Tomato Rice Cooker Recipe (Viral Whole Tomato Rice) 

This flavorful rice cooker recipe is a quick 30 minute meal made with a whole tomato and seasoned rice. Great as a side dish or add your protein of choice for a savory and filling one pot meal. 

If you’ve been following my blog, you know I love rice cooker recipes like my rice cooker polenta, rice cooker cilantro rice, or rice cooker orzo. When I first spotted this viral whole tomato rice cooker recipe, I couldn’t wait to try it — but of course, I added my own tweaks so it suits my taste. If you are looking for a more tomato based recipe, try my Mexican Rice Rice Cooker recipe. Hope you guys enjoy!

Why You'll Love this Tomato Rice Cooker Recipe

One pot meal - it’s so easy and convenient, with minimal cleanup. 

30 minute budget friendly - this is  a quick and inexpensive recipe to add to your weekly rotation. 

Rice cooker or stove top method works. 

Fresh and easy ingredients - pantry staple ingredients that can be adjusted to taste.

Ingredients

Rice -Jasmine rice or any other long grain rice like basmati works. 

Whole tomato - Use ripe beef tomatoes or roma tomatoes about 6-7 ounces, anything larger will make your rice too watery. 

Garlic and onion - aromatics for additional flavor.  

Chicken stock - gives a more savory taste, use water if you like it plain. 

Olive oil 

Salt and pepper

Green onion -optional for garnish.

Rice Cooker Recommendation

Any rice cooker works for this recipe. Rice cookers I have used that are tried and true is the Tayama, Cuckoo multi-functional cooker, Tiger JBV-Series and the Zojirushi.

Instructions

Rinse the rice - wash and drain the rice 3 times or until the water is no longer cloudy.

Prep the tomato - Wash and cut the stem off the tomato.

Add ingredients -  Add the rinsed rice, garlic, onions, olive oil, stock, salt and pepper to the rice cooker pot. Place the whole tomato in the middle of the rice. 

Cook - press the cook button or cook on the white rice setting for a multi-function cooker.  

Fluff - When done, use a large spoon to break up the whole tomato and mix it thoroughly into the rice. 

Garnish- top with green onions and enjoy!

Tips

Reduce the cooking liquid - the cooked tomato will add additional liquid. The ratio for this recipe has slightly less stock than it would for plain rice.

Drain the rice well - to prevent soggy rice, make sure to drain the rice well and add the recommended amount of liquid. 

Nonstick pot - If you have a nonstick rice cooker inner pot, the rice should not stick to the pot. 

Use a ripe tomato - a fully ripe tomato ensures maximum savory flavor and natural sweetness to the rice.

Tomato size matters - Recommended tomato size for this recipe is  6-7 oz.  If you have a larger tomato, add extra rice or cut the tomato to about 6-7 oz in size to cook. 

Tomato Rice Stovetop Cooking Option

If you don’t have a rice cooker, this recipe can easily be made on the stovetop. 

1. Use a medium size pot to add all the ingredients and take it to a boil on medium high heat. Once the liquid starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer, covered with a lid. 
2. Cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 25-30 minutes. 
3. Turn off the heat when done, then use a spoon to break up the tomato and mix it into the rice prior to serving. 

Substitution and Variations

• This easy recipe can easily be adapted to add additional ingredients to make an even more filling meal. If you’re looking to add more veggies, try adding frozen vegetables like in my rice cooker fried rice recipe.

• Make it a complete meal by adding some protein like Spam, Chinese sausage, a raw whisked egg and raw salmon to cook along with the rice. 

• If you’re in a pinch and have no time to chop garlic and onion, use 1 teaspoon of garlic and onion powder instead. 

• For a vegan option, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

What to Serve with Tomato Rice

Serve this delicious rice as a side dish alongside main protein dishes like my oven baked St. Louis ribs, oven baked chicken skewers, or easy air fryer turkey meatballs. 

Frequently asked question

More Rice Cooker Recipes to try