Nutritious & Easy! Rice Cooker Zucchini and Tofu Stew
Simplified YouTuber Mom’s Recipe for Zucchini and Tofu Stew in a Rice Cooker
Introducing ‘Zucchini and Tofu Stew,’ a simplified and convenient version of a popular recipe by YouTuber ‘Mom’s Hand Taste,’ adapted for your rice cooker. This stew is hearty, healthy, and perfect for a satisfying meal. Making it entirely in a rice cooker makes preparation incredibly easy. Enjoy the harmonious blend of deep broth and fresh ingredients that everyone can savor.
Main Ingredients
- Zucchini 150g (about 1/4 medium)
- Onion 50g (about 1/4 small)
- Tofu 100g (about 1/2 block)
- Water 250ml (a little over 1 cup)
- Dried Shiitake Mushrooms 2 pcs
- Korean Green Chili Peppers 5 pcs
- Cooking Oil 1 Tbsp (15ml)
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp (15ml)
Seasoning
- Salted Shrimp Paste 0.5 tsp (2.5ml)
- Fish Sauce (or Soy Sauce) 1 tsp (5ml)
- Dried Anchovy Powder 1 Tbsp (10g)
- Black Pepper, a pinch
- Mirin (Rice Wine) 1 Tbsp (15ml)
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 2 tsp (10g)
- Garlic Powder 1 tsp (5g)
- Salted Shrimp Paste 0.5 tsp (2.5ml)
- Fish Sauce (or Soy Sauce) 1 tsp (5ml)
- Dried Anchovy Powder 1 Tbsp (10g)
- Black Pepper, a pinch
- Mirin (Rice Wine) 1 Tbsp (15ml)
- Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes) 2 tsp (10g)
- Garlic Powder 1 tsp (5g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In the rice cooker pot, pour in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and 1 Tbsp of cooking oil. Add 2 tsp of gochugaru, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and some roughly chopped Korean green chili peppers (adjust for desired spiciness). (Optional: Adding minced green onions at this stage and sautéing them with the oil will infuse a delicious green onion flavor.)
Step 2
Gently stir the seasonings with a spatula. Then, select the ‘Reheat’ or ‘Steam’ function on your rice cooker and let it run for 9 minutes. This process helps to fully extract the flavors and aroma from the chili flakes and garlic.
Step 3
To add a deep umami flavor to the stew, soak 2 dried shiitake mushrooms in lukewarm water for at least 10 minutes until softened. (You can use the soaking water as part of the broth for extra flavor.)
Step 4
While the seasonings are fragrant in the rice cooker, prepare the zucchini (150g). Slice it into 0.5cm thick half-moons or at an angle. Slicing the parts closer to the skin thicker and the inner parts thinner will result in a varied texture when cooked.
Step 5
Cut the tofu (100g) into roughly 1.5-2cm cubes and the onion (50g) into 1cm thick slices. (Tip: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt on the sliced zucchini and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This draws out some moisture, preventing the stew from becoming too watery and helping the zucchini maintain a slightly crisp texture.)
Step 6
Once the reheating cycle is complete, add 1 Tbsp of dried anchovy powder, 0.5 tsp of salted shrimp paste, 1 tsp of fish sauce, and a pinch of black pepper to the rice cooker. Mix these well with the existing seasonings. Salted shrimp paste not only seasons but also adds a rich depth of flavor.
Step 7
Carefully pour 250ml of hot water (heated in a kettle) into the rice cooker. Using hot water helps to preserve the natural flavors of the ingredients and brings the stew to a boil faster.
Step 8
Start layering the ingredients in the rice cooker: place the soaked shiitake mushrooms (sliced if desired), tofu, and onions at the bottom. Then, arrange the zucchini slices on top. It’s okay if the zucchini isn’t fully submerged; placing it on top allows it to cook gently through the steam without becoming mushy. (Ensure shiitake mushrooms are sliced into bite-sized pieces after soaking.)
Step 9
Close the lid of the rice cooker and select ‘Reheat’ or ‘Steam’ again for another 9 minutes. After 9 minutes, the ingredients should be deliciously cooked.
Step 10
Before serving, gently stir the stew within the rice cooker. This ensures that any ingredients on top, which might not have been fully submerged, cook through evenly with the residual heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 11
Enjoy your delicious Zucchini and Tofu Stew! It’s seasoned to be flavorful without being overly spicy or salty, allowing the natural taste of the ingredients to shine. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal, perfect on its own or served with a bowl of warm rice.
