My Rice Cooker Transformed the Way I Feel About Cooking at Home

There's a reason why it's a staple in every Japanese household—it makes it so much more relaxing and enjoyable

Kaki Okumura

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Photo: Mgg Vitchakorn via Unsplash

“Gohan dayo!” my mom yelled from inside the kitchen.

I bustled out of my room and began helping set up the table. Grabbing the rice paddle out of the drawer, I opened the rice cooker. The fresh steam escaped the pot and left a warm and slightly sweet aroma lingering in the air — ahh.

I gently fluffed the rice and portioned them out into small porcelain bowls. The grains were both perfectly moist and sticky, yet not too soft — the al dente equivalent of rice. There is no better accompaniment to Japanese dishes.

Why you should invest in a rice cooker

I cannot imagine living in a household without a rice cooker. It is a staple piece of equipment and plays a core part in the way I cook, as important as a chef’s knife or frying pan.

Not that you need a rice cooker to make rice — it can be made with just a pot and some hot water — but unlike a pot, a rice cooker distills the process down to three easy steps: Rinse, add water, and press a button.

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Kaki Okumura
Kaki Okumura

Written by Kaki Okumura

Born in Dallas, raised in New York and Tokyo. I care about helping others learn to live a better, healthier life. My site: www.kakikata.space 🌱

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