Steaming Frozen Beef Patties: A Commercial Steamer's Guide

Cooking frozen beef patties is a convenient option when you're short on time or fresh meat. In this article, we'll focus on how to cook frozen beef patties using a commercial steamer, a versatile kitchen appliance that uses steam to cook food quickly and efficiently. Commercial steamers are ideal for cooking frozen foods, retaining moisture and flavour while ensuring even cooking. Here are some essential steps and tips to help you achieve delicious, juicy burgers every time.

Preheat the commercial steamer to 400°F (200°C)

Preheating your commercial steamer to 400°F (200°C) is a crucial step in cooking frozen beef patties. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Understand the Importance of Preheating

When cooking any food, preheating is essential to ensure even cooking and optimal results. This is especially true when cooking frozen foods like beef patties. By preheating your commercial steamer to the right temperature, you can be sure that your patties will cook thoroughly and efficiently.

Step 2: Know Your Equipment

Familiarize yourself with the controls and settings of your commercial steamer. It's important to know how long it takes to preheat and how accurately it maintains the desired temperature. Different models may have different preheat times, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions or consult with your kitchen staff to understand the specifics of your equipment.

Step 3: Set the Temperature

Adjust the temperature dial or controls of your commercial steamer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is crucial to ensure the patties cook through without becoming overcooked or dried out. It is a high enough temperature to cook the patties evenly, ensuring they are safe to eat and retain their juicy texture.

Step 4: Allow Sufficient Preheat Time

Give your commercial steamer enough time to reach the desired temperature. Depending on the model, this could take several minutes. Don't rush this step, as an adequately preheated steamer will ensure better cooking results. Use this time to prepare other ingredients or perform other kitchen tasks.

Step 5: Monitor the Temperature

Keep an eye on the temperature gauge or display of your commercial steamer. Wait until it reaches and stabilizes at 400°F (200°C). Minor fluctuations are normal, but the temperature should generally remain steady. If it drops too far below the desired temperature, adjust the settings accordingly and wait until it reaches the correct temperature again.

Step 6: Prepare the Beef Patties

While your commercial steamer is preheating, you can use this time efficiently by preparing the frozen beef patties. Remove them from their packaging and season them with salt, pepper, or any other desired herbs and spices. You can also use this time to prepare any side dishes or toppings that will accompany your beef patties.

By following these steps, you'll be able to accurately preheat your commercial steamer to 400°F (200°C), setting the stage for perfectly cooked frozen beef patties that are juicy, flavorful, and safe to eat.

Season the frozen beef patties with salt and pepper

Seasoning your frozen beef patties with salt and pepper is a simple yet effective way to add flavour to your burgers. You can, of course, get creative with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary, but salt and pepper are the dynamic duo that form the foundation of a delicious burger.

Take the desired number of frozen beef patties from the freezer and leave them to sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes. This will help the seasonings stick to the patties better. You can also choose to keep the patties frozen, but they may require a cooking spray to help the seasonings adhere.

Unwrap the patties and use a metal spatula to separate them if they are stuck together. This is an important step, especially if you plan to flip the patties during cooking, to ensure even cooking.

Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the patties. Be generous, but not excessive, with your seasoning. You can also add other seasonings of your choice during this step.

If you are using a commercial steamer, place the seasoned patties into the steamer and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cooking frozen beef patties. If you are using another cooking method, such as grilling, pan-frying, or baking, refer to specific instructions for those methods.

Allow the patties to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This will enable the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavourful burger.

Finally, serve your delicious, seasoned beef patties on toasted buns with your favourite toppings and condiments. Enjoy!

Place the patties on a tray and leave space between them

When preparing frozen beef patties for cooking in a commercial steamer, it is important to follow food safety guidelines and ensure your work surfaces are clean. Always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.

Once you are ready to begin, remove the frozen patties from their plastic packaging. Use a metal spatula to carefully separate the patties from each other. Place the patties on a tray, leaving some space between them. This step is crucial as it allows for even cooking and prevents the patties from sticking together.

The amount of space you should leave between the patties depends on the size and thickness of the patties, as well as the type of steamer you are using. As a general rule, ensure that there is enough room for steam to circulate around each patty. For even cooking, it is also important to ensure that the patties are not stacked on top of each other.

If your commercial steamer has multiple trays, you can place the patties on the top and bottom trays, ensuring there is sufficient space between them. This will allow the steam to circulate effectively and cook the patties evenly.

By placing the patties on a tray with adequate space between them, you can ensure that they cook evenly and efficiently in the commercial steamer.

Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through

Cooking frozen beef patties in a commercial steamer is a great way to prepare a quick and easy meal. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Commercial Steamer

Ensure your commercial steamer is set up and ready to use. Fill the water reservoir to the appropriate level and preheat the steamer to the desired temperature. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidelines on using your steamer.

Step 2: Season the Frozen Beef Patties

Take the desired number of frozen beef patties from the freezer and remove any plastic packaging. Using a metal spatula, gently separate the patties if they are stuck together. Season both sides of the patties with your preferred seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Step 3: Place the Patties in the Steamer

Carefully place the seasoned beef patties into the commercial steamer. Make sure to leave enough space between each patty to allow for even cooking. You can also add sliced onions or a slice of cheese on top of each patty for extra flavor.

Step 4: Cook for 20-25 Minutes, Flipping Halfway Through

Set a timer for 20-25 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. During the cooking process, remember to flip the patties halfway through. This ensures that both sides cook evenly and you achieve the perfect result.

Step 5: Check the Internal Temperature

To ensure food safety, it is important to check the internal temperature of the beef patties. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert it into the centre of one of the thicker patties.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once the beef patties have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the commercial steamer. Allow the patties to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful burger. Finally, serve your delicious, steaming-hot beef patties on toasted buns with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer

Checking the internal temperature of your beef patties with a meat thermometer is an important step to ensure your food is safe to eat. Harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli can be present in undercooked beef, so it is important to make sure your patties are cooked properly.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) recommends that ground beef must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°Fahrenheit (71°Celsius).

When checking the temperature, insert the thermometer through the side of the patty. If your patty is thin, you may need to insert the thermometer sideways. The sensing area of most thermometers is between 0.5 and 2 inches long, so this area must be completely inserted into the centre of the patty.

If you are using an instant-read thermometer, check the temperature in the last 15 seconds of cooking. Dial thermometers must penetrate about 2 inches into the food, whereas most digital thermometers can read the temperature accurately when inserted only 0.5 inches into the food.

It is important to remember that beef will continue to cook for about 10 minutes after it is removed from the heat, so it is best to remove it from the heat source about 10 degrees before it reaches your desired temperature.

Frequently asked questions