A surprising number of people buy an Elite Gourmet rice cooker expecting it to do one job—cook rice—only to discover later that it can handle everything from fluffy breakfasts to comforting dinners and even desserts.
If you’ve tasted a delicious rice cooker meal at a friend’s house, spotted a viral recipe online, or simply want more ways to use the appliance sitting on your counter, you’re in the right place.
This collection of Elite Gourmet rice cooker recipes goes far beyond plain white rice. Inside, you’ll find quick one-pot meals, cozy comfort food, flavorful side dishes, healthy options, and beginner-friendly recipes that require very little hands-on work.
Whether dinner needs to be on the table fast or you’re looking for fresh rice cooker meal ideas, these recipes will help you get more value from your Elite Gourmet rice cooker while delivering satisfying results every time.
Why the Elite Gourmet Rice Cooker Is Perfect for These Recipes
The Elite Gourmet rice cooker is simple to use. You add your ingredients, push the switch to “COOK,” and let it do the work.
It automatically switches to “Keep Warm” when it’s done. No babysitting. No mess. Just great food every time.
It holds up to 5 cups of uncooked white rice or 4 cups of brown rice. That’s enough to feed a family with ease. Always rinse your rice 2-3 times before cooking. This removes excess starch and prevents boiling over.
Now let’s get cooking.
Classic White Rice in the Elite Gourmet Rice Cooker
This is the recipe that started it all. Perfect white rice every single time. Fluffy, light, and never sticky, this is the foundation of so many great meals. I love making a big batch on Sunday and using it all week long. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, stir-fry, or just a little butter and salt.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white rice (using the included measuring cup)
- 2 cups water (firmer rice) or 2 cups + 6-7 tbsp (softer rice)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp butter or coconut oil (optional)
How To Make:
Rinse the Rice – Add rice to a bowl and rinse under cool water 2-3 times. Discard the water each time until it runs mostly clear.
Add to the Pot – Place the rinsed rice into the inner pot. Add water up to the line 2 marking inside the pot.
Set It Up – Place the inner pot into the rice cooker. Make sure the outside of the pot is dry. Put the lid on.
Start Cooking – Plug in the unit and push the switch down to “COOK.” The cook light will turn on.
Let It Rest – When the cooker switches to “WARM,” let the rice sit for 5-10 minutes with the lid on. Then fluff and serve.
Low Setting: Water to line 2, cook time about 20 minutes.
High (More Water/Softer): Add 6-7 extra tablespoons of water for softer, fluffier rice.
Brown Rice With a Nutty Twist
Brown rice takes a little longer, but it’s worth every minute. It has more fiber and nutrients than white rice, and it has this wonderful nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with roasted veggies or grilled salmon. I add a bit of olive oil to give it a rich, warm taste that my whole family loves.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 40 min | Total Time: 45 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups brown rice (using the included measuring cup)
- 2¾ cups water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
How To Make:
Rinse Well – Rinse the brown rice 2-3 times under cool water. Brown rice has more bran so rinsing is important.
Soak for Best Results – Let the rice soak in water for 10-20 minutes before cooking. This helps soften it and shortens the cook time slightly.
Add Ingredients – Place rice, water, olive oil, and salt into the inner pot.
Start Cooking – Set the inner pot in the cooker, close the lid, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Wait It Out – Brown rice takes about 40 minutes. Do not open the lid during cooking. When the unit switches to “WARM,” let it rest 10 minutes before serving.
Low Water Option: 2¾ cups for firmer brown rice.
Higher Water Option: 3 cups water for softer brown rice.
Garlic Butter Rice
This garlic butter rice is a simple upgrade to plain white rice. It smells amazing while it cooks and tastes even better. The butter melts right into the rice and coats every single grain. This is the perfect side dish for steak, shrimp, or even just a fried egg on top.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (instead of water for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How To Make:
Rinse the Rice – Rinse white rice 2-3 times until the water is clear.
Build the Flavor – Place rinsed rice into the inner pot. Add chicken broth, butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Cook It – Set inner pot in the cooker, place the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Finish It Off – When the cooker moves to “WARM,” let it sit for 5 minutes. Open the lid carefully (steam will escape), fluff the rice, and top with fresh parsley.
Low Option: Use 2 cups broth for firmer rice.
Soft Option: Add 6 extra tablespoons of broth for a softer, creamier result.
Jasmine Rice With Coconut Milk
This recipe is a dream. The coconut milk makes the jasmine rice creamy, fragrant, and slightly sweet. It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something that feels a little special without much effort. It goes perfectly with Thai curry, jerk chicken, or tropical shrimp dishes.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 cup coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
How To Make:
Rinse the Jasmine Rice – Rinse jasmine rice 2-3 times. It tends to be starchy so don’t skip this step.
Mix Your Liquids – Combine coconut milk and water. Pour over the rice in the inner pot. Add salt and sugar if using.
Cook – Set the inner pot inside the cooker. Put the lid on, plug in, and hit “COOK.”
Rest and Serve – Once the cooker clicks to “WARM,” wait 5-10 minutes before opening. Fluff gently and serve warm.
Low Coconut Option: Use ½ cup coconut milk and 1½ cups water for a lighter flavor.
Full Rich Option: 1 cup coconut milk + 1 cup water for a creamy, luscious texture.
Chicken and Rice One-Pot Meal
This is the recipe I make when I need dinner fast and don’t want to dirty a lot of dishes. Everything goes into the rice cooker together. The chicken stays juicy and the rice soaks up all that delicious savory broth. It’s warm, filling, and honestly just makes you feel good.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 40 min
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups white rice, rinsed
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup water
- 2 boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
How To Make:
Season the Chicken – Toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and soy sauce.
Layer Into the Pot – Add rinsed rice to the inner pot. Pour in broth and water. Place seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice.
Start Cooking – Set up the inner pot in the cooker, place the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Check and Serve – The cooker will switch to “WARM” when done. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Open carefully. Make sure chicken is fully cooked through before serving. Fluff and serve hot.
Low Option: Use chicken broth only at the line 2 level for firmer rice.
Juicy Option: Add an extra ¼ cup broth for more moisture and softer rice.
Spanish Rice
This Spanish rice is bold, smoky, and full of flavor. It pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, or beans. The tomato gives it that beautiful red color and adds a subtle sweetness. My family asks for this one every Taco Tuesday without fail.
Serve: 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
How To Make:
Mix the Liquids – Combine tomato sauce, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes in a small bowl. Stir together.
Add Everything to the Pot – Place rinsed rice in the inner pot. Add onion, oil, and all the spices. Pour the tomato liquid mixture over the top.
Cook – Set inner pot in the cooker, put the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Rest and Fluff – When the cooker switches to “WARM,” wait 5-10 minutes. Open carefully. Fluff the rice with the serving scoop and enjoy.
Low Option: Stick to 1½ cups broth and 8 oz tomato sauce for firmer rice.
Soft and Saucy Option: Add an extra ¼ cup of broth for a softer, wetter rice texture.
Mushroom Risotto-Style Rice
This is rich, creamy, and totally satisfying. Now, this isn’t a traditional stovetop risotto. But using your Elite Gourmet rice cooker and short-grain or arborio rice, you get a very similar result with way less effort. It’s perfect for date nights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 40 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups arborio or short-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or baby bella)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or dried thyme
How To Make:
Prep the Mushrooms – Rinse and slice mushrooms. Mince the garlic.
Load the Pot – Add rice to the inner pot. Pour in vegetable broth and water. Add mushrooms, garlic, butter, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
Cook – Set the inner pot in the cooker. Place the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Add Cheese at the End – When the cooker switches to “WARM,” open the lid carefully. Stir in parmesan cheese. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Low Option: Use 2 cups broth and 1 cup water for a firmer texture.
Creamy Option: Add an extra 2 tbsp of butter and a splash of cream after cooking for a richer, creamier result.
Sushi Rice at Home
Sushi rice in your Elite Gourmet rice cooker is easier than you think. Short-grain sushi rice gets fluffy and sticky the right way in this cooker. Once you season it with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, it’s ready for homemade sushi rolls, rice bowls, or even a simple rice salad.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice (short-grain)
- 2 cups water
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1½ tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
How To Make:
Rinse the Sushi Rice – Rinse sushi rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Sushi rice is very starchy so rinse well.
Cook the Rice – Add rinsed rice and water to the inner pot. Place in the cooker, put the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Make the Seasoning – While the rice cooks, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves.
Season the Rice – When the cooker switches to “WARM,” let rice rest 10 minutes. Move the rice to a large bowl. Pour the vinegar mixture over it and gently fold it in. Fan the rice as you fold for a shinier finish. Use warm.
Low Option: Use 2 cups water at the line 2 marking for slightly firmer sushi rice.
Soft Option: Add 3-4 extra tablespoons of water for softer, stickier sushi rice.
I love using a wooden rice paddle to mix sushi rice without crushing the grains. It makes a big difference.
Lemon Herb Rice
This bright and fresh rice is a game-changer. The lemon zest adds a pop of flavor and the herbs make it smell incredible. It’s a great side for fish, roasted chicken, or grilled veggies. Honestly, it’s good enough to eat on its own with a little olive oil drizzle.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
How To Make:
Prep Your Ingredients – Zest the lemon, then juice it. Chop your herbs.
Load the Pot – Add rinsed rice, broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the inner pot. Stir lightly.
Cook – Set inside the cooker, put the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Finish and Serve – When the unit switches to “WARM,” let it rest 5 minutes. Open the lid carefully. Fluff and top with fresh parsley or dill. Serve warm.
Low Option: 2 cups broth for a firmer, drier rice.
Bright and Moist Option: Add an extra ¼ cup broth plus 1 more tbsp of lemon juice for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Vegetable Fried Rice Made in the Rice Cooker
Yes, you can make fried rice in your Elite Gourmet rice cooker. It won’t be exactly the same as a wok version, but it still tastes amazing. The key is using day-old cooked rice. It’s less wet and holds up better when you mix in the veggies and eggs.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (day-old preferred)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ginger powder
- 2 green onions, sliced
How To Make:
Prep Your Veggies – Thaw frozen veggies if using. Mince garlic. Slice green onions.
Mix the Rice – In a bowl, toss the cooked rice with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
Add to Pot – Place the rice mixture into the inner pot. Add in the mixed vegetables. Pour the beaten eggs over the top.
Cook and Stir – Put the lid on and push to “COOK.” About halfway through (around 10 minutes), open the lid quickly, stir everything together so the eggs mix in, then put the lid back on.
Finish – When it switches to “WARM,” let it rest 5 minutes. Fluff and top with green onions.
Low Option: Use less soy sauce (2 tbsp) for a milder flavor.
Bold Option: Add an extra tbsp of soy sauce and a drizzle of chili oil for extra punch.
Rice Cooker Oatmeal
Yes, your rice cooker makes oatmeal. And it does it perfectly every time. Creamy, warm, and filling, this oatmeal is great for busy mornings when you want breakfast ready with zero effort. Just set it up and let the cooker work its magic.
Serve: 2-3 | Prep Time: 2 min | Cook Time: 15 min | Total Time: 17 min
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water or milk
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Toppings: fresh fruit, nuts, brown sugar (optional)
How To Make:
Add Oats – Place rolled oats into the inner pot. Pour in water or milk. Add honey, cinnamon, and salt. Stir once.
Cook – Set inner pot in cooker. Put the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Watch It – Oatmeal can bubble up. If you see bubbling, open the lid just a little to let steam escape. Stir gently.
Serve – When the cooker switches to “WARM,” open carefully. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Low Option: Use water for a lighter, thinner oatmeal.
Creamy Option: Use whole milk or oat milk for a rich and creamy bowl of oats.
Lentil Soup in the Rice Cooker
This lentil soup is thick, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up on a cold night. Lentils are high in protein and fiber, so this is a filling and healthy choice. I love it with a piece of crusty bread on the side.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 40 min | Total Time: 50 min
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red or green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon (added after cooking)
How To Make:
Rinse the Lentils – Rinse lentils under cool water until the water runs clear.
Add Everything – Place lentils, broth, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and olive oil into the inner pot. Stir to combine.
Cook – Set the inner pot in the cooker, put the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Stir and Finish – When the cooker switches to “WARM,” open the lid carefully. Stir well. Add a squeeze of lemon juice. Let it rest 5 minutes and serve hot.
Low Option: Use 2½ cups broth for a thicker, stew-like texture.
Soup Option: Use 3½ cups broth for a thinner, more soupy consistency.
Quinoa in the Elite Gourmet Rice Cooker
Quinoa is a superfood and your rice cooker handles it like a champ. Fluffy, nutty, and loaded with protein, it’s a fantastic substitute for rice in almost any dish. I use it as a base for grain bowls and it turns out perfect every single time.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
- 3 cups water or broth
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
How To Make:
Rinse the Quinoa – Always rinse quinoa before cooking. It has a natural coating called saponin that can taste bitter if not rinsed off.
Add to the Pot – Place rinsed quinoa into the inner pot. Add water or broth, salt, and olive oil.
Cook – Set the inner pot in the cooker, put the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Fluff and Serve – When the unit switches to “WARM,” let it rest 5-10 minutes. Open carefully. Fluff with the serving scoop and serve as a side or base for a bowl.
Low Option: Use 2½ cups liquid for a firmer, drier quinoa.
Soft Option: Use 3 cups liquid for a softer, fluffier result.
Sweet Coconut Rice Pudding
This rice pudding is pure comfort food. It’s creamy, sweet, and simple to make. The coconut milk gives it a tropical twist that takes it from ordinary to amazing. You can serve it warm or cold. I love it with a sprinkle of cinnamon and some sliced mango on top.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 35 min
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sushi or short-grain rice, rinsed
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Toppings: mango slices, toasted coconut, cinnamon
How To Make:
Add Rice and Liquids – Place rinsed short-grain rice into the inner pot. Add coconut milk, water, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
Cook – Set the inner pot in the cooker, put the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.”
Stir After Cooking – When the cooker switches to “WARM,” open the lid carefully. Stir the pudding well. It will thicken as it cools.
Serve – Scoop into bowls. Top with mango, toasted coconut flakes, or a dash of cinnamon.
Low Sugar Option: Use 2 tbsp sugar for a lighter sweetness.
Rich Option: Add 1 extra tbsp of sugar and swap water for more coconut milk for an ultra-creamy pudding.
Wild Rice Blend With Cranberries and Pecans
This wild rice dish is great for the holidays or any time you want something a little fancy without the fuss. The cranberries add a tart sweetness and the pecans give it a great crunch. It looks gorgeous on the table and tastes even better than it looks.
Serve: 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 50 min | Total Time: 60 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups wild rice blend, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How To Make:
Rinse the Wild Rice – Wild rice is dense and starchy. Rinse it well under cool water before cooking.
Add to the Pot – Place wild rice and broth into the inner pot. Add butter, salt, and pepper. Stir once.
Cook – Set the inner pot in the cooker, put the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.” Wild rice takes up to 50 minutes. Be patient and don’t lift the lid.
Add Mix-Ins – When the cooker switches to “WARM,” let it rest 10 minutes. Open the lid carefully. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Top with fresh parsley and serve.
Low Option: Use 2¾ cups broth for a firmer, chewier wild rice.
Soft Option: Use 3¼ cups broth for a softer, more tender result.
Steamed Vegetables and Rice Together
This is the ultimate easy dinner. You get your protein, veggies, and carbs all in one pot. The rice steams perfectly at the bottom while the veggies sit on top and cook in the steam. It’s healthy, fast, and incredibly simple. Great for weeknights when you need something quick and balanced.
Serve: 4 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 35 min
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water or broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, sliced carrots, snap peas)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make:
Set Up the Rice – Add rinsed rice and water or broth to the inner pot. Season with salt and a little garlic powder.
Add Veggies on Top – Place the mixed vegetables directly on top of the rice. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
Cook – Set the inner pot in the cooker, put the lid on, plug in, and push to “COOK.” The steam from the rice will cook the vegetables at the same time.
Serve Together – When the cooker switches to “WARM,” let it rest 5 minutes. Open carefully. The veggies will be perfectly tender and the rice fluffy below. Serve as one complete dish.
Low Option: Use firmer veggies like carrots and beans for a more textured result.
Soft Veggie Option: Use more delicate veggies like spinach or zucchini for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
I always keep my Elite Gourmet rice cooker on the counter. It saves so much time. If you are still looking for one, check out the Elite Gourmet rice cooker on Amazon — it’s one of the best budget-friendly rice cookers out there.
Final Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Elite Gourmet Rice Cooker
Always rinse your rice before cooking. It removes excess starch and keeps the rice from boiling over. Let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes after the cooker switches to “WARM.” This makes a huge difference in texture.
Keep the outside of the inner pot dry before placing it into the cooker. Water on the heating element can damage the unit. After every use, wash the inner pot, lid, and spatula with warm soapy water and dry everything completely before storing.
The included measuring cup is not the same as a standard US cup. Always use the cup that came with your Elite Gourmet rice cooker for accurate results. This will make every single recipe turn out right.
Now you have 16 amazing Elite Gourmet rice cooker recipes to try. Start with the ones that sound most exciting to you. Then work your way through them all.
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