Steaming With Market Forge: How Long Should You Cook?

Market Forge is a leading producer of steam cooking equipment, with a vast range of products that utilise steam cooking principles to help users produce high-quality food. With over 350 models, Market Forge offers steamers in various styles and specifications, including counter steamers, commercial kettles, sterilisers, convection ovens, and braising pans. Their products are known for their energy efficiency, combining size and power with Energy Star-qualified efficiency, providing more steam at a lower cost. Market Forge's steamers are also unique in that they offer adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to select the optimal temperature for their specific cooking needs. This feature is particularly beneficial for cooking delicate foods like vegetables and proteins, as it preserves the integrity of vitamins and minerals, resulting in better texture, flavour, and nutritional value.

Market Forge Sirius II and Altair steamers

Market Forge has been an industry leader in steam cooking equipment and technology for nearly a century. Its Sirius II and Altair steamers are unique in that they offer three different temperature settings to fit the proper steaming of your products.

The Sirius steamer comes in gas and electric versions. The Sirius II-4, for example, has a 304 stainless steel cabinet exterior, a cast aluminium cooking compartment, and a circulating fan for fast cooking times. It holds four 12" x 20" pans and has a 27,000 BTU. The Sirius II-6 has a 12" x 20" pan capacity, an LP or Nat gas boilerless system, and a stainless steel exterior. It has a 4" leg and a 27,000 BTU.

The Altair steamer is also available in gas and electric versions. The electric version, for instance, has a 4 or 6 pan capacity and is described as "boilerless".

The cooking time will depend on the type of food being cooked and its quantity. For example, Chef Jason seasons shrimp with lemon, salt, and old bay and steams them on setting 1 (180) for 7 minutes. However, he notes that the time will change depending on the size of the shrimp.

Low-temperature steaming

Benefits of Low-Temperature Steaming

One of the main advantages of low-temperature steaming is that it preserves the integrity of vitamins and minerals in food. At higher temperatures, valuable nutrients can be lost, but with low-temperature steaming, you can consume the full benefits of the food. This method is particularly suitable for delicate green vegetables and proteins like shrimp.

Additionally, low-temperature steaming helps retain the cell structure of food. High heat can rupture cells, negatively affecting texture and flavour. By steaming at a lower temperature, you can avoid this issue and enjoy your food in an entirely new way.

How to Low-Temperature Steam

To low-temperature steam, you can use a steamer with adjustable temperature settings, such as the Sirius (gas version) or Altair (electric version) from Market Forge. These steamers allow you to select a low-temperature setting, typically around 180°F, to prepare your food.

When steaming, it is important to ensure that the steamer basket does not touch the simmering water, as this can add too much moisture and affect the cooking process. Additionally, the size and type of food will determine the steaming time, so adjustments may be necessary.

Applications of Low-Temperature Steaming

Market Forge's ETP-10G Eco-Tech Plus® Gas Atmospheric Steamer

Market Forge has been an industry leader in steam cooking equipment and technology for nearly a century. The company's range of steamers includes the ETP-10G Eco-Tech Plus® Gas Atmospheric Steamer, which is a 10-pan convection steamer that uses natural gas and has an atmospheric steam generator with 84,000 Btu.

The ETP-10G is a freestanding unit with a stainless steel exterior and interior compartments lined with 316 stainless steel. Each compartment has its own steam generator, and the unit features a built-in water filter and water management system, reducing water usage and energy costs. The front edge of the bottom compartment has a condensate drip trough that drains automatically, and the unit has a steam-on-demand feature, illuminated 3-way power switch, slam-action doors, and four 6-inch adjustable flanged feet. It can also be used as a holding cabinet.

The ETP-10G Eco-Tech Plus® is a powerful and efficient steamer, with a retail price of around $28,669. It has a height of 76.25 inches and comes with a 1-year parts and labor warranty from Market Forge.

While the ETP-10G is a versatile and robust steamer, cooking times will vary depending on the specific food being prepared. For example, Chef Jason's recipe for low-temperature steamed shrimp involves seasoning the shrimp and steaming them for 7 minutes at 180°F.

Market Forge's Stem-It electric pressure cooker

Market Forge has been an industry leader in steam cooking equipment and technology for nearly a century. Their Stem-It electric pressure cooker is a popular item, with over 350 different steam cooking models, the most in the industry. The ST-E model is a 3-pan electric pressure cooker with a stainless steel exterior, door, and feet. The unit is resistant to scratching and denting, and its door seals itself and will not open under pressure.

Before starting the unit, 6 quarts of water should be manually poured into the cylinder. The cooking cycle is then controlled by a 60-minute timer, which will shut off and exhaust steam and condensate at the end of the cycle. The Market Forge ST-E pressure cooker also includes a safety valve, pressure gauge, and low-water cut-off. The unit's inner parts are serviceable from the front, and the door and gasket are removable without tools for easy cleaning.

The ST-E model is great for upscale restaurants, hotels, and hospital kitchens. It has a seamless cooking compartment that can be cleaned quickly and efficiently. The unit includes a set of four stainless steel adjustable feet for stability. The cooking compartment has a capacity of three 12" x 20" x 2.5" pans or two 12" x 20" x 4" pans, with removable pan supports included.

Market Forge also offers a range of other steam cooking equipment, including counter steamers, commercial kettles, sterilisers, convection ovens, and braising pans. Their Sirius (gas version) and Altair (electric version) steamers offer three temperature settings, allowing for low-temperature steaming, normal steam mode, and "super steam mode". This flexibility unlocks new ways to prepare dishes, such as low-temperature steamed shrimp, preserving the integrity of vitamins and minerals.

Cooking with steam: large volumes of food

Steam cooking is a proven method for producing large amounts of food quickly, which is why it is used by institutions ranging from schools to sports arenas. It is also a great solution for small restaurants and other small commercial operations.

Market Forge has been an industry leader in steam cooking equipment and technology for nearly a century. With over 350 different models, they offer the most variety in the industry. Their products combine size and power with Energy Star-qualified efficiency, giving your kitchen more steam at a lower cost.

Market Forge offers steamers in many different styles and specifications. Counter steamers come in both gas and electric iterations. Their ETP-10G Eco-Tech Plus® Gas Atmospheric Steamer is a high-performance machine that is also energy efficient. This steamer is equipped with an onboard water filtration system, which is unique among Atmospheric Twin Generator Steamers.

Market Forge also offers a range of commercial kettles, sterilisers, convection ovens, and braising pans. Their Stem-It electric pressure cooker is a popular item. They also have a variety of commercial tilting skillets and kettles, available in different sizes to fit the needs of any restaurant.

The Sirius (gas version) and Altair (electric version) steamers from Market Forge are very unique. With the touch of a dial, you can adjust the temperature to fit the proper steaming of your product. Setting 1 is low-temperature steam at 180°F, Setting 2 is normal steam mode at 212°F, and Setting 3 is "super steam mode" which pushes the temperature to 227°F using a heating element and a convection fan. Low-temperature steaming is great for delicate green vegetables and proteins as it preserves the integrity of vitamins and minerals, resulting in better texture and flavour.

Frequently asked questions