Steaming With Cuisinart Slow Cooker: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cuisinart slow cookers are ideal for preparing large batches of family favourites such as roasts, stews, soups and chilli. They are sturdy, well-built, reliable and easy to use and clean. Cuisinart slow cookers are available in a wide range of prices, sizes and cooking features, and typically offer more cooking settings than other slow cookers. The Cuisinart 6-Quart 3-in-1 Cook Central, for example, has a lightweight, non-stick metal crock and stay-cool plastic handles, making it easy to manoeuvre and clean. It also has a steam function and included metal rack, which let you use it as a steamer.

How to steam in a Cuisinart slow cooker

Cuisinart slow cookers are ideal for preparing large batches of family favorites such as roasts, stews, chili, and soups that can last for days. They are also great for making meals with just about any ingredients, offering thousands of savory recipes to choose from.

Cuisinart slow cookers are sturdy, well-built, and reliable. They are also easy to use and clean, and typically offer more cooking settings than other slow cookers.

• Prepare your ingredients: Wash and cut your ingredients into even-sized pieces. This ensures that your food cooks evenly.
• Add water: Fill the removable water tank of your Cuisinart slow cooker with water. The amount of water you need will depend on the model you have. For example, the Cuisinart CookFresh Digital Glass Steamer has a 1-liter water tank.
• Place the ingredients in the cooking pot: Place your ingredients in the cooking pot, ensuring that there is space around them for the steam to circulate.
• Select the appropriate setting: Cuisinart slow cookers usually have pre-programmed food settings for different types of food, such as seafood, poultry, grains, and vegetables. Select the setting that matches the food you are cooking.
• Set the timer: Cuisinart slow cookers typically have a countdown timer that you can set to the desired cooking time. For example, the Cuisinart CookFresh Digital Glass Steamer has a 60-minute countdown timer.
• Start the cooking process: Press the "Start" button to begin the steaming process.
• Check on your food: Depending on the type of food you are cooking, it may take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours to cook thoroughly. Refer to your recipe or the Cuisinart manual for specific cooking times.
• Release pressure (if applicable): If you are using a Cuisinart pressure cooker, follow the instructions in your manual to release the pressure safely after the cooking time is complete.
• Serve and enjoy: Once your food is cooked to your desired level of doneness, turn off your Cuisinart slow cooker and serve your steamed meal!

Note: Always refer to your specific Cuisinart model's manual for detailed instructions and safety guidelines.

What are the benefits of steaming?

Steaming food is a popular and beneficial cooking method for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of the healthiest ways to prepare food as it helps retain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are often lost during conventional cooking methods. For example, steaming enhances vitamins like vitamin B, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C, as well as minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Secondly, steaming is an excellent way to lower cholesterol and adopt a healthier lifestyle. When steaming meat, the steam helps remove fat, which can be easily separated, resulting in a lower-cholesterol meal compared to baking or grilling, where the meat absorbs the fat.

Thirdly, steaming is a gentle cooking method that enhances flavour and colour while keeping food juicy. It is challenging to overcook food when steaming, and even if you do, the worst-case scenario is mushy food rather than burnt food. Steaming also allows you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously without transferring flavours, making it an efficient and convenient choice.

Finally, steaming is a quick, inexpensive, and versatile cooking method. It does not require oil or fat, resulting in lighter and healthier dishes. The absence of oil also makes it easier to clean up after steaming, as there are fewer smells and odours.

To steam in a Cuisinart slow cooker, you can opt for the 6-Quart 3-in-1 Cook Central or the 4-Quart Cook Central 3-in-1 Multicooker. These models have steaming functions and include metal racks for steaming. Simply add your ingredients, adjust the settings, and let the slow cooker do the rest.

What foods can be steamed?

Steaming is a great way to cook food, and it can be done with a wide variety of ingredients. The Cuisinart slow cooker is a fantastic option for those looking to steam their meals, as it offers a steaming function that allows for steaming for up to 90 minutes.

So, what foods can be steamed?

Vegetables

Technically, all vegetables can be steamed, but some are better suited to this cooking method than others. Good options include broccoli, spinach and other leafy greens, cauliflower, asparagus, carrots, green beans, small potatoes, and artichokes. Avoid steaming large chunks of hard vegetables such as potatoes, squash, or celeriac. When preparing vegetables for steaming, cut any large vegetables into smaller chunks or bite-sized pieces. Root vegetables like carrots should be sliced, and cauliflower and broccoli should be broken into florets.

Meat

Meat can also be steamed. Lean, whole chickens, chicken breasts, or pieces wrapped in parchment paper can be steamed. Season the chicken with herbs, salt, garlic, or your favorite seasonings. Use an internal thermometer to check the temperature, and ensure the meat is cooked through.

Fish and Shellfish

Delicate fish and shellfish can be steamed, helping them retain moisture. Season salmon or other white fish and place them on a bed of fresh herbs or citrus slices before steaming until flaky.

Eggs

Eggs can also be steamed! For a soft-boiled egg, steam for six minutes, and for a hard-boiled egg, steam for 12 minutes.

Fruits

Fruits such as apples or pears can be steamed and used as a sweet and healthy dessert. Remove the core and seeds, stuff with chopped nuts, dates, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla, then steam until soft.

Baked Goods

Even baked goods can be steamed! Try making a honey sponge cake or a steamed pudding.

The Cuisinart slow cooker is a versatile appliance that can be used for steaming a wide variety of foods, from vegetables and meats to fruits and baked goods. With its steaming function and adjustable settings, it's a great option for those looking to incorporate more steamed dishes into their diet.

How long does it take to steam food?

The time it takes to steam food depends on the type and quantity of food being cooked, as well as the power of the steamer. Here is a guide to how long it takes to steam food in a Cuisinart slow cooker:

The Cuisinart slow cooker comes with a steaming function that allows for steaming for up to 90 minutes. This is a convenient feature for those who want to prepare healthy and tasty meals. Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that cooks food by surrounding it with hot vapour in an enclosed environment, without the need for added cooking fat. This technique is suitable for a wide variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, baby foods, and more.

When it comes to the time it takes to steam food, it usually depends on the density and quantity of the food being cooked. Most vegetables are steamed in about five to ten minutes. For crisp vegetables, steam for a shorter duration, and for tender vegetables, steam for a longer duration. Meat and fish can take anywhere from three to ten or more minutes, depending on their thickness. It is important to keep an eye on the food being steamed to ensure it does not overcook or become soggy.

The Cuisinart slow cooker's steaming function is a great way to prepare healthy and tasty meals for the whole family. With its large capacity and adjustable settings, it is easy to cook a variety of foods to perfection.

How do you clean a Cuisinart slow cooker?

Always unplug your Cuisinart slow cooker and allow it to cool before cleaning.

Exterior

Use a damp cloth and a mild detergent to wipe down the exterior of your Cuisinart slow cooker. If there are stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Alternatively, use a kitchen cleaner that is suitable for the finish of your slow cooker.

Interior

The interior of your Cuisinart slow cooker can be cleaned in several ways. Firstly, always check your instruction manual to ensure that any cleaning methods you use are safe for your model.

If there are removable parts, such as a stoneware insert, wash these in warm, soapy water by hand or in the dishwasher. If there is caked-on food, fill the insert with hot, soapy water and let it sit for several hours or overnight. You can also add a dishwasher tablet to the water for extra cleaning power.

For the base of the slow cooker, never submerge it in water as this could damage the electrical components. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe down the interior, being sure to allow it to cool first. For tougher stains, use a non-abrasive cleaning product or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

Other Tips

To avoid a mess of caked-on leftovers, use slow cooker liners, which are disposable and prevent food from sticking to the stoneware. Alternatively, keep the slow cooker on a low heat setting after serving to prevent remnants from cooling down and sticking.

Frequently asked questions