37 Rice Cooker Recipes (Breakfast, Dinner & Dessert!)

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.

These 37 rice cooker recipes prove that this humble appliance can do so much more than make perfect rice! From hearty one-pot meals to fluffy pancakes and even chocolate cake, you’ll find vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. I’ve made all of these recipes personally, and can say that every single one is both unique, easy to make, and delicious!

I’ll be honest, I didn’t fully appreciate my rice cooker until after I got my Instant Pot. That’s when it clicked: if my Instant Pot could make everything from yogurt to cheesecake, why was I limiting my rice cooker to just rice?

Once I started experimenting, I realized the rice cooker is perfect for “set and forget” recipes that cut my meal prep time in half. Now it’s one of my most-used appliances, especially on busy weeknights when I need dinner to cook itself while I multitask with my kids at home.

Whether you’re craving cilantro lime rice for burrito bowls, creamy oatmeal for breakfast, or a one-pot biryani that my kids request constantly, your rice cooker can handle it all with minimal effort and zero babysitting. Here are my 37 favorite rice cooker recipes!

Breakfast & Oatmeal

Rice Cooker Oatmeal Recipe

This apple cinnamon oatmeal is warm, cozy, and ready in 30 minutes with zero stirring required. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free (use certified GF oats), and I often swap the apples for any seasonal fruit I have on hand. If your rice cooker has a delay timer, I recommend prepping it the night before, so that everyone can wake up to hot oatmeal!

Steel Cut Oats In Rice Cooker

Steel cut oats, water, and a pinch of salt – that’s all you need for this recipe! From there, you can customize with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup. I’ve found the rice cooker method to be so much easier than standing over the stove, and the results are perfectly creamy every time. 

Rice Cooker Congee

This comforting rice porridge is perfect for breakfast or when you’re feeling under the weather. With just 6 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, it’s completely hands-off. I make it with vegetable broth and top it with green onions and sesame oil to keep it plant-based, though you can add chicken or any protein you like.

Easy Rice Cooker Oatmeal With Cinnamon

Another fantastic oatmeal option, this one uses brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweeter breakfast treat. It makes 2 servings and takes just 20 minutes, making it perfect for lazy weekend mornings. The brown sugar adds a caramelized sweetness that my kids love.

Rice Cooker Pancake

I love this recipe because you can make one giant, fluffy pancake that serves the whole family! This is such a fun weekend breakfast, my kids love the novelty of cutting into a massive pancake. Top it with fresh berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup for a breakfast that feels special without any extra work.

Eggs In A Rice Cooker

I used to struggle with making hard-boiled eggs that came out well (no peeling, no uneven cooking), until I made them in my rice cooker. This method gets you perfectly cooked eggs every single time with no guesswork. They’re ideal for meal prep, egg salad, or deviled eggs for parties.

Rice Side Dishes

Easy Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice

This is my go-to rice for burrito bowls and taco nights. The fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice transform plain white rice into something that tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant. It’s ready in 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with black beans, fajita veggies, and guacamole. My kids love this and request it every time we make Mexican food at home!

Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

Another favorite in my household: my kids request this Mexican rice constantly, it has just the right balance of fluffy rice and bold flavor. With only 5 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s an easy side for tacos, enchiladas, or nachos. The recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free too.

Rice Cooker Coconut Rice

You only need jasmine rice, coconut milk, salt, and water to make this fragrant coconut rice. I use this as a side for Thai curry, pad Thai, or any Asian-inspired meal. The subtle coconut flavor adds just enough richness without being overwhelming, and the rice is fluffy and turns out perfectly cooked every time.

Easy Spanish Rice In The Rice Cooker

This Spanish rice uses canned tomatoes, onion, cumin, and garlic powder for a comforting side that goes with everything. I love how versatile it is, you can stuff it in burritos, serve it alongside enchiladas, or turn it into a main dish by adding beans and avocado. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Nasi Uduk Betawi (Indonesian Coconut Rice)

This Indonesian coconut rice is infused with lemongrass, ginger, and coconut for the most fragrant side dish. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and pairs so well with tofu, tempeh, or grilled chicken. Whenever I make this, my kitchen smells incredible thanks to the spices and herbs!

Rice Cooker Saffron Rice

I often make this recipe when I want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The saffron, lemon juice, and butter create an elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or grilled protein. Use vegetable broth and plant-based butter to keep it vegan.

Easy Rice Cooker Turmeric Rice

Turmeric rice gets its gorgeous golden color and anti-inflammatory benefits from turmeric, of course! My mom would always make turmeric rice when we had Indian food at home, and I was never able to recreate it until I found this recipe. The rice is fluffy, colorful, and ready with almost no effort.

Herb Lemon Rice

This herb lemon rice transforms simple ingredients into something special with lemon zest and dried herbs. It takes just 5 minutes to prep and I’ll often serve it with roasted vegetables and plant-proteins, or as a base for grain bowls. The bright lemon flavor keeps things light and fresh.

Sushi Rice In A Rice Cooker

Making sushi rice at home is easier than you think. Cook the rice as usual, then toss it with seasoned vinegar at the end. While the rice cooks, you can prep your other sushi ingredients, and then roll everything up with nori and your favorite fillings. I was always intimidated to make sushi rice but with this recipe it turns out great every time!

Aroma Rice Cooker Recipe

If you’re brand new to using a rice cooker, start here. This basic recipe uses 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of water to make perfectly fluffy white rice in 10 minutes. Once you master this, you can experiment with all the other recipes on this list.

Rice Cooker Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf adds so much more flavor and texture than plain rice with minimal extra effort. Instead of making plain rice, I’ll usually try to make this recipe, because the finely chopped vegetables, parsley, and vegetable bouillon powder turn ordinary rice into something you’d serve at a dinner party. It’s gluten-free and makes a great side dish for any occasion.

Easy Rice Cooker Mushroom Rice Recipe

Cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and sliced mushrooms create this rich, savory rice that’s perfect for mushroom lovers. Honestly, non-mushroom lovers will probably enjoy this too – my kids aren’t really into mushrooms but they loved this recipe! It takes 45 minutes but requires almost zero hands-on time. Try it with shiitake mushrooms and green onions for an Asian-inspired twist.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice

This cheesy broccoli rice disappears fast in my house, it’s that good! The combination of butter, cheese, garlic, onions, and broccoli creates a creamy, comforting side dish that even veggie-resistant kids will eat. I’ve served this to some very picky eaters and they gobble it up every time, and honestly, adults love this too. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.

Rice Cooker Parmesan Risotto Recipe

I was skeptical at first – making risotto in my rice cooker – but this recipe turned out great! Also, I did a happy dance when I realized that risotto in the rice cooker means no constant stirring required. This parmesan version uses arborio rice, fresh garlic, and half and half for a rich, creamy side dish that’s ready in 40 minutes. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, and you can easily customize it with vegetables or herbs.

One-Pot Meals & Mains

Rice Cooker Vegetable Biryani

This vegetable biryani is one of those recipes my kids ask for by name. The blend of turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and chili powder creates the most fragrant, comforting one-pot recipe. It serves 8, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, and it’s completely vegan. Sometimes I make a simple version with just spices and maybe some nuts or raisins, other times I’ll make a more hearty version with chickpeas, nuts and veggies added for a filling meal.

Vegan Burrito Bowl (Better than Chipotle!)

This burrito bowl tastes better than takeout and is ready in 30 minutes. I make the cilantro-lime rice in the rice cooker while prepping the fajita veggies, guacamole, and optional corn salsa. My kids love customizing their bowls with their favorite toppings, and the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.

Rice Cooker Vegetable Thai Curry

This Thai curry is loaded with vegetables, creamy coconut milk, and warm spices that make it taste like takeout. Both of my kids devoured this the first time I made it, which doesn’t always happen with new recipes. For a plant-based version, I swap the fish sauce for a vegan alternative. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking too!

Easy Rice Cooker Fried Rice With Eggs

This healthier version of fried rice takes just 10 minutes of prep and cooks completely in the rice cooker. The umami flavor from the soy sauce and fish sauce is incredible. I typically easily make it vegetarian and gluten-free by swapping a few ingredients, which is really easy to do!

Vegan Spanish Inspired Rice And Beans

This is another one of my kids’ favorites, and I love this recipe because it’s budget-friendly, takes 35 minutes, and can work as either a side dish or main meal. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, and the combination of rice and beans provides plenty of protein and fiber to keep you full. I make extra for easy lunches throughout the week.

Red Beans And Rice

Long grain rice, kidney beans, tomatoes, and garlic come together in just 20 minutes for this comforting meal. The fiber and protein make it surprisingly filling, and I love serving it with tortilla chips and guacamole on the side. It’s perfect for those nights when I’m too tired to cook!

Vegan Curry Rice

This one-pot curry rice combines brown rice with coconut milk, turmeric, and spices, then gets topped with broccoli, carrots, and chickpeas. It’s nut-free, soy-free, vegan, and gluten-free, making it one of the most allergy-friendly recipes on this list. Ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. I like to batch cook this and freeze half for later!

Super Easy Southwest-Style Quinoa

This southwest quinoa requires exactly 2 steps: dump everything in your rice cooker and press start. That’s it. While it cooks for an hour, I like to tackle other tasks or just relax. When I serve it to my family, we love to top it with avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a complete meal.

Hearty Rice Cooker Pasta With Lentils

Yes, you can make pasta in your rice cooker! This 25-minute protein-packed pasta is oil-free and can easily be made gluten-free. The lentils add extra protein and fiber, making it much more filling than regular pasta. I love having leftovers for quick lunches.

Tomato Rice Recipe (Indian Style)

This one-pot Indian tomato rice is made with ripe tomatoes, spices, and herbs for a flavorful meal that’s ready in 25 minutes. I’ll enjoy it as-is if I’m using it as a side. When I’m making it more of a main meal, I’ll add in chickpeas, some roasted veggies, and I’ll serve it with raita or plain yogurt for extra protein and to balance the spices. It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, healthy, and satisfying.

Rice Cooker Mac And Cheese

I literally couldn’t believe how well mac & cheese turned out when I made it in my rice cooker! And this creamy mac and cheese is ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish. The combination of medium cheddar and cream cheese creates a rich, indulgent dish that both kids and adults will love. It’s proof that rice cooker meals don’t have to be limited to rice-based dishes.

Desserts & Sweet Treats

Korean Sweet Rice Dessert

This sweet rice dessert uses honey, soy sauce, and dried fruit for a unique flavor combination that’s surprisingly delicious. While it takes more time than other recipes on this list, I think it’s absolutely worth the wait. Swap honey for molasses and use coconut aminos to make it vegan.

Rice Cooker Rice Pudding

Rice pudding was always a comfort food dessert in my house growing up. But it felt like it always took a lot of time! But this is the easiest rice pudding you’ll ever make, just 4 ingredients and your rice cooker does all the work. It’s sweet, creamy, and perfect for satisfying dessert cravings without turning on the oven. When I need to, I can easily make it vegan by using plant-based milk too!

Rice Cooker Chocolate Cake

This rich chocolate cake contains no eggs or dairy, making it perfect for vegans. It’s moist and decadent, and I love serving it with coffee or as an after-dinner dessert. Top it with powdered sugar, vanilla glaze, or chocolate frosting for extra indulgence.

Rice Cooker Japanese Cheesecake

Japanese cheesecake is incredibly light and fluffy with no oven required. It has a delicate cheese flavor and cloud-like texture that’s completely different from traditional dense cheesecake. This recipe serves 8, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. When I’ve served it to family & friends, they’re always amazed that I made it using my rice cooker!

Rice-Cooker Banana Bread

Classic banana bread gets baked in the rice cooker for about 90 minutes. The result is extra fluffy and moist banana bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. It’s a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. I make this, freeze slices, and pull them out for a quick dessert or even an indulgent breakfast on days when I don’t feel like baking from scratch!

Soft & Fluffy Rice Cooker Bread

This Japanese-style bread is light and fluffy with a subtle sweetness. It takes just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes to cook, and it’s naturally vegan (and can be made gluten-free). I typically serve it with breakfast, but it also tastes great with soups, or for sandwiches.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this roundup has shown you that your rice cooker is capable of so much more than making plain rice! From breakfast oatmeal to one-pot dinners to chocolate cake, this versatile appliance can simplify your cooking routine and cut down on dishes. The “set and forget” convenience is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner to cook itself while you handle everything else.

If you’re just starting out, I recommend getting comfortable with your rice cooker by trying really basic recipes, and then branch out to try the more creative dishes. You might be surprised at just how much this humble appliance can do!

🍚 More Delicious Rice Based Recipes!

• Vegan Mexican Rice
• Indian Stew With Rice And Lentils
• Tofu Fried Rice
• Indian Khichdi
• Avocado Sushi Roll
• Vegan Biryani