As I approach my third year of college, I can confidently say that my rice cooker has become an indispensable part of my kitchen. It has forever the way I cook while at school, making it easier, more enjoyable, and incredibly rewarding.

Initially purchased for the sole purpose of cooking rice, I soon discovered its incredible potential to do so much more. Beyond perfectly cooked rice, my rice cooker has become a valuable tool for creating a variety of rice cooker recipes that cater to my taste and dietary preferences.

Rice cookers are a great choice for students who want an affordable and low-maintenance way to cook. With simple instructions, you can make perfect rice and other meals without having to constantly check on it. This means you can focus on studying or other tasks without worrying about your food. Plus, many rice cookers have a “keep warm” feature, which means you can enjoy hot meals even if you can’t eat right away. They’re also compact and easy to move around, making them perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms. Overall, rice cookers are a fantastic appliance for students who want to cook quickly, easily, and without breaking the bank.

Preparing meals using a rice cooker can be a convenient and time-saving solution for students who are busy with their studies and activities. With the ability to prep meals in advance, students can enjoy home-cooked dinners in the comfort of their dorms, while also saving money. These rice cooker recipes will make meal preparation easier and more efficient for students. Take a look at these rice cooker recipes for super easy meal prep!

Rice Cooker Recipe #1: One Pot Rice Cooker Meal Prep

@groovyfoodiess

Doesn’t get easier than this! 🫶🏼

♬ original sound – Sarah
Looking for a quick and easy rice cooker recipe to clean out your fridge? Check out @groovyfoodiess’s TikTok recipe! First, wash the rice and prep your veggies and protein. Make a simple sauce and then combine all the ingredients in your rice cooker. Top with a freshly cracked egg and press the cook button. In no time, you’ll have a delicious and filling meal ready to enjoy!

Rice Cooker Recipe #2: Miso Soup

I really enjoy savoring a delicious bowl of miso soup. This nutrient-rich dish is both healthy and satisfying. I came across a simple rice cooker recipe shared by a TikTok user named @amycooksfood. The recipe consists of warm water, miso paste, dashi powder, tofu, and seaweed. In addition, @amycooksfood shares a helpful tip in her video to avoid boiling the soup, as it could cause it to lose some of its nutritional value.

Rice Cooker Recipe #3: Hot Pot

One of my all-time favorite meals is hot pot. I enjoy the experience and versatility of cooking my own food right in front of me and trying out different sauces. I frequently have hot pot with my roommates in our dorm. For my hot pot, I usually choose thinly sliced beef ribeye, enoki mushrooms, shabu sauce, sticky rice, udon, and napa cabbage.

READ MORE: Trying Viral Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Rice Cooker Recipe #4: Cilantro Lime Rice

@livewellbypao

Replying to @Hen.lee I used the Black Decker Rice Cooker. It is available on Amazon.😊 When using it for plain white rice, I use one cup of dry rice and 2 cups of water (or use the knuckle-method), I add garlic/onion powder for flavor and bay leaves. In this video I also added chopped cilantro, 1 lime and a drizzle of olive oil to make cilantro lime rice. I paired it up with some cajun chicken. Enjoy! #cilantrolimerice #cajunchicken #ricecookerrecipe #highproteinmeals #fyp

♬ Take My Breath Away – EZI
For those who enjoy Chipotle’s well-known cilantro lime rice or want to add a new twist to their ordinary rice, this rice cooker recipe is a must-try. I came across this recipe by @livewellbypao on TikTok. It only requires a few ingredients and the ease of a rice cooker to make a delicious and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with various main dishes. The mixture of tangy lime and the savory taste of cilantro enhances ordinary rice by adding a burst of freshness and delectability. I recommended adding beans or chicken as a topping.

Rice Cooker Recipe #5: Mango Sticky Rice

@cassyeungmoney

Not too sweet iykyk #mangostickyrice Rinse&cook 1 1/2 cup glutinous rice (aka sweet/sticky rice) + 2 cups water in a rice cooker Heat 1 can coconut milk + 1/2 cup sugar until sugar dissolves Once the rice is cooked, mix in 1 cup of sweetened coconut milk. To the remaining sweetened coconut milk, combine with cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water) over medium heat until thickened Serve with toasted sesame seeds, sliced mango & mint and enjoy!

♬ fukumean – Gunna
If you’re a busy individual or a student looking for a taste of paradise amidst your hectic schedule, we’ve got you covered with a simplified version of the traditional mango sticky rice recipe. You won’t need to book a flight or hunt for hard-to-find ingredients. I discovered this easy rice cooker recipe on TikTok, created by user @cassyeungmoney. Making mango sticky rice in a rice cooker is a breeze and requires only four ingredients: glutenous rice, coconut milk, mango, and sugar.

Rice Cooker Recipe #6: Mac and Cheese

If you’re tired of Kraft and Annie’s and want to indulge in some homemade mac and cheese goodness, look no further than this recipe. I stumbled upon it on TikTok, shared by user @scopesnspatulas. The recipe includes pasta, chicken broth, a blend of cheeses, heavy cream, and some spices. Simply cook the pasta in a rice cooker and then mix in the remaining ingredients. It’s absolutely delicious!

Rice Cooker Recipe #7: Soy Sauce Chicken

@katchaomeow

that was too easy 😮‍💨 2 cups of white rice 1.5 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup soy sauce 2 tsp minced ginger 2 tsp minced garlic 1-2 tbsp agave 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil 1 tbsp oyster sauce dash of white pepper place 4-6 chicken thighs on top (make sure they don’t overlap) cook on regular white rice setting #easyrecipe #ricecookerrecipe #onepotmeals #lazydinneridea #CapCut

♬ original sound – Kat Chao
Here’s a recipe from @katchaomeow for delicious soy sauce chicken that’s incredibly easy to prepare and only calls for a handful of ingredients. To make this dish, you’ll need short-grain rice, chicken, chicken broth, soy sauce, green onions, sesame oil, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, pepper, garlic, and ginger. Just hit the cook button and let it cook until it’s done! You’ll have a tasty takeout-style chicken and soy sauce rice dish in no time.

Rice Cooker Recipe #8: Dumplings with Bok Choy

@thehealthyhophead

Simple Dumplings & Bok Choy made in the Rice Cooker ✨ I love making this recipe when im too tired or down in the dump. It’s effortless, balanced & nutritious! (Recipe below!) & don’t forget to check out my new book, Compact Cooking for pre-order on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, & Target! The link is also in my bio Recipe: Ingredients- 5-6 dumplings 6 leaves of baby bok choy 1 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp water 1 tbsp chili crisp 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp chopped green onions 1 tsp sesame seeds Directions- 1. To a rice cooker, add the olive oil, water, bok choy, and dumplings. Cover & press the button to cook for 10 minutes. 2. Remove the cover & add chili crisp, soy sauce, green onions, & sesame seeds evenly across the dumplings and bok choy. Press the button again to cook for 5 minutes, uncovered so the bottom of the dumplings get crispy. 3. Enjoy! #food #foodtiktok

♬ Oogum Boogum Song – Brenton Wood
Preparing dumplings in a rice cooker is a breeze even without a steamer. TikTok user @healthyhophead has demonstrated that all you need to do is add oil and cook the dumplings with vegetables in the rice cooker. Top it off with some chili oil or other sauces of your preference and enjoy a hassle-free and speedy dinner.

Rice Cooker Recipe #9: Oatmeal

@mrs.webb04

Oatmeal made in the rice cooker perfect for those early morning

♬ Lovely Day – Jill Scott
Oatmeal is a super easy meal to make in college. It can be made in a matter of minutes, with a rice cooker or not. As seen in this recipe by @mrs.webb04 on TikTok, with minimal effort and a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can indulge in a warm and satisfying oatmeal bowl that’s fully customizable to suit your taste preferences!

READ MORE: NO BAKE OATMEAL ENERGY BITES

Rice Cooker Recipe #10: Layer Cake!

Can you believe that it’s actually possible to bake a layer cake in a dorm room? With a simple boxed cake mix and some parchment paper, creating a delicious and impressive layer cake is easier than you think! Just line your rice cooker with parchment paper and get baking!

As a student, rice cookers make cooking a breeze with a variety of recipes that are both easy and delicious. From one-pot meals to breakfast favorites, there are numerous options available that are tailored to your rice cooker. These rice cooker recipes not only save you time but also fit perfectly into a student’s budget, making cooking at home a practical and rewarding choice. I highly encourage you to explore these recipes and take advantage of the benefits rice cookers offer in the kitchen.