Beef and Lotus Root Rice Cooker Meal
Savory Beef and Crunchy Lotus Root Rice Cooker Rice
A hearty meal worthy of being served to cherished guests. This dish offers a delightful blend of rich flavors and varied textures, perfect for making any occasion special.
Main Ingredients- Rice for 2 servings
- Beef (for bulgogi or stew), 200g
- Lotus root, 100g
- Vinegar, 1 tsp (for blanching lotus root)
- Rice water, 2 cups (or plain water)
Beef Marinade- Low-sodium soy sauce, 3 Tbsp
- Grated onion, 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 tsp
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch (to taste)
- Low-sodium soy sauce, 3 Tbsp
- Grated onion, 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 1 tsp
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start your delicious rice cooker meal by washing the rice! Rinse 2 servings of rice gently 3-4 times, then soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Soaking the rice beforehand ensures even cooking, resulting in a chewier and softer texture.
Step 2
Prepare the lotus root by peeling off its skin. Slice the lotus root according to its size. If it’s small, keep the round shape and slice thinly. If it’s larger, slice it into rounds and then halve them into bite-sized pieces. Imagine how beautifully they’ll look on top of the rice.
Step 3
To remove any bitterness or astringency from the lotus root and enhance its crispiness, soak the sliced lotus root in water with 1 tsp of vinegar for about 5 minutes. This step also helps maintain a bright white color for the lotus root.
Step 4
If using beef for bulgogi, cut it into bite-sized, somewhat rustic pieces. Avoid cutting it too small, as it might break apart during stir-frying. Slightly thicker pieces are recommended for tenderness.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with all the ‘Beef Marinade’ ingredients. Gently mix everything together and let it marinate for about 20 minutes. It’s important to ensure the marinade coats the beef evenly. This step significantly deepens the beef’s flavor.
Step 6
Place the marinated beef into a dry pan (no oil needed) and stir-fry over high heat. Cooking quickly over high heat seals in the juices, keeping the beef tender. Stir-fry until the beef surface is nicely browned.
Step 7
As you stir-fry the beef, it will release quite a bit of its own juices. Continue cooking until the liquid reduces to a simmer, similar to the consistency shown in the picture. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the beef tough.
Step 8
Now it’s time to cook the rice! Add the soaked rice to the rice cooker pot. Pour in 2 cups of rice water (or plain water), which should be an equal volume to the rice. Using rice water adds a richer, nuttier flavor and more nutrients to the cooked rice.
Step 9
Arrange the prepared lotus root slices and the stir-fried beef attractively on top of the rice. Layering the ingredients beautifully enhances the visual appeal of the dish. As the rice cooks, the flavors from the beef and lotus root will infuse into the grains.
Step 10
Cover the pot with the lid and cook the rice, paying attention to the heat. Start with high heat for 10 minutes, then reduce to medium heat for another 10 minutes, and finally, cook on low heat for 10 minutes. After the cooking cycle, let the rice steam undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This steaming process allows the rice grains to become fluffy and perfectly cooked.
