Steam-Oven Scrambled Eggs: The Perfect, Fluffy Recipe

Cooking scrambled eggs in a steam oven is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty breakfast or brunch. This method is ideal for serving a large number of people and can be adapted in many ways. The eggs are light and fluffy, with a soft and creamy texture. This guide will take you through the simple steps to achieve the perfect scrambled eggs using a steam oven.

How to prepare your ingredients

To prepare your ingredients for scrambled eggs in a steam oven, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need eggs, butter or margarine, salt, and pepper. You can also add milk, cream, or cheese if you like.

Next, crack your eggs into a mixing bowl. A good rule of thumb is to use one egg per person, with a few extra if you're serving a large crowd. Beat the eggs with a whisk or fork until they are well blended. You can also add milk, cream, salt, and pepper to the eggs at this stage and whisk everything together.

If you want to add cheese, you can sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the eggs after they have finished cooking. You can also add vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms to the egg mixture before cooking.

Once your egg mixture is ready, it's time to prepare your steam oven. Preheat your oven to a temperature between 200°F and 350°F (95°C and 175°C) in steam mode.

Now you're ready to start cooking your scrambled eggs in the steam oven!

Oven temperature and settings

To cook scrambled eggs in a steam oven, you'll need to preheat your oven to the right temperature and ensure it's in steam mode. The exact temperature and settings will depend on your oven model and your personal preferences for your scrambled eggs.

Some sources recommend preheating your steam oven to 200°F/95°C (100% humidity) for steamed scrambled eggs. At this temperature, your scrambled eggs will take around 3 minutes to cook, with an additional 30 seconds to a minute if you prefer your eggs to be less soft. However, it's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the number of eggs you're preparing and the type of tray or dish you're using.

If you're using a combi steam oven, you can preheat it to 212°F (100°C) in steam mode. After steaming your eggs for 10 minutes, remove the pan and whisk to break up the eggs. They will likely be slightly undercooked at this point, so you can place them back in the oven and steam for an additional 4 minutes.

For a larger batch of scrambled eggs, you can use a large solid tray and increase the number of eggs to 15. In this case, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, increasing it by a minute or two. However, it's still recommended to stir the eggs after 2 and a half minutes to ensure even cooking.

Once your scrambled eggs are cooked to your desired consistency, you can keep them warm in the steam oven at a lower temperature, such as 140°F/60°C, while you prepare the rest of your meal. This way, you can ensure your scrambled eggs are hot and ready to serve when needed.

Cooking time

The cooking time for scrambled eggs in a steam oven varies depending on the number of eggs and the vessel used for cooking. For example, the cooking time for a small stainless steel pan will differ from that of a larger, deeper pan. Additionally, the desired level of doneness, ranging from very soft to very hard, will also impact the cooking time.

As a general guide, preheat your steam oven to 200°F/95°C (or 100°C in steam mode). Once the oven is preheated, quickly place the tray of whisked eggs inside and set a timer for 2 and a half minutes. After this initial cooking period, give the eggs 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 find that they are done at this point. However, if you prefer them more well-done, return the eggs to the oven for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. The total cooking time, including the initial 2 and a half minutes, should not exceed 3 to 4 minutes.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your oven, so use your discretion and adjust the timing accordingly. Additionally, if you are scaling up the recipe to make a larger batch of scrambled eggs, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two. However, it is still recommended to stir the eggs after 2 and a half minutes to ensure even cooking.

Compared to stovetop scrambled eggs, which typically take around the same amount of time, steam oven scrambled eggs offer a softer and more lush texture. They also require less stirring during the cooking process, making them a convenient option.

Adding extra ingredients

Once you've got the cooking time for your scrambled eggs sorted, you can experiment with adding different ingredients. Most of these additions can be stirred through towards the end of cooking or served alongside the eggs. However, some are best cooked straight into the egg mixture from the beginning.

• Soft goat's cheese or feta and a handful of spinach leaves.
• Cherry tomatoes and cheddar cheese. The tomatoes can be cooked with the eggs, and the cheese stirred through at the end.
• Ham and pan-fried mushrooms, with or without a little garlic.
• Fresh chilli, avocado, and a squeeze of lime, all wrapped in a warmed tortilla. You could also add bacon.
• Chopped roasted capsicum and asparagus spears. These can be cooked into the eggs.
• Grain mustard and wedges of brie or Camembert cheese. Dollop the mustard and lay the cheese over the top of the eggs at the end of cooking, then return to the oven for a minute to warm through.
• Shredded Colby Jack cheese.
• Sauteed spinach, tomatoes, onions, or cheese.
• Meat, cheese, onions, and spices.
• Sour cream instead of milk or cream.
• Sausage or bacon.
• Fresh dill swirled into the egg mixture.
• Soft or shredded cheeses such as goat's cheese or cheddar, added towards the end of cooking so that the residual heat will melt the cheese.

Serving suggestions

The Classic

For a reason that escapes no one, toast is a staple when it comes to serving eggs. The crunch of the toast and the fluff of the eggs create a perfect contrast in texture. You can add some fresh avocado, greens, or cheese to your toast and scoop up your eggs for a wholesome meal.

The Healthy Option

For a healthy yet tasty side dish, sauté some garlic and then add in some spinach. You can also add other vegetables like carrots and cucumbers for a fiber-rich meal.

The Protein Punch

Add some meat to your meal by frying up some bacon and sausages. You can make a hash out of them or eat them as they are with your eggs.

The Sweet Tooth

If you are craving something sweet, swap your toast for a fluffy slice of banana bread. You can add roasted walnuts, sliced almonds, or chocolate chips to your banana bread.

The Brunch Special

If you are cooking for a crowd, you can make a breakfast casserole. Fill the bottom of a casserole dish with diced potatoes, sausages or a veggie alternative, and bell peppers. Throw in some cheese and your scrambled eggs and bake for 35 minutes.

The Fancy

For something a little fancier, try pan-fried salmon with lemon. The soft and mushy salmon has a similar texture to scrambled eggs, and the citrus from the lemon will add a kick to your meal.

The Quick Fix

If you are short on time, air fryer frozen sausage links are a great option. The air fryer makes the sausages crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

The Comfort Food

For a comforting side dish, try Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole. It is a savory and flavorful dish that will satisfy your need for comfort food.

The Adventurous

For something a little different, try a toasted everything bagel with your eggs. The various spices and toppings on the bagel will create an explosion of flavors in your mouth.

The Mexican

Breakfast quesadillas are an underrated morning meal. You can fill them with bell peppers, onions, spinach, feta, and gooey mozzarella.

The Green

For a healthy and tasty option, try scrambled egg caprese avocado toast. Top a slice of toasted crusty bread with avocado, eggs, cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil.

The Crowd-Pleaser

Sheet pan pancakes are a great option if you are serving a crowd. They are fluffy and delicious and go well with scrambled eggs.

The Tea-Time Treat

If you are looking for something a little more indulgent, try duck fat fried potatoes with your scrambled eggs. The duck fat will give the potatoes a golden and crispy outer edge while keeping them soft on the inside.

Happy cooking and enjoy your steam oven scrambled eggs!

Frequently asked questions