One-pot meals are my favorite go-to dishes, especially since I only have a rice cooker as my main cooking appliance. Cooking in a rice cooker means less mess, minimal effort, and easy cleanup—all perfect for a minimalist kitchen. Despite its simplicity, the rice cooker can make some seriously delicious Asian-style meals.
Here are five one-pot halal-friendly meals that are simple to cook but can be elevated with extra ingredients for a more gourmet touch.
1. Chicken Rice (Hainanese-Style or Nasi Ayam Simple)
This is one of the easiest and most flavorful rice dishes you can make in a rice cooker. The chicken cooks along with the rice, absorbing all the aromatic flavors.
Basic Ingredients:
2 cups jasmine rice, washed
2 chicken drumsticks or boneless chicken thighs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch ginger, sliced
1 tbsp chicken stock powder (or 1 halal chicken bouillon cube)
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups water
How to Cook:
1. Add washed rice, garlic, ginger, chicken stock powder, and salt into the rice cooker.
2. Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice.
3. Add water and start the rice cooker.
4. Once done, let it sit for 10 minutes before fluffing the rice.
Gourmet Add-Ons:
Crispy Chicken: Air-fry or pan-fry the chicken after cooking for a crispy texture.
Toppings: Add fried shallots, chopped scallions, or a drizzle of sesame oil.
Sauce: Serve with a side of chili sauce and dark soy sauce.
2. Tomato Rice (Nasi Tomato Simple)
A Malaysian-Indian-inspired tomato rice that’s flavorful and works well with minimal ingredients.
Basic Ingredients:
2 cups basmati rice, washed
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
1 1/2 cups water
How to Cook:
1. Add washed rice, tomato, tomato paste, garlic, salt, and pepper into the rice cooker.
2. Pour in water and start the rice cooker.
3. Once cooked, fluff the rice and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Gourmet Add-Ons:
Protein: Add chicken, prawns, or tofu for extra protein.
Toppings: Raisins, fried onions, and chopped cilantro.
Spice Upgrade: A cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and star anise for an aromatic boost.
3. Garlic Butter Salmon Rice
This quick and buttery rice dish is great when I want something light yet satisfying.
Basic Ingredients:
2 cups short-grain rice, washed
1 salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups water
How to Cook:
1. Add washed rice, garlic, butter, soy sauce, and black pepper into the rice cooker.
2. Place the salmon fillet on top of the rice.
3. Pour in water and start the rice cooker.
4. Once cooked, break the salmon into pieces and mix with the rice before serving.
Gourmet Add-Ons:
Extra Flavor: Drizzle with lemon juice or sesame oil before serving.
Toppings: Add furikake (Japanese rice seasoning) or sliced green onions.
Spice Kick: Mix in a bit of chili flakes or sambal for extra heat.
4. Teriyaki Chicken and Mushroom Rice
A Japanese-inspired meal with a simple homemade teriyaki sauce.
Basic Ingredients:
2 cups jasmine rice, washed
1 chicken thigh, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake or button)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 cups water
How to Cook:
1. Add rice, chicken, mushrooms, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, and garlic powder into the rice cooker.
2. Pour in water and start the rice cooker.
3. Once cooked, fluff the rice and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Gourmet Add-Ons:
Extra Umami: Add a splash of mirin or rice vinegar.
Toppings: Chopped spring onions or toasted sesame seeds.
Side Dish: Serve with a soft-boiled egg or miso soup.
5. Spicy Tuna Kimchi Rice
For days when I need something quick, spicy, and flavorful, this dish always delivers.
Basic Ingredients:
2 cups short-grain rice, washed
1/2 cup kimchi, chopped (halal-certified)
1 small can of tuna (in water or oil), drained
1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 1/2 cups water
How to Cook:
1. Add washed rice, kimchi, tuna, gochujang, and sesame oil into the rice cooker.
2. Pour in water and start the rice cooker.
3. Once cooked, mix everything together and serve hot.
Gourmet Add-Ons:
Egg Upgrade: Top with a fried egg or a soft-boiled egg.
Extra Crunch: Add roasted seaweed or sesame seeds.
Protein Boost: Replace tuna with shredded chicken or beef slices.
Why One-Pot Rice Cooker Meals are Perfect for Minimalist Cooking
✔️ Minimal ingredients needed – Only a few pantry staples required.
✔️ Effortless cooking – Just dump everything in and let the rice cooker do its job.
✔️ Less cleanup – Only one pot to wash.
✔️ Versatile recipes – Can be simple or gourmet, depending on what you have.
✔️ Perfect for small kitchens – No need for extra cookware or multiple appliances.
With these five easy Asian-style one-pot meals, cooking doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you’re a beginner cook, living in a small space, or just want a low-maintenance way to make delicious meals, these rice cooker recipes are perfect.
What’s your go-to one-pot rice cooker meal? Let me know in the comments!
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