Zojirushi rice cookers with this.

Enhancing Your Rice Cooking Experience

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Keeping your Zojirushi clean is super important if you want it to last. Here's how to do it:

Regular Cleaning:

After each use, make sure to clean the inner lid, steam vent, and the inner pan. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth usually does the trick.

Deep Clean Monthly:

For a more thorough clean, do a monthly deep clean. Use a mixture of water and vinegar to remove any lingering odors and keep everything fresh.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals:

Stick to mild detergents and avoid abrasive scrubbers to protect the non-stick surface.

Experimenting with Recipes Beyond Rice

Your Zojirushi is more than just a rice cooker. It's a versatile kitchen buddy. Try cooking different grains or even baking a cake!

Quinoa and Barley:

These grains cook beautifully in the rice cooker. Just adjust the water ratios and cooking times.

Soups and Stews:

On a cold day, throw in some veggies, broth, and spices for a cozy meal.

Baking Adventures:

Believe it or not, you can bake a cake in your rice cooker. It's a fun experiment and perfect for when you don't want to heat up the oven.

Avoiding Common Rice Cooking Mistakes

Over-Stirring and Its Effects

When you're cooking rice, it's tempting to give it a good stir to make sure everything's mixed. But guess what? Over-stirring is a no-no. Too much stirring breaks the grains, making your rice all sticky and mushy. Just give it a gentle swirl at the start, and let it be. This way, you'll get that fluffy texture everyone loves.

Cooking on High Heat

Cranking up the heat might seem like a good idea when you're in a hurry, but it's not the way to go.

Cooking rice on high heat can lead to a burnt bottom and undercooked top. Instead, let it simmer gently. A steady simmer ensures even cooking, so your rice turns out just right.

Not Letting Rice Rest

After your rice is done cooking, don't rush to serve it. Letting it rest for a few minutes is key. This resting period allows the steam to settle, giving the rice a better texture. It's a simple step, but it makes a big difference in your rice cooker recipes.

Remember, patience is your friend when it comes to cooking rice. A little wait can turn a good dish into a great one.

If you ever find your rice a bit too mushy, don't worry. You can fix mushy rice by draining the excess water and letting it cook on low heat until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Pairing Your Perfect Rice with Delicious Dishes

Classic Pairings for White Rice

White rice is like a blank canvas that complements a variety of dishes. It's the go-to for many classic meals.

Pair it with a hearty stew or curry, and you've got a meal that feels like a warm hug. 

Ever tried it with a stir-fried veggie mix? The crunch of the veggies with the soft, fluffy rice is just perfect.

And don't forget about the simple joy of white rice with grilled chicken or fish. It's a match made in culinary heaven.

Creative Ideas for Brown Rice

Brown rice is a bit nuttier and chewier than white rice, making it a great base for more adventurous dishes. Think beyond the usual suspects and try it as a base for a broccoli-and-rice casserole. 

Or, mix it with some black beans, corn, and a dash of lime for a zesty side dish.

You can even toss it with roasted veggies and a sprinkle of feta for a salad that's as satisfying as it is nutritious.

International Dishes to Try

Rice is a staple around the world, and each culture has its own unique take on it. Try making a Spanish paella with saffron-infused rice, seafood, and chorizo.

Or, how about a flavorful dirty rice from the Southern U.S., packed with spices and sausage?

If you're feeling adventurous, give a Japanese sushi rice a go; it's sticky, slightly sweet, and perfect for rolling with fresh fish and veggies.

FAQ

How to cook rice in a rice cooker without sticking?

If you don’t want to make the mistake of cooking sticky rice with your Zojirushi rice cooker, you should regulate the temperature.

First, reduce the temperature to the lowest, and use a nonstick pot in the cooker. Those without a nonstick pan can apply butter or pan spray.

What types of rice can I cook in a Zojirushi rice cooker?

You can cook various types of rice such as white, brown, sushi, jasmine, and basmati in a Zojirushi rice cooker by selecting the appropriate setting.

How does the Zojirushi rice cooker measure water for cooking?

The Zojirushi rice cooker uses a simple method where you add rice with the provided scoop and fill water up to the corresponding line on the inner pot.

Why is my rice too sticky or mushy?

Sticky or mushy rice might be due to too much water or not rinsing the rice enough. Make sure to follow the correct water-to-rice ratio and rinse the rice until the water is clear.

Can I use my Zojirushi rice cooker for other recipes?

Yes, you can use your Zojirushi rice cooker for cooking recipes like oatmeal, quinoa, or even steaming vegetables. Check the manual for guidance on different recipes.

What should I do if my rice cooker stops working?

If your rice cooker stops working, first check the power connection and ensure the pot is placed correctly. If it still doesn't work, refer to the troubleshooting section in the manual or contact customer support.

How to clean the Zojirushi rice cooker?

You can clean the exterior part with a damp cloth. Before cleaning, you should unplug the rice cooker and wait for it to cool down.

If you’re cleaning the inner part, you can simply remove the inner pot, wash it with soap, and rinse it to dry. You can also wipe the inside of the cooker.

How to measure the water amount for cooking rice?

Typically, the water-to-rice ratio is one-to-one, so you can use the same measuring cup to measure the rice.

Keep in mind that the amount of water depends on the rice, as jasmine rice is 1 to 1.5 for rice and water, while brown rice is 1 to 2.

Can I use a rice cooker for other foods?

Yes, you can cook other foods on the Zojirushi cooker since it has different options.

When using the steaming option, you can cook fish and vegetables. It can also be used to cook mixed rice and oatmeal.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to use Zojirushi rice cooker, you can easily make a delicious meal for yourself, friends, and family.

The easy cooker is a delight to use, with a wide range of features and an easy process for making any kind of food. 

Use the LCD for an enhanced user experience, and cook different types of rice using diverse settings.