Steam Ovens: Meat Cooking Revolutionized

can you cook meat in a steam oven

Steam ovens are a great way to cook meat, locking in flavour, vitamins and minerals, and making meat tender and juicy. They can be used to cook all types of meat, from white meat like chicken and turkey, to red meat like beef, pork and lamb. Steam ovens are also a healthier option as they require little oil and the fat separates from the meat during cooking. They are also a more gentle way of cooking, preserving the natural shape and colour of food.

Characteristics Values
Meat Type All types of meat can be cooked in a steam oven, including white meat (chicken and turkey) and red meat (beef, lamb and pork).
Tough Meat Tough and chewy cuts of meat with a lot of connective tissue (e.g. from the shoulder area) can be made tender by exposing them to steam heat.
Lean Meat Lean cuts of meat with little marbling (e.g. from the hindquarter) benefit from the slow, moist heat of steam cooking.
Nutrients Steam cooking locks in vitamins and minerals, and studies have shown that steamed broccoli contains 50% more vitamin C than boiled broccoli.
Fat Content Steam cooking helps reduce fat content as the fat separates from the meat and drips into the baking pan.
Browning Meat can be browned in a steam oven, but for a true glassy, shattering crunch on the outside of potatoes, finish them off using dry heat in a convection oven.
Cooking Time Steam ovens save time and can cook meat quicker than traditional methods.
Taste Steam cooking makes meat tender and juicy, and helps seal in flavours.
Cleanliness Steam ovens can be used to easily clean utensils by adding washing-up liquid to the recessed water bowl and running the cleaning programme.

cycookery

Cooking meat in a steam oven can help seal in flavour and important vitamins and nutrients

Cooking meat in a steam oven offers several benefits, including enhanced flavour and the preservation of essential vitamins and nutrients.

Steam ovens are a versatile addition to any kitchen, allowing you to cook a variety of dishes with minimal oil and maximum flavour. When it comes to meat, steam ovens excel at delivering tender, juicy results while locking in vital nutrients.

Steam cooking is a gentle process that helps retain the natural shape and colour of food. This is especially beneficial for meat, as it ensures that valuable vitamins and minerals are not lost during cooking. Studies have shown that steamed broccoli contains 50% more vitamin C than boiled broccoli, highlighting the superior nutrient retention of steam cooking.

Meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and chicken can all be successfully cooked in a steam oven. The steam heat breaks down collagen and unwinds protein strands, resulting in tender meat. This is particularly effective for cuts from the shoulder area, which tend to have a lot of connective tissues that make the meat chewy. By exposing these cuts to steam heat, the tissues melt, creating a juicy and tender texture.

Additionally, steam ovens are ideal for reducing the fat content of meat. The steam causes the fat to separate from the meat and drip into the baking pan, reducing your consumption of unhealthy fats.

When cooking meat in a steam oven, it is essential to follow specific techniques for optimal results. For instance, browning the meat before steaming enhances its flavour. Additionally, the steam oven's temperature and steam settings can be adjusted to suit different types of meat and desired doneness.

In conclusion, cooking meat in a steam oven is a healthy and flavourful option. By sealing in important vitamins and nutrients, steam ovens ensure that your meal is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. So, whether you're cooking a beef roast or lamb shoulder, a steam oven can help you achieve tender, juicy, and nutritious results.

cycookery

Steam ovens are ideal for cooking tough cuts of meat, such as those from the shoulder area of deer, lamb, cow and pig

Steam ovens are ideal for cooking tough cuts of meat, such as those from the shoulder area of deer, lamb, cow, and pig. These cuts contain a lot of connective tissues that make the meat chewy, but the tissues melt when exposed to steam heat.

Braising is a cooking method that uses steam heat to break down collagen and unwind protein strands, yielding fall-apart tender meat. To braise meat in a steam oven, first remove the meat from the fridge 30 minutes ahead of time to let it warm up. Then, blot the meat dry with paper towels to enhance the browning process.

Next, combine salt, pepper, and your favorite spices with 1/4 cup of flour in a large, flat bowl. Drag the meat through the seasoned flour and press it into the surface of the meat. Heat a skillet or Dutch oven on the stovetop, add olive oil, and brown the meat for 2-3 minutes on each side.

For the braising liquid, combine 1/2 to 1-1/2 cups of beef broth, cider, wine, water, beer, juice, or other liquid with dry spices and seasonings. You can also add vegetables to your steamed meat, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, or onions.

After browning the meat, add the braising liquid and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a light simmer, cover the pot, and cook until the meat is tender. For small cuts of meat, this will take about 75 minutes, while large roasts will need to cook for 2-3 hours.

If you prefer to finish your meat in the oven, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and transfer the meat and braising liquid to a covered Dutch oven. Bake until the meat is fork-tender, about 25-30 minutes per pound. You can also use a slow cooker to braise meat; cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Steam ovens are excellent for cooking tough cuts of meat because the moist heat helps to break down the connective tissues, resulting in tender, juicy meat. By adjusting the temperature and cooking time, you can use a steam oven to prepare a variety of meat dishes, from slow-roasted lamb shoulder to quick-roasted prime cuts of beef.

cycookery

Steam ovens are also good for cooking lean cuts of meat, such as those from the hindquarter

Steam ovens are an excellent choice for cooking meat, and they're particularly good for lean cuts of meat from the hindquarter. These cuts, which come from muscles that don't get as much exercise, have less connective tissue and marbling, so they benefit from slow, moist heat.

Steam ovens excel at providing this type of heat, ensuring that the meat cooks gently and remains tender, juicy, and full of flavour. The moist heat also helps break down collagen and unwind protein strands, resulting in fall-apart tender meat. This is a process known as braising, and it can be done in a steam oven, on the stove, or in a slow cooker.

When cooking lean cuts of meat from the hindquarter in a steam oven, it's important to note that they cook best at low temperatures for extended periods. This slow roasting allows the meat to become tender and easily pull away from the bone.

Additionally, steam ovens offer the benefit of locking in vital vitamins and minerals. Since the food is not immersed in water, there is no loss of nutrients as there might be with boiling. This means your meat will not only taste better but also be more nutritious.

When preparing meat in a steam oven, you can follow similar steps as you would for a traditional roast. Start by seasoning the meat with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. You can also sear the meat in a roasting dish over medium heat to brown all sides before transferring it to the steam oven.

For best results, refer to your steam oven's instructions to set the appropriate temperature and steam settings. Most steam ovens allow you to control the temperature and steam level, ensuring your meat is cooked to perfection.

cycookery

Steam ovens can help reduce the fat content of meat as the fat separates and drips into the baking pan

Steam ovens are a great way to cook meat, offering several benefits over traditional cooking methods. One of the key advantages is that steam ovens can help reduce the fat content of meat. This is because when meat is cooked in a steam oven, the fat separates from the meat and drips into the baking pan. This not only reduces the overall fat content of the dish but also makes the meat healthier to consume.

Steam ovens are ideal for cooking various types of meat, including red meat such as beef and pork, and white meat like chicken and turkey. The gentle steam heat is particularly effective in tenderising tougher cuts of meat that come from muscles that get a lot of exercise, such as the shoulder area of lamb, deer, cow, and pig. These cuts contain a lot of connective tissues that make the meat chewy, but the steam heat melts these tissues, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

Steam ovens are also excellent for slow roasting, eliminating the need for a separate slow cooker. The moist heat of steam cooking helps break down collagen and unwind protein strands, yielding fall-apart tender meat. By adjusting the temperature and cooking time, you can achieve the desired level of tenderness in your meat.

In addition to the health benefits of reduced fat content, steam ovens offer several other advantages for cooking meat. Firstly, they lock in vital vitamins and minerals, resulting in healthier and more nutritious meals. Secondly, they preserve the natural shape and colour of the food, making it look more appetising. Lastly, steam ovens allow you to cook multiple components simultaneously without flavours or smells mixing, making them perfect for cooking a roast dinner with meat and vegetables.

cycookery

Steam ovens are smaller than conventional ovens but are still powerful enough to cook almost anything

Steam ovens are a great addition to your kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options. They are ideal for cooking meat, especially when you want to achieve tender results. The steam heat breaks down the collagen and unwinds the protein strands in the meat, making it fall-apart tender. This is a process called braising, which can be done in a steam oven, on the stove, or in a slow cooker.

While steam ovens are smaller than conventional ovens, they are powerful and versatile. They can be used for cooking individual side dishes or complete meals. Combination steam ovens, for instance, offer the benefits of a solo steam oven and also have a wide variety of functions of a traditional oven, allowing for even cooking and perfect results.

The compact size of steam ovens makes them a convenient option for small kitchens or spaces. They are often designed to fit into pre-existing spaces for seamless installation. Steam ovens also come with multiple racks, allowing for expanded capacity and the ability to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

Additionally, steam ovens are known for producing healthier food than conventional ovens as they lock in moisture and nutrients. They are also faster than conventional ovens, making them a time-efficient choice for busy cooks.

When deciding to purchase a steam oven, it is important to consider your budget, kitchen layout, and the amount of space you require. While steam ovens are smaller, if you regularly cook for more than two people, you may want to opt for a full-sized steam oven or a combination of a steam oven and a conventional oven.

In summary, steam ovens, though smaller in size, pack a powerful punch and offer a wide range of cooking options. They are perfect for those seeking a versatile, healthy, and convenient cooking experience, all without compromising on taste and quality.

Frequently asked questions

Cooking meat in a steam oven is healthier as it requires little oil and the fat separates from the meat, reducing your consumption. It also locks in vitamins and minerals, making the food more nutritious.

All types of meat can be cooked in a steam oven. This includes white meat like chicken and turkey, and red meat like beef, lamb and pork.

Steam ovens are gentler and slower, making the meat more tender and juicy.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment