Steam-Cooking Scrambled Eggs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Steaming is an effective way to cook scrambled eggs, offering a soft and creamy texture. This method is ideal for cooking eggs in bulk, as it is easy to maintain the eggs' temperature without overcooking them. The process is simple: crack and whisk the eggs, add seasoning and/or cream, and steam for a few minutes. You can steam eggs in an oven, on a stovetop, or even in a microwave.

How to steam scrambled eggs in a microwave

Steaming scrambled eggs in a microwave is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, protein-rich breakfast. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect steamed scrambled eggs:

Preparation:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need eggs (2-6, depending on how many servings you want), milk or water, butter or cooking spray, salt, and pepper. You may also want to add other ingredients like cheese, vegetables, or meat. Ensure you have a microwave-safe bowl or mug and a fork or whisk for mixing.

Cooking:

Start by greasing your microwave-safe bowl or mug with butter or cooking spray. This step is important to prevent the eggs from sticking to the bowl. Then, crack your desired number of eggs into the bowl. For every two eggs, add a splash of milk and a pinch of salt. You can also add pepper and any other desired seasonings. Use a fork or whisk to beat the eggs until they are well combined.

Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 30 seconds. Remove the bowl and beat the eggs again, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for another 30 seconds. Repeat this process, stirring every 30 seconds, until the eggs are cooked to your desired consistency. This usually takes around 2-2.5 minutes in total.

Serving:

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, give them a final stir to break up any lumps. If you prefer your eggs on the firmer side, you can microwave them for an additional 15 seconds. Serve the scrambled eggs immediately while they are still hot and fluffy. You can garnish them with chopped spring onions or other herbs, or add some cheese, salsa, or avocado on top.

Tips:

• To prevent the eggs from exploding in the microwave, avoid creating large air pockets when beating them.
• For a creamier texture, replace the milk with half-and-half or cream.
• If the center of the eggs is still watery after cooking, don't worry. Simply give it a stir, and the heat from the curds will finish cooking the liquid.
• If you accidentally overcook the eggs, add a small amount of crème fraîche or mayonnaise to cool them down and prevent them from drying out.

How to steam scrambled eggs in a combi oven

Steaming scrambled eggs in a combi oven is a quick and easy way to make a soft and creamy scramble. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect scrambled eggs:

Preparation

Before you begin, ensure you have the following ingredients: 6 large free-range or pasture-raised eggs, salt and pepper to taste, and 1-1.5 tablespoons of butter and/or cream (optional). You will also need a mixing bowl, a whisk or fork, and a small solid stainless steel tray or similar oven-safe dish.

Method

• Preheat your combi oven to 200°F/95°C in steam mode (100% humidity).
• Crack the eggs into the mixing bowl and add the butter and/or cream (if using). Whisk or beat the eggs until they are well combined, but be sure to leave a few bigger curds of white and yolk visible.
• Season the eggs with salt and pepper, according to your taste.
• Quickly open the oven door and place the tray inside. Set a timer for 2.5 minutes.
• After 2.5 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and give the eggs a good stir. Loosen the edges and fold the less-cooked middle towards the centre to create a soft scramble.
• If you think the eggs are done to your liking, 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 an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. The total cook time should not exceed 4 minutes.

Tips:

• If you are cooking for a larger group, you can scale up the recipe by using a larger tray and increasing the number of eggs to 15. This will make 5-6 portions. However, be sure to increase the cooking time by a minute or two, and always stir the eggs after 2.5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• For the best results, use room temperature eggs and cook them gently over low heat. Undercook the eggs slightly, as they will continue to cook while you prepare the rest of your meal.
• You can get creative with your scrambled eggs by adding various ingredients. Some popular options include soft goat cheese or feta, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, ham, mushrooms, fresh chilli, avocado, and grain mustard.

How to steam scrambled eggs in a steam oven

Steaming scrambled eggs in a steam oven is a great way to achieve a soft and creamy texture without needing to add extra butter or cream. The gentle heat of the steam oven also means less stirring is required compared to cooking on a stovetop. This method is also ideal if you're cooking for a crowd, as you can keep the eggs warm in the oven while you prepare the rest of the meal. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving perfect steamed scrambled eggs:

Prepare the Eggs

Start by preheating your steam oven to 200°F (95°C) with the steam setting at 100% humidity. While the oven is preheating, crack your eggs into a mixing bowl. For a single serving, use 3 medium-sized eggs or 6 large eggs. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and whisk the eggs until just combined. You want a few bigger curds of white and yolk to remain visible, so don't over-whisk.

Steam the Eggs

Once the oven is preheated, quickly open the door and place the mixing bowl with the eggs inside. Set a timer for 2 and a half minutes. After the time is up, remove the bowl from the oven and give the eggs a good stir. Loosen the edges and fold the less-cooked middle towards the centre to create a soft scramble. If you prefer your eggs on the softer side, you can add a small amount of butter or cream at this point and serve immediately.

Adjust Cooking Time

If you prefer your eggs more well-done, return the bowl to the oven for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute. The total cooking time for the eggs should not exceed 3 to 4 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so use your discretion and adjust the time as needed.

Customise Your Scrambled Eggs

The beauty of scrambled eggs is that you can easily customise them with various ingredients. Try adding soft baby kale leaves, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, ham, mushrooms, or fresh chilli. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to add extra flavour. For a more indulgent option, stir in some soft goat cheese or feta cheese and a handful of spinach leaves.

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before cooking. This will help prevent the eggs from "seeping" after they are cooked. Additionally, always use a stainless steel tray or bowl when steaming your eggs, as ceramic or glass dishes can significantly increase the cooking time.

How to steam scrambled eggs on a stovetop

How to Steam Scramble Eggs on a Stovetop

Steaming scrambled eggs is a great way to achieve a silky and soft texture without the need for constant stirring. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create delicious stovetop steamed scrambled eggs:

Prepare the Eggs

Start by cracking your desired number of eggs into a mixing bowl. You can use a variety of containers, such as porcelain or stoneware, or stainless steel, but avoid using ceramic or glass as they can affect cooking times. For stovetop steaming, a heat-safe bowl is essential. Add a small splash of olive oil, cream, salt, and pepper to the eggs. You can also add other ingredients like shredded cheese, diced vegetables, or meat, but be mindful that these may impact the cooking time. Whisk the mixture until everything is well combined.

Set Up Your Stovetop

Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and place it on your stovetop. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. You want the water to be hot but not vigorously boiling.

Steam the Eggs

Place your bowl of egg mixture on top of the saucepan, ensuring that the water level is only halfway up the bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid or plate to trap the steam. Steam the eggs for around 10 minutes over medium-high heat. Keep a close eye on the eggs, as they can easily overcook or burn. The ideal texture is similar to silken tofu.

Stir and Serve

After steaming, give the eggs a good stir to break up any larger curds and create a soft, fluffy scramble. If you prefer your eggs with a bit more moisture, you can add a small amount of butter or cream at this stage and stir it through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while the eggs are still hot.

Tips and Variations

For stovetop steaming, it's important to maintain a consistent level of heat. Avoid letting the water boil too vigorously, as this can affect the cooking time and texture of the eggs. Additionally, try to have your eggs at room temperature before mixing and cooking to prevent "seeping" once they are cooked. If you're cooking for a crowd, steaming is a great option as it's easier to manage larger quantities without constant stirring. You can also experiment with different ingredients and seasonings, such as scallions, chili pepper flakes, or sesame seeds, to create unique flavor profiles.

How to prevent scrambled eggs from overcooking when steaming

Steaming is an effective way to cook scrambled eggs, but it can be easy to overcook them. Here are some tips to prevent overcooking:

First, it is important to understand the role of residual heat in overcooking eggs. Residual heat, or "carryover" heat, will continue to cook your eggs even after removing them from the heat source. Therefore, it is crucial to take the eggs off the heat just before they appear fully cooked. The eggs will continue to cook for a bit due to residual heat.

To apply this principle when steaming scrambled eggs, pay close attention to the eggs as they cook. Turn off the heat when the eggs still look wet and slightly runny. They will continue to cook and firm up once you take them out of the steamer. This technique ensures that your scrambled eggs are perfectly cooked and not dry or rubbery.

Another critical factor is temperature control. Maintain a medium-low temperature throughout the cooking process. This reduces the chances of overcooking and gives you better control over the consistency of your scrambled eggs. Cooking eggs at high heat increases the risk of browning, overcooking, and burning.

Additionally, the age of the eggs can impact the cooking process. Eggs have porous shells, allowing air and moisture transfer. Fresh eggs are generally better for scrambling as they have not lost as much moisture during their time in the fridge.

Finally, when it comes to seasoning, it is best to wait until the end. Adding salt too early can break down the eggs, making them watery. Instead, season your eggs after removing them from the heat to ensure they stay light and fluffy.

Frequently asked questions