Steaming Eggs: Cooking Time For Perfect Results

Steamed eggs are a delicious and simple dish that can be enjoyed at any meal. They are often used as a nutritious midday snack or added to salads and sandwiches. The steaming time for eggs varies depending on the desired yolk consistency, size of the eggs, altitude, and other factors. In general, steamed eggs with runny yolks take 6-8 minutes, while fully cooked hard-boiled eggs take 12-15 minutes. Chinese steamed eggs, also known as egg custard, are made by beating eggs and adding water before steaming, resulting in a smooth and soft texture. Korean-style steamed eggs, or gyeran jjim, are made by whisking eggs with water and something salty, such as salt, brined shrimp, or fish sauce, and are served with scallions and sesame seeds.

How long to steam eggs for a runny yolk

Steaming is a great way to cook eggs, as it cooks them evenly and gently, with less risk of cracking than boiling. The length of time you steam an egg for will depend on how soft or hard you like your yolk.

For a runny yolk, you should steam your eggs for 6 minutes. This will give you a fully set white and a liquid yolk. If you prefer your whites slightly unset, you can steam for 3-5 minutes. If you like your yolk a little more jammy, with some parts runny and some parts starting to solidify, 6 and a half or 7 minutes is the ideal cooking time.

If you are using a steamer basket, fill a saucepan with enough water to reach the bottom of the basket (about 1 inch or so). If you don't have a steamer basket, just fill the bottom of a saucepan with half an inch of water. Place a lid on the pot and bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, gently place the eggs into the pot. Put the lid back on and set a timer. After 6 minutes, turn off the burner and use tongs to transfer the eggs to an ice bath. This will stop the cooking process and cool them down enough to handle. Carefully tap the egg on a hard surface to crack the shell, then gently peel it away.

How long to steam eggs for a hard-boiled egg

Steaming is a great way to cook hard-boiled eggs, as it makes them easier to peel and reduces the risk of cracking the eggs. The steaming time will depend on various factors, such as the size of the eggs, the altitude of your location, and how soft or firm you like your hard-boiled eggs.

To steam hard-boiled eggs, start by filling a saucepan with enough water to reach the bottom of the steamer basket, which is typically about 1 inch of water. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can fill the bottom of the saucepan with 1/2 inch of water instead. Heat the water on high heat until it boils and produces steam. Turn off the heat and gently place the eggs in the steamer basket or directly on the bottom of the pan. Turn the heat back on to medium-high and cover the pot.

For hard-boiled eggs with a cooked-through yolk, set your timer and steam the eggs for 12 to 15 minutes. If you have doubled up the eggs or stacked them in the pan, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time. The size of the eggs will also affect the steaming time. Large eggs, for example, may take 15 to 17 minutes to cook when steamed in a single layer.

Once the eggs are done cooking, immediately transfer them to a bowl of icy cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool them down. Let the eggs rest in the ice water for at least a few minutes before peeling. For cold eggs, it is recommended to rest them in the ice water for at least 15 minutes.

How long to steam eggs for a soft-boiled egg

Steaming is a great way to cook soft-boiled eggs. The gentle cooking method ensures evenly cooked eggs with tender whites that are easier to peel than traditional boiled eggs. The steaming time will depend on several factors, including the size of the eggs, their starting temperature, and your altitude. However, on average, it takes around 6 minutes to steam a soft-boiled egg with a fully set white and a liquid yolk.

To steam soft-boiled eggs, start by adding 1 inch of water to a large pot and placing a steamer insert inside. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully place your eggs into the steamer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Cover the pot again and continue cooking for 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. If you prefer your eggs harder, steam for 10 minutes for a hard-boiled egg with a still translucent and bright yolk, or 12 to 15 minutes for a fully cooked hard-boiled egg.

After steaming, immediately place the eggs in a bowl of ice water to cool them down quickly, especially if you intend to serve them cold. This will also ensure that they are perfectly shaped, with no air-space indentations on their ends. Let the eggs cool for at least 15 minutes before peeling. To peel the eggs, gently tap them on a hard surface to crack the shell, then remove the shell under a thin stream of running water.

It's worth noting that the steaming time may vary depending on several factors, so you may need to experiment to find the perfect timing for your specific situation. Additionally, if you are reheating refrigerated soft-boiled eggs, repeat the initial cooking process with half the steaming time—around 3 minutes for a soft-boiled egg.

How long to steam eggs for a Korean-style steamed egg

Korean-style steamed eggs, or gyeran jjim, are a delicious and simple dish to make. The steaming time for eggs varies depending on the size of the eggs, their starting temperature, and the altitude of your location. The cooking time will also depend on whether you like your eggs soft or hard.

To make Korean-style steamed eggs, you will need a pot, a heat-safe bowl, and a steamer basket or insert. You can also use an earthenware pot or a heatproof bowl and place it directly into a pot of boiling water. The basic recipe consists of eggs whisked with water and something salty, such as salt, brined shrimp, or fish sauce. You can also add vegetables like scallions, red bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or onions.

• Combine the eggs, salt, and water in a heat-safe bowl and whisk until well combined and foamy. You can also add other ingredients like scallions or vegetables at this stage.
• Place the bowl in a pot and fill the pot with hot (not boiling) water until it comes halfway up the sides of the bowl.
• Cover the pot and cook over low-medium heat for 12 minutes. Make sure the water stays at a gentle simmer.
• Sprinkle the scallions and any other desired toppings on top of the eggs and continue to cook for about 3 minutes or until the eggs are set but still jiggly.
• Carefully lift the bowl from the pot and serve.

The total cooking time for Korean-style steamed eggs is typically around 15 minutes, including the initial whisking and preparation. However, it's important to keep an eye on the eggs and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of doneness.

How long to steam eggs for a Chinese-style steamed egg

Chinese steamed eggs, also known as "waat dan" or "slippery eggs," are a versatile and comforting dish. The steaming time for Chinese-style steamed eggs depends on various factors, including the number of eggs, their size, the steaming setup, and whether you want a soft or hard consistency.

Firstly, it is important to prepare the eggs correctly. The ideal ratio of egg to water is around 1:2 in volume. For example, if you use two medium-sized eggs, which is roughly 100ml, you will need 200ml of water. Warm water works best, and a temperature of around 45°C (113°F) can be achieved by mixing equal parts boiling water and tap water. Beat the eggs and water together, and then strain the mixture through a sieve to remove lumps and bubbles, ensuring a smooth and silky texture.

Next, you need to set up your steamer. You can use a traditional bamboo steamer, a wok or deep pot with a lid and steaming rack, or a bamboo steamer in a wok. The key is to have a covered container with boiling water at the bottom and a rack to hold your heatproof dish of eggs. The steam should be able to circulate around the dish.

Now, place your egg mixture in a heatproof dish or individual ramekins, ensuring the mixture is no more than 1-2 eggs deep to promote even cooking. Cover the dish or dishes with cling film, piercing a few times to allow steam to escape, and place in the steamer.

For simple Chinese steamed eggs without any additional ingredients, the steaming time can vary from 10 to 17 minutes. One source recommends steaming for 3 minutes, turning off the heat, and then letting the eggs stand in the covered steamer for an additional 14 minutes. Another source recommends steaming for 15 minutes, which includes the time for the steamer to preheat.

If you want to add garnishes like prawns, vegetables, or meat, the process will take a little longer. One source suggests steaming the eggs for 7 minutes, adding the garnishes, and then steaming for an additional 3 minutes.

It is important to note that the steaming time may vary depending on your setup and the number of eggs you are cooking. Always keep an eye on your eggs to ensure they don't overcook, and remember that you can check their progress by removing them from the steamer and rinsing them with cold water to see if they are done to your liking.

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