One-Pot Rice Cooker Meal: A Simple Weeknight Hero

Quick, Nutritious & Flexible – Ready in 40 Minutes

Short on time but craving a warm, hearty meal? This easy one-pot rice cooker recipe is the answer. It’s perfect for using leftover veggies and protein, and the rice cooker does all the work. No need for multiple pots — just toss everything in and let it cook. Ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays!

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Base

• 1 cup short-grain or sushi rice (or your preferred rice)
• 1 cup water (1:1 rice-to-water ratio)
• ½–1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½–1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 1–2 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Veggies & Protein (customize as desired)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 scallion, chopped
• ½ medium carrot, diced
• 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 head bok choy, chopped
• 2 tbsp edamame
• Vegan ham, diced
• Bell pepper, diced
• Optional add-ins: corn, smoked tofu, vegan sausage, or any vegetables you like

Toppings

• Sesame seeds
• Chili garlic oil or your favorite hot sauce (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

• Rinse the rice 2–3 times until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

• In your rice cooker pot, mix the rice, water, soy sauces, sesame oil, sugar (if using), and vegetarian oyster sauce. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff

• Layer your chosen vegetables and protein on top of the rice. Don’t mix yet. Cover the pot and start the cooking cycle.

Pro tip: Using brown or black rice? Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio and add delicate veggies halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

• When the rice is fully cooked, fluff and mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce if needed. Serve with sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili oil.

Quick Notes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Equipment: Rice cooker or a pot with lid
• Calories per serving: ~442 kcal