Steaming Egg Noodles: Can Commercial Steamers Get It Done?

Yes, you can cook egg noodles in a commercial steamer. In fact, steaming is a great way to cook noodles, especially if you are preparing a large number of them. It is also a healthier option than boiling or frying, as it requires minimal oil or fat. Steaming helps retain the flavour and texture of the noodles, and they won't stick together like they would if boiled.

Cooking times for egg noodles in a commercial steamer

Egg noodles can be cooked in a commercial steamer, and it is a healthier alternative to boiling or frying. The benefit of steaming is that the noodles will not stick together, and they retain more nutrients. Steaming also requires less energy than boiling.

To cook egg noodles in a commercial steamer, first fill the pot with water to about 2 inches from the top. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water to help season the noodles and ensure they cook evenly. Place the pot on high heat and bring the water to a boil.

Next, place the noodles in the steamer basket and put the basket into the pot of boiling water. Make sure the steamer basket has handles so that you don't have to come into contact with the boiling water. Return the water to a boil and cook the noodles for the appropriate amount of time. Fresh egg noodles will take a few minutes to cook, while dried egg noodles can take anywhere from eight to twelve minutes.

Finally, remove the noodles from the heat when they are tender but still firm. Drain the noodles by lifting the steamer basket out of the water and running it under cool water to stop the cooking process.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of egg noodles being used and the desired level of doneness. For example, shorter noodles like elbows will take less time to cook than longer noodles like spaghetti.

How to prepare egg noodles for steaming

Yes, you can cook egg noodles in a commercial steamer. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare them for steaming:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For egg noodles, you will need flour, eggs, milk, and butter. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. Use around 2 1/2 cups of flour and 2 large eggs as a starting point, and adjust the quantities of other ingredients accordingly.

Next, stir the dry ingredients in one bowl, and then stir in the wet ingredients. You can use a dough hook attachment on your electric mixer or simply use your hands to knead the dough. Once the dough is ready, let it rest for about 10 minutes.

After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into your desired lengths and shapes. You can make thin strips for noodles like fettuccine or wider strips for pappardelle.

Before steaming, allow the noodles to air dry at room temperature for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This step is important to ensure the noodles don't stick together during cooking.

Now, you are ready to steam the noodles. Place a colander in a pot containing several inches of boiling water. Place the noodles in the colander, cover the pot, and steam for about 20 minutes. Make sure to follow the instructions for your specific commercial steamer, as cooking times may vary.

Finally, serve your steamed egg noodles with your favourite sauce or dish. Steamed noodles go well with various recipes, including beef stroganoff, chicken noodle soup, and more. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

The benefits of steaming egg noodles

Yes, you can steam egg noodles in a commercial steamer. In fact, steaming is a popular cooking method for noodles as it helps to retain their flavour and texture while making them easier to digest.

Retaining Nutrients

Steaming helps food retain as much of its nutritional value as possible. The nutrients inside vegetables can be fragile, and many nutrients are water-soluble or sensitive to extreme heat. Therefore, boiling, baking, or roasting vegetables can cause nutrient loss as they may dissolve in water or burn away. Steaming helps preserve up to 90% of the natural antioxidants found in vegetables.

Cancer-Fighting Compounds

Many vegetables contain compounds called glucosinolates, which help fight cancer. However, these compounds are destroyed when food is overcooked or cooked for too long at high temperatures. By steaming your vegetables with a minimal amount of water and at a low temperature, they will retain these crucial cancer-fighting substances.

Reducing Fat and Cholesterol

Steaming is an excellent way to cook meat, as it helps remove fat and cholesterol. When meat is steamed, particularly at high temperatures, the fat melts out. This is a healthier alternative to pan-frying or deep-frying, which cooks the fat into the meat.

No Added Oil

Steaming does not require any oil, which is healthier and reduces added calories and unhealthy fats in your meal.

Convenience and Speed

Steaming is quick and easy. There is no need to worry about your food burning or sticking to the cooking surface. It also tends to take less time than other cooking methods, so you can save time in the kitchen.

Improved Texture

Steaming helps soften fibres and keep food moist. It loosens and breaks down the fibrous components in food, making it softer and tenderer. This is especially beneficial for those who prefer softer, more tender food. Additionally, steaming keeps food moist and juicy, preventing it from becoming dry and tough, which can happen with baking or frying.

The best type of steamer for cooking egg noodles

Yes, you can cook egg noodles in a commercial steamer. In fact, steaming is considered one of the best ways to cook noodles.

There are several advantages to steaming noodles over other preparation methods, such as boiling or frying. Firstly, steamed noodles tend not to stick together like they would if boiled, resulting in evenly cooked noodles without any mushy parts from overcooked starch molecules sticking together. Secondly, steaming requires no oil, resulting in fewer added calories than other cooking methods. This makes steamed noodles a healthier option for those watching their calorie intake. Finally, nutrients are not lost through absorption into hot oil, so steaming provides better nutrient retention per serving.

To steam egg noodles, follow these steps:

• Rinse the noodles in cold water to remove any dirt, dust, or excess starch, which can make the noodles gritty.
• Place the noodles in a colander and set it inside a pot with several inches of boiling water.
• Cover the pot and steam for 20 minutes.
• Serve the noodles as desired.

How to clean egg noodles before steaming

Yes, you can cook egg noodles in a commercial steamer.

To clean egg noodles before steaming, start by rinsing them in cold water. This will remove any dirt, dust, or other impurities that may be on the noodles. Rinsing with cold water also helps to remove excess starch, which can make the noodles gritty. It will also prevent the noodles from becoming sticky during cooking and help them retain their shape.

After rinsing the noodles, you can either cook them immediately or let them air-dry on a drying rack. If you choose to air-dry the noodles, make sure they are completely dry before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.

By cleaning and preparing your egg noodles properly before steaming, you will ensure that they turn out perfectly cooked and delicious every time.

Frequently asked questions