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How to Use a Tiger Rice Cooker | Perfect Rice Every Time
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Is your rice always mushy, undercooked, or burnt? Tiger rice cookers are the secret to effortlessly fluffy, restaurant-quality rice every single time.
In this guide, we’ll break down the simple steps to mastering your Tiger rice cooker, transforming your kitchen routine forever.
Overview: Parts and Accessories
Your Tiger rice cooker comes with several essential components that work together to create perfect rice. Understanding these parts is key to using and maintaining your cooker successfully.
Essential Parts
Inner Pot: This non-stick pot is where you cook the rice and other ingredients. Markings inside indicate water levels for different rice quantities.
Lid: The lid seals in steam and heat, ensuring even cooking. It often includes a steam vent to release excess pressure.
Heating Element: Located at the base of the cooker, this is the heat source that cooks the rice.
Control Panel: This features buttons or a digital display for selecting cooking modes, setting timers, and making adjustments.
Lid Gasket: A rubberized gasket is often present on the underside of the lid to create an even tighter seal.
Common Accessories
Measuring Cup: A specific measuring cup is usually included, often marked for both rice and water quantities.
Rice Paddle: A plastic paddle designed for scooping and fluffing rice without damaging the inner pot’s coating.
Features & What They Do
The tiger rice cooker provides essential cooking modes and innovative features for a streamlined cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll find:
White Rice (Plain): The standard setting for perfect fluffy white rice every time.
Brown Rice: Specifically designed to cater to the longer cooking time and different textures required for healthy brown rice.
Synchro-Cooking (“Tacook”): Tiger’s unique feature! Simultaneously cook rice in the main pot and a side dish (vegetables, fish, etc.) on a special cooking plate positioned above.
Slow Cook/Steam: Gently cooks stews, soups, or steams vegetables and fish.
Keep Warm: Maintains the ideal serving temperature of rice after cooking.
Off/Cancel: Stops the cooking process and turns off the machine.
Before Your First Use
Wash Removable Parts: Wash the inner pot, lid gasket (if applicable), steam vent, measuring cup, and rice paddle in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
Wipe Down the Exterior: Use a damp cloth to wipe clean the outer body of your rice cooker. Do not immerse the cooker base in water.
Check for Compatibility: Ensure your electrical outlet matches the voltage requirements stated on your rice cooker. Using incompatible voltage can cause damage.
Step-by-Step Rice Cooking Guide
Measure the Rice: Use the included measuring cup (this is important for optimal results!). Fill the cup to the desired level and level the rice using a flat edge.
Rinse the Rice: Place the measured rice in the inner pot and add cool water. Swirl the rice gently with your fingers. Drain the cloudy water and repeat 2-3 times until the water runs mostly clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
Add Water: To cook either white or brown rice, refer to the water level markings for the specific type of rice inside the inner pot. Remember, water levels differ based on the rice variety.
Optional: Soak (Recommended for Fluffy Results): Allowing the rice to soak in the measured water for 30 minutes before cooking will further improve the final texture.
Place in the Rice Cooker: Place the prepared inner pot securely into the rice cooker. Close the lid, making sure it’s fully sealed.
Choose Cooking Mode: Then, select the appropriate button: “Plain” for white rice and “Brown” for brown rice.
Begin Cooking: The rice cooker will begin cooking automatically. It will handle temperature adjustments and timing for perfectly cooked rice.
Fluff and Serve: Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the rice to rest (on “Keep Warm”) for about 5-10 minutes before opening the lid. (This helps prevent the rice from sticking to the lid). Use the rice paddle to gently fluff the rice and serve!
Your Tiger rice cooker can double as a steamer, allowing you to prepare healthy and delicious steamed vegetables, fish, or dumplings alongside your rice. Here’s how:
What you’ll need:
Your Tiger rice cooker
Inner pot
Steaming plate (included with cooker)
Your chosen food for steaming (vegetables, fish, etc.)
Instructions
Prepare the Rice: Start by measuring, rinsing, and adding water for your rice as usual, placing it in the inner pot.
Prep Your Food for Steaming:
Assemble the Steaming Setup: Place the steaming plate securely on top of the rice inside the inner pot. Arrange your vegetables or other food items on the steaming plate.
Choose Synchro-Cooking: Select the “Synchro-Cooking” option on your Tiger rice cooker.
Start Cooking: The rice cooker will intelligently coordinate the cooking of both the rice and your steamed items, ensuring both are done at the same time.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully remove the steaming plate and serve your steamed items alongside your perfect rice.
Things to Do and Things to Avoid
Do’s
Experiment: Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try using different types of rice or liquids for various flavor profiles.
Clean regularly. Wash the inner pot, lid gasket (if applicable), and steam vent after each use to prevent residue buildup.
Use the provided measuring cup for accurate rice and water ratios.
Follow the water level guidelines on the inner pot.
Don’ts
Don’t open the lid mid-cooking: Resist the urge to check on the rice. This allows steam to escape, affecting the cooking process.
Don’t overcrowd the steaming plate, as this prevents even cooking.
Overfill the cooker above the maximum fill line.
Use metal utensils in the inner pot, as this can scratch the non-stick coating.
Immerse the cooker body in water.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best rice cookers can occasionally have a hiccup. Here’s a quick guide to solving common problems:
Problem: Rice is undercooked or too hard
Check the water level: Did you use enough water for the type and amount of rice? Add a ¼ – ½ cup of water and press the cook button again to continue cooking.
Ensure the lid is fully closed: A loose lid lets out steam, affecting cooking. Make sure it’s fully sealed.
Clean the steam vent: Remove and wash the steam vent (if your model has one) with warm soapy water to ensure it’s not clogged.
Check for heating issues: If the above doesn’t solve the issue, there may be a problem with the heating element. Contact Tiger support.
Problem: Rice is mushy or overcooked
Reduce water next time: Start with a ¼ cup less water and adjust from there.
Avoid opening the lid mid-cooking: Let the rice cooker do its thing!
Fluff and remove from “Keep Warm” sooner: If you know you won’t eat the rice for a while, fluff it after cooking and transfer it to a separate container.
Problem: Burning smell or rice sticking to the bottom
Replace a scratched inner pot: A damaged non-stick surface will always cause burning.
Add a bit of oil: Drizzle a teaspoon of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) into the inner pot with the rice and water. This adds a light coating to help prevent sticking.
Rinse the rice thoroughly: Wash the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Problem: Rice cooker won’t turn on
Check the power outlet: Try plugging in a different appliance to ensure the outlet is working.
Inspect the power cord: Look for damage or fraying. If damaged, contact Tiger support for a replacement.
Cleaning Your Tiger Rice Cooker
Regular cleaning is essential to keep your rice cooker in top shape and prevent flavors from carrying over to different dishes. Here’s how:
After Each Use:
Unplug and Cool: Unplug the rice cooker and let it cool completely before cleaning.
Wash Removable Parts: Hand wash the inner pot, lid gasket (if applicable), steam vent, measuring cup, and rice paddle in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry completely.
Wipe the Exterior: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the cooker body. For stubborn stains, use a mild dish soap solution. Wipe dry.
Occasional Deep Cleaning:
Soaking Stubborn Residue: If the inner pot has built-up residue, soak it in warm soapy water for 30 minutes before washing.
Cleaning the Heating Plate: If you notice food residue on the heating plate at the base of the cooker, carefully wipe it away with a damp cloth while the cooker is cool and unplugged.
Warnings
Never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads on any part of the rice cooker, especially the inner pot.
Never submerge the rice cooker base in water. This is an electrical appliance, and water can cause damage.
Dry completely before reassembling and storing your rice cooker. This prevents moisture buildup.
Additional Tips
Cleaning right after use makes the process much easier!
A little baking soda mixed with warm water is great for removing tough stains or smells from the inner pot.
Conclusion
Tiger rice cookers prove that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple instructions and a reliable appliance, you have the power to consistently achieve restaurant-quality rice in your own home. Let the Tiger rice cooker streamline your cooking while elevating your meals.
Muhammad Abdullah is your go-to guide for simplifying the world of cookers! He believes the kitchen should be a place of creativity and fun, not frustration. That’s why he founded Cooker Insights – to empower you with the knowledge and recipes you need to create effortless, delicious meals.
Meet Your Cooker Guide
Muhammad Abdullah is your go-to guide for simplifying the world of cookers! He believes the kitchen should be a place of creativity and fun, not frustration. That’s why he founded Cooker Insights – to empower you with the knowledge and recipes you need to create effortless, delicious meals.
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