The Ultimate Guide To Can Cooker Steamers: 8 Things To Know

The CanCooker™ is a 4-gallon steam pot that can be used to cook food on stoves, campfires, and grills. It uses hot steam to cook food, which is a moist-heat cooking method that cooks food by surrounding it with hot vapour in an enclosed environment. The CanCooker™ is constructed from food-grade anodized aluminium and features a silicone gasket, heavy-duty handles, a vented lid, and safety clamps. It can be used to cook a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and more.

Can cooker steamer features

The CanCooker steamer is a versatile and convenient cooking appliance with several notable features. Firstly, it has a large 4-gallon capacity, making it suitable for cooking meals for up to 20 people. The cooker uses a steam cooking method, which is healthier and faster than traditional slow cooking. It is constructed from food-grade anodized aluminum, ensuring efficient heat conduction and even cooking.

For safety, the CanCooker features a silicone gasket, heavy-duty handles, a vented lid, and safety clamps. The silicone gasket helps trap steam inside the cooker, while the vented lid allows for the controlled release of steam. The heavy-duty handles provide a secure grip for safe transport, and the safety clamps ensure the lid remains securely in place during cooking. This steamer can be used on various heat sources, including stoves, campfires, and grills, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The CanCooker steamer offers a convenient and healthy way to cook for large groups. Its durable construction and safety features make it a reliable option for various cooking environments.

In addition to the CanCooker steamer, there are several other types of steamers available, such as stovetop and electric steamers. Stovetop steamers are inserts that fit into saucepans or pots, while electric steamers have stackable trays or divided compartments for cooking different foods simultaneously. Electric steamers are convenient as they only require adding water and turning on, but they also take up counter space. When choosing a steamer, consider your specific needs, such as capacity, ease of use, and the types of food you plan to cook.

Can cooker steamer uses

Can cooker steamers are a great way to cook food without losing nutrients or flavour. They are especially useful for cooking vegetables, meats, and seafood, but can also be used for other foods such as pastries, breads, soups, rice, baby food, and more. Here are some of the best uses for your can cooker steamer:

Cooking Vegetables

Steaming is an excellent way to cook vegetables as it helps retain their natural flavour, colour, shape, and nutritional value. It is also a quick and easy way to prepare your veggies after a long day of work. When steaming vegetables, it is important to cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will vary depending on the type and amount of vegetables you are cooking, but generally, you want them to be soft enough to pierce with a fork while still retaining a bit of firmness.

Cooking Meat and Seafood

Can cooker steamers can also be used to cook meat and seafood. Steaming is a healthy way to prepare these proteins as it does not require the use of added cooking fats or oils. When steaming meat, it is important to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly. For example, fish should start to flake away at the thickest part when it is done, and chicken should always be cooked all the way through the middle. Seafood, such as shrimp and crab, can also be steamed to perfection, ensuring they are not overcooked or mushy.

Cooking Starches

In addition to vegetables, meats, and seafood, can cooker steamers can also be used to cook starches such as rice, couscous, and steamed buns. For example, short-grain rice is ideal for steaming and results in a texture that works well with chopsticks. When cooking rice, it is important to rinse it beforehand if you do not want it to be sticky. Similarly, couscous can be cooked in a steamer using a double steam method, allowing it to absorb water before adding it to the steamer.

Reheating Leftovers

Another great use for your can cooker steamer is reheating leftovers. Steaming is a great way to keep your leftovers moist and prevent them from drying out. Just be sure to choose which leftovers to steam carefully, as some foods may not be suitable for this method.

Cooking Dumplings and Buns

Can cooker steamers are also perfect for cooking dumplings and buns, especially Chinese dishes like steamed buns and dim sum. The steam cooking method allows you to highlight the filling of the dumplings more than pan-frying or deep-frying would. Whether you are making your own dumplings from scratch or using store-bought frozen ones, steaming is a quick and easy way to cook them perfectly.

Can cooker steamer benefits

A can cooker steamer is an incredibly versatile kitchen appliance that offers a multitude of benefits for home cooks. From health-conscious eaters to culinary enthusiasts, this handy tool can elevate your cooking game and make meal preparation a breeze. Here are some of the key advantages of using a can cooker steamer:

Healthier Cooking

One of the most significant benefits of steaming is the impact it has on the nutritional value of your food. Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, ensuring your meals are packed with essential nutrients. It also eliminates the need for cooking oils, reducing added calories and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Versatility and Convenience

With a can cooker steamer, you can prepare a wide variety of dishes, from vegetables and seafood to dumplings and desserts. It's an excellent option for busy weeknights or cooking for a crowd, as you can cook multiple items simultaneously without the need for multiple pots and pans. The ability to layer ingredients based on their cooking times further enhances the convenience of this appliance.

Enhanced Flavour and Texture

Steaming preserves the natural flavours and colours of your ingredients, enhancing their freshness. It also ensures that your food retains its texture, resulting in tender, yet slightly crisp vegetables, perfectly cooked fish, and juicy chicken breasts. The use of steaming also opens up a world of culinary creativity, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients, seasonings, and flavour combinations.

Time and Energy Savings

Steaming is a fast and efficient cooking method, often requiring just a fraction of the time needed for traditional cooking techniques. Additionally, the use of a can cooker steamer can save you time, money, and energy in the kitchen. By cooking multiple dishes simultaneously and eliminating the need for additional ingredients like cooking oil, you streamline your cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

Easy to Use and Clean

Can cooker steamers are simple to operate, with most models featuring adjustable settings and timers for precise cooking. The steaming baskets or trays are typically dishwasher-safe or can be easily hand-washed, making cleanup a breeze. Some models also offer removable steamers and non-stick surfaces for even more convenient maintenance.

In conclusion, a can cooker steamer is an invaluable addition to any kitchen, offering health benefits, culinary versatility, and time-saving convenience. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this appliance will elevate your meals and transform the way you approach cooking.

Can cooker steamer alternatives

A can cooker steamer is a great way to cook food by surrounding it with hot vapour in an enclosed environment, without the need for added cooking fats. If you're looking for alternatives to this style of cooking, there are several options to consider.

Slow Cooker/Crock-Pot

The slow cooker is a popular alternative, offering a "set-it-and-forget-it" approach. It operates at a low temperature over an extended period, allowing flavours to develop and meats to become tender. This method is great for braised dishes, stews and chilli. The convenience of assembling a meal in the morning and coming home to a delicious dinner is a big advantage.

Dutch Oven

The Dutch oven is a versatile, heavy-duty cast iron or enameled cast-iron pot that has been a kitchen staple for centuries. It offers excellent heat retention and even heat distribution, resulting in tasty, evenly cooked food. You can brown meat or vegetables on the stovetop and then transfer the pot to the oven to finish cooking. It can handle everything from pot roasts to soups and is also durable and long-lasting.

Rice Cooker

If you're primarily cooking rice and grains, a rice cooker is a great alternative. It's incredibly straightforward to use and ensures perfectly cooked grains every time. It automatically adjusts the cooking time and temperature and has a "keep warm" function, making it a convenient option.

Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and yoghurt maker, among others. It offers the convenience of a pressure cooker with the added advantage of multiple cooking methods. It's great for quick weeknight meals or slow-cooked dishes and has preset cooking functions for added ease.

Air Fryer

For a healthier alternative to frying, an air fryer is a good option. It uses rapid air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy, golden-brown textures with minimal oil. It reduces oil consumption while achieving similar results to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier choice.

Sous Vide

For those who want precision in their cooking, the sous vide method involves cooking vacuum-sealed food in a water bath at a controlled temperature. This gentle cooking technique ensures precise and consistent results. An immersion circulator maintains a constant temperature, cooking food evenly while retaining moisture. This method is great for achieving precise doneness, whether it's a steak or chicken breast.

Stovetop Steamer

A stovetop steamer is an insert that fits into or on top of a saucepan or pot filled with simmering water. Food is placed in the insert, which has a perforated base to allow steam to circulate and cook the food. These can be folding or collapsible raised platforms, perforated metal pans or bamboo baskets.

Electric Steamer

Electric steamers are another option, with stackable, perforated trays or divided compartments for cooking different foods simultaneously. Water is added to a chamber, and a heating element turns it into steam. Some electric pressure cookers and rice cookers have a steamer function or include a steamer tray.

Oven

The trusty oven is a reliable alternative for classic baking and roasting. It provides even heat distribution and precise temperature control, resulting in excellent dishes across a wide range of foods, from roasts and bread to desserts and casseroles. It also offers opportunities for experimentation and creativity in the kitchen.

Can cooker steamer recipes

Steamers are a handy kitchen tool that can be used to cook a variety of meals, appetisers, and side dishes. They are particularly useful for cooking vegetables, rice, shellfish, and even cakes! Here are some delicious recipes you can make using a steamer:

Steamed Vegetables

A classic option for steaming is vegetables. You can steam almost any vegetable, including carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, leafy greens, peas, squash, and potatoes. Steaming is a quick and healthy way to cook vegetables, and they come out perfectly tender and crisp. Just be sure to add your desired seasonings and sauces before serving.

Steamed Fish

Steaming is an excellent way to cook fish, keeping it moist and tender. You can steam trout, salmon, bass, or any other type of fish fillets. For a simple and healthy dish, try steaming fish with pak choi, mirin, garlic, and soy, and serving it topped with coriander. You can also steam fish parcels, such as steamed fish and pak choi parcels, for a flavour-packed, low-calorie meal.

Steamed Rice

Rice is another food that is perfectly suited for steaming. It is a simple and foolproof method for cooking rice, and you can use a steamer to make perfect rice every time. Whether you are making a small or large batch, steaming ensures your rice turns out fluffy and delicious.

Steamed Desserts

You might be surprised to learn that you can make delicious desserts using a steamer. Steamed cakes, such as carrot cake or chocolate pudding, are incredibly moist and tender. You can also try steamed cinnamon apples, steamed pears with rock sugar, or steamed chocolate, stout, and prune pudding for a sweet and indulgent treat.

Steamed Dumplings and Buns

If you're feeling adventurous, try making steamed dumplings or buns. You can steam Chinese steamed buns, bao buns, or dim sum dumplings. These are soft, delicate, and perfect for sharing. Fill them with delicious savoury or sweet fillings, such as pork or custard.

With a steamer, the possibilities are endless! So, get creative and experiment with different ingredients and recipes to find your favourite steamed creations.

Frequently asked questions