Steaming Simplified: Oster Cooker Techniques

Steaming is a healthy cooking method that uses water instead of oils, helping you watch your weight and cholesterol. The Oster Food Steamer 5712 is a great option for steaming your food, and it can be used to steam rice, vegetables, seafood, and meat. In this article, we will discuss the steps to steam food in an Oster cooker, the different cooking times for various foods, and the benefits of steaming. We will also provide specific instructions for steaming rice and vegetables to perfection, ensuring that your meals are both tasty and nutritious.

How to steam rice in an Oster cooker

The Oster Rice Steamer and Cooker is a great way to cook rice and vegetables for a well-balanced meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam rice using the Oster cooker.

Step 1: Prepare the rice and water

Firstly, you need to measure out the rice and water. Use the supplied measuring cup to measure out the desired amount of rice, ensuring it does not exceed seven cups of uncooked rice. The general rule is that one cup of uncooked rice yields roughly two cups of cooked rice. For every two cups of rice, add four cups of water. For four cups of rice, use seven cups of water, and for six cups of rice, use eight cups of water.

Step 2: Assemble the cooker

Place the rice into the inner pot of the Oster cooker. Lower the inner pot into the cooker, ensuring it is firmly seated and making contact with the heating plate. Cover the inner pot with the supplied lid to prevent steam from escaping.

Step 3: Plug in and cook

Plug the power cord into an AC wall outlet, then push the "Power" switch on the front of the steamer to turn it on. A red "Cook" light will illuminate. The rice will take around 15 minutes to cook. After 15 minutes, remove the lid and mix the rice with a large wooden spoon or paddle.

Step 4: Keep warm and serve

Once the rice is cooked, the cooker will automatically switch to "Keep Warm" mode, indicated by a yellow light. It will remain in this mode until unplugged. When you are ready to serve, simply unplug the cooker and pour out the rice.

Now you know the basic steps of steaming rice in an Oster cooker, you can experiment with different types of rice and adjust the water ratios accordingly. Enjoy your perfectly steamed rice!

How to steam vegetables in an Oster cooker

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook your food. Using an Oster cooker, you can steam an entire meal, including vegetables, rice, seafood, and meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables in an Oster cooker:

Step 1: Prepare the Oster cooker

Fill the water reservoir on the front right side of the unit with clean water. Ensure the water level is between the "LO" and "HIGH" marks, or the MAX" and "MIN" lines, depending on your model. Place the drip tray securely on top of the steamer, and then put the steaming bowl on top of the drip tray.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

Cut your chosen vegetables into pieces of roughly equal size. The Oster cooker can steam a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, green beans, carrots, spinach, and more. You can also steam frozen vegetables, but do not thaw them before steaming.

Step 3: Fill the steaming bowl

Place the vegetables in the steaming bowl, ensuring you do not block the steam vents. Do not add sauces or other liquids to the bowl. If you are using a two-tiered Oster cooker, place larger pieces of vegetables in the lower bowl and smaller pieces in the upper bowl.

Step 4: Set the timer and start steaming

Put the lid on the steaming bowl and plug in the Oster cooker. Set the timer on the front of the system to the recommended cooking time for your chosen vegetables. Ensure the water level does not drop below the "LO" line while cooking.

Step 5: Check and serve the vegetables

When the timer goes off, remove the lid and use a long-handled fork or spoon to stir the vegetables. Test a piece to see if it is cooked to your liking. If not, replace the lid and reset the timer for a few more minutes. Once the vegetables are steamed to your preference, turn off the Oster cooker and unplug it from the wall. Serve the steamed vegetables immediately.

How to steam meat in an Oster cooker

Steaming is a healthy way to cook your food. Using water to cook instead of oils, you can watch your weight and cholesterol. It is also suitable for incorporation into a diabetic meal plan, which discourages oily, breaded, or fried foods. Here is how you can steam meat in an Oster cooker:

Firstly, fill the water reservoir located on the front right side of the unit past the "LO" mark, but no further than the "HIGH" mark. Set the drip tray securely on top of the steamer. Place the lower steaming bowl on the steamer. Fill the bowl with the appropriate measurement of meat. The Oster Food Steamer 5712 allows for steaming 1/2 lb to 1 lb of meat. Place the lid on the steaming bowl. Plug in the steamer and set the timer on the front of the system. Ensure the water level never drops below the "LO" line while cooking.

The cooking time will depend on the type of meat and its quantity. For example, a pound of beef chuck will take 28-30 minutes to cook, a pound of hamburger will take 18-22 minutes, and a pound of meatballs will take 22-24 minutes. For chicken, a pound of chicken pieces will take 26-30 minutes to cook. For lamb, a pound of cubes will take 26-28 minutes. For pork, a pound of cubes will take 26-28 minutes, and hot dogs and sausages will take 10-16 minutes.

Always use oven mitts when handling your cooked dishes as the steamer will be very hot. You can also steam two foods at once. To do this, fill the water reservoir located on the front right side of the unit past the "LO" mark, but no further than the "HIGH" mark. Set the drip tray securely on top of the steamer. Place the lower steaming bowl on the steamer. Fill the bowl with the appropriate measurement of meat, placing the food with the longest cooking time in the bottom bowl. Place another tier on top of the lower steaming bowl. Fill the next tier with the appropriate measurement of meat. The food cooked on this tier should not have any sauce or liquid on them. Place the lid on the steaming bowl. Plug in the steamer. Set the timer on the front of the system. Ensure the water level never drops below the "LO" line while cooking.

How to steam two foods at once in an Oster cooker

The Oster Double Tiered Food Steamer is a great appliance to have in your kitchen, allowing you to cook two different types of food simultaneously without any crossover of flavours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam two foods at once in an Oster cooker:

• Fill the water reservoir: Fill the water reservoir located on the front right side of the unit past the "LO" mark, but do not fill it past the "HIGH" mark.
• Set the drip tray: Place the drip tray securely on top of the steamer. This will catch any drips or spills during the cooking process.
• Place the lower steaming bowl: Put the lower steaming bowl on the steamer. If you are steaming rice, place the rice bowl inside this lower bowl.
• Fill the lower bowl with food: Fill the lower bowl with the food that has the longest cooking time. Refer to your Oster manual or online resources for cooking amounts and times for different types of food.
• Add another tier: Place another tier on top of the lower steaming bowl. This allows you to steam two foods at once.
• Fill the top tier with food: Fill the top tier with the appropriate measurement of rice, vegetables, seafood, or meat. Ensure that the food in this tier does not have any sauce or liquid on it.
• Cover with the lid: Place the lid securely on the top steaming bowl to prevent steam from escaping.
• Plug in the steamer: Connect the power cord to an electrical outlet.
• Set the timer: Set the timer on the front of the system according to the cooking time required for the food in the lower bowl.
• Monitor the water level: Ensure that the water level in the reservoir never drops below the "LO" line during the cooking process.
• Add seasonings: Once the food is cooked to your liking, remove the trays from the cooker, unplug the steamer, and add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

Now you can enjoy two delicious and healthy steamed dishes prepared simultaneously in your Oster cooker!

How long to steam different types of food for

Steaming is a healthy and quick way to prepare food. It is also a very versatile cooking method, as you can steam anything from vegetables to proteins, buns, dumplings, and even desserts.

How to Steam Using an Oster Cooker

First, fill the water reservoir on the front right side of the unit past the "LO" mark, but do not fill it past the "HIGH" mark. Next, set the drip tray on top of the steamer, followed by the lower steaming bowl. If you are steaming rice, place the rice bowl inside the lower steaming bowl. Fill the bowl with the food you wish to steam, ensuring that you do not exceed the recommended amounts. Place the lid on the steaming bowl, plug in the steamer, and set the timer.

Steaming times will vary depending on the type of food and the steaming method used. Here is a general guide for how long to steam different types of food using an Oster cooker:

• Rice: This will depend on the type of rice. For example, brown rice cooks for 42-45 minutes, while white rice cooks for 45-50 minutes.
• Vegetables: Steaming times will vary depending on the type and size of the vegetable. For example, a half-pound of green beans or parsnips will cook in 10-14 minutes, while a pound of beets or mushrooms will take 20-30 minutes.
• Seafood: The cooking time will depend on the type of seafood. For instance, a pound of clams will take 12-14 minutes, while a pound of salmon will take 18-25 minutes.
• Meat: The cooking time will depend on the type and cut of meat. As a guide, a pound of chicken pieces will take 26-30 minutes, while a pound of hamburger will take 18-22 minutes.

It is important to note that these are general guidelines, and the actual cooking times may vary depending on your personal preferences and the specific model of your Oster cooker. Always refer to the user manual for more accurate cooking times and instructions.

Frequently asked questions