Steaming Hot Topic: Scrambled Eggs Perfection

Cookingsection Cooking scrambled eggs in a steam oven is a quick and easy way to prepare asection for a large group of people. It is also a convenient method for meal prep. The process involves whisking eggs with cream, salt, and pepper, and then pouring the mixture into a stainless steel tray or oven-safe dish. The steam oven is preheated to around 200-212°F (95-100°C) and the eggs are cooked for about 2-3 minutes. The result is a soft, lush, and creamy scramble that can be adapted in various ways, such as adding cheese, vegetables, or meat.

How to prepare scrambled eggs in a steam oven

Ingredients

• Eggs (3-6, depending on the number of people you're serving)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 tbsp butter (optional)
• 1 1/2 tbsp cream (optional)

Method

• Preheat your steam oven to 200°F/95°C, or 100% humidity.
• Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl. Don't overdo it; you want a few bigger curds of white and yolk to be visible.
• Add salt and pepper and whisk to combine.
• Quickly open the oven door and put the tray in, then set a timer for 2 and a half minutes.
• Give the eggs a good stir, loosening the edges and folding through the less-cooked middle to make a soft scramble.
• If you think they're done, stir in the butter and/or cream, if using, and serve immediately.
• If they're still too soft, return the eggs to the oven for 30 seconds to a minute. They shouldn't take more than 3-4 minutes at most to cook through.

Tips:

• If you're making this recipe for more people, you can use a large solid tray and increase the number of eggs to 15, which will make 5 or 6 portions. Increase the cooking time by a minute or two, but still, stir after 2 and a half minutes to get an even cook.
• Bring your eggs to room temperature before cooking for more consistent results.
• Don't use thick ceramic or glass cooking vessels, as these will alter the cooking time of your eggs and cook them unevenly. Instead, use thin, light stainless steel trays that conduct heat very quickly.
• Freshness matters! The older the eggs, the thinner and waterier they will be, and the harder they will be to peel.

Pros and cons of cooking scrambled eggs in a steam oven

Pros

• The texture of the scrambled eggs is softer, more lush and creamy, even without adding cream and butter.
• It requires less stirring than cooking on a stovetop.
• It is easier to cook for a crowd, as you can cook up to 15 eggs at once.
• You can keep the eggs warm in the steam oven without overcooking them while you prepare the rest of the meal.
• You can experiment with different additions and accompaniments to your scrambled eggs, such as soft goats cheese or feta and spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes and cheddar cheese, or ham and pan-fried mushrooms.

Cons

• It may not be worth the effort to use the steam oven if you are only cooking for yourself or a small number of people, as it takes a similar amount of time to cook scrambled eggs on a stovetop.
• It may be more complicated to cook scrambled eggs in a steam oven, especially if you are still learning how to use the appliance.
• You need to be quick when putting the tray of eggs into the steam oven, as the temperature drops if you are not fast enough, affecting the cooking time.
• You cannot use a ceramic or glass dish to cook the eggs in, as this will affect the cooking time.

Step-by-step guide to cooking scrambled eggs in a steam oven

Ingredients

• Eggs (3-6, depending on the number of people)
• Salt and pepper
• Butter (optional)
• Cream (optional)

Utensils

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Oven-safe tray (stainless steel)

Method

• Preheat your steam oven to 200°F/95°C (or 100°C in steam mode).
• Crack your eggs into the mixing bowl and whisk lightly, just enough to break them up. Don't overdo it—you want some bigger curds of egg white and yolk to be visible.
• Add salt and pepper to taste and whisk again to combine.
• Quickly open the oven door and place the tray inside.
• Set a timer for 2 and a half minutes.
• After the timer goes off, give the eggs a good stir. Loosen the edges and fold the less-cooked middle towards the centre to make a soft scramble.
• If you think the eggs are done at this point, stir in the butter and/or cream, if using, and serve immediately.
• If the eggs are still too soft, return them to the oven for 30 seconds to a minute. They shouldn't take more than 3-4 minutes in total.

Tips for achieving the perfect scrambled eggs in a steam oven

Steaming scrambled eggs is an easy and convenient way to cook this breakfast staple. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect scrambled eggs using your steam oven:

Preparation

Before you start, ensure your steam oven is set to the correct temperature and humidity. Preheat your oven to around 200°F/95°C, with the steam setting at 100% humidity. Using the correct temperature and humidity settings will ensure your eggs cook evenly and efficiently.

For the eggs themselves, it is recommended to use free-range or pasture-raised eggs, and to bring them to room temperature before cooking. This will help ensure consistent cooking results and prevent the mix from "seeping" once cooked.

Cooking vessel

When choosing a cooking vessel for your scrambled eggs, opt for a thin, light, and heat-conductive material like stainless steel. Avoid thick ceramic or glass dishes, as they can alter the cooking time of your eggs by up to 100% and cause uneven cooking.

Cooking time

The key to perfect scrambled eggs is timing. The cooking time will depend on the number of eggs you are preparing and the vessel you are using. As a guide, for a small batch of scrambled eggs, whisk your eggs for a few seconds, just enough to break them up and create some bigger curds of white and yolk. Then, place them in the oven for 2-2.5 minutes.

Remove the eggs from the oven and give them a good stir, loosening the edges and folding the less-cooked middle to create a soft scramble. If you prefer your eggs on the softer side, you may only need to stir in some butter or cream and serve immediately. If you prefer them more well-done, return the eggs to the oven for an additional 30 seconds to one minute.

Customization

Once you've mastered the basic technique, feel free to experiment with different additions to your scrambled eggs. You can stir in some soft goat cheese or feta cheese, add a handful of spinach leaves, or include chopped roasted capsicum and asparagus spears. Get creative and find your favorite combinations!

Keeping warm

One advantage of using a steam oven for scrambled eggs is the ability to keep them warm while you prepare the rest of your breakfast. Simply set your oven to a low temperature, such as 140°F/60°C, and your scrambled eggs will stay warm and ready to serve without overcooking.

Comparison of cooking times between a steam oven and other methods

Steam ovens are a great way to cook scrambled eggs, but how does the cooking time compare to other methods? Let's take a look.

Steam Oven Method

The cooking time for scrambled eggs in a steam oven can vary depending on the number of eggs and the vessel used. On average, it takes around 3 minutes to cook scrambled eggs in a steam oven. However, the preparation time, such as whisking the eggs and preheating the oven, should also be considered, adding a few extra minutes to the total time.

Stovetop Method

Cooking scrambled eggs on the stovetop typically takes around 5 minutes. This method involves beating the eggs, heating a pan with butter or oil, and then pouring in the egg mixture and stirring continuously until the eggs are cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Oven-Baked Method

Baking scrambled eggs in the oven usually takes longer than the steam oven or stovetop methods. The average baking time is around 10-15 minutes, but it can take up to 20 minutes or more, depending on the number of eggs and the desired consistency. This method involves whisking the eggs with other ingredients and then baking them in a glass dish in the oven.

Microwave Method

Cooking scrambled eggs in the microwave is a quick option, but the cooking time can vary depending on the number of eggs and the power of the microwave. On average, it takes about 1 minute to cook scrambled eggs in the microwave, but this method may not yield the same creamy texture as the other methods.

In summary, the cooking time for scrambled eggs can vary depending on the method used and the desired level of doneness. The steam oven method is comparable to the stovetop method in terms of cooking time, while the oven-baked method usually takes longer. The microwave method is the quickest, but may not produce the same quality of results. Ultimately, the best method depends on your personal preferences and the equipment you have available.

Frequently asked questions