Steaming Veggies: Using Your Egg Cooker For Healthy Meals

Steaming vegetables is a great way to cook them, as it locks in flavour, nutrients and a perfectly tender texture. You can steam veggies in an electric steamer, in a pan, or in the microwave. But can you steam veggies in an egg cooker?

The answer is yes! While some egg cookers are designed solely for cooking eggs, others can be used for steaming veggies too. The Dash Rapid Egg Cooker, for example, can be used to steam veggies, as well as dumplings, salmon and shrimp. The Chefman Electric Egg Cooker is another egg cooker that can be used to steam veggies.

Veggies to steam

Steaming vegetables is a great way to cook them, as it locks in flavour, nutrients, and a perfectly tender texture. It is technically possible to steam all vegetables, but some are better suited to steaming than others.

Good Vegetables to Steam

Broccoli, spinach, and other leafy greens; cauliflower, asparagus, carrots, green beans, small potatoes, and artichokes.

Veg to Avoid Steaming

Large chunks of hard veg, such as potatoes, squash, or celeriac.

How to Prepare Vegetables for Steaming

Any large vegetables need to be cut into smaller chunks or bite-sized pieces. Root vegetables like carrots should be sliced unless they are baby carrots. Some vegetables can be kept whole, like artichokes (trim them first) and leafy greens such as spinach and chard. Vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli should be broken into florets.

Steaming Veggies in an Egg Cooker

You can steam veggies in an egg cooker, but it may not be ideal for large quantities. The steaming dish is pretty small, so you will only be able to steam a single serving of vegetables at a time.

To steam veggies in an egg cooker, set the little tray on top of the egg tray. Do not set the dish directly on the heating plate, or you will melt it.

Steaming Times for Different Veggies

• Sliced carrots – 6-8 mins
• Cauliflower florets – 5-6 mins
• Asparagus (thick spears) – 5-6 mins
• Broccoli florets – 5 mins
• Brussels sprouts – 8-10 mins
• Green beans – 4-5 mins
• Spinach and leafy greens – 5 mins
• Whole artichoke – 25-35 mins
• Small potatoes – 15-20 mins
• Larger chopped potatoes – 25-30 mins

How to prepare veggies for steaming

Preparing veggies for steaming is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they turn out just right. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare veggies for steaming in an egg cooker:

Choose Your Vegetables:

Select the vegetables you want to steam. Good options include broccoli, spinach, leafy greens, cauliflower, asparagus, carrots, green beans, small potatoes, and artichokes. Avoid steaming large chunks of hard vegetables like potatoes, squash, or celeriac, as they may not cook evenly.

Cut the Vegetables:

Large vegetables need to be cut into smaller, uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Root vegetables like carrots should be sliced unless you're using baby carrots. You can keep some vegetables whole, such as artichokes (remember to trim them) and leafy greens like spinach, which can be steamed whole. Break cauliflower and broccoli into florets.

Seasoning:

Before placing the vegetables in the egg cooker, add some seasoning. You can use salt, pepper, olive oil, butter, fresh herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavour.

Add Water to the Egg Cooker:

Fill the base of your egg cooker with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. The amount of water required may vary depending on the model, but typically, you'll need enough water to produce steam without submerging the vegetables.

Place the Vegetables in the Egg Cooker:

Arrange the prepared vegetables in the steaming basket or tray of your egg cooker. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.

Set the Timer:

Refer to the instruction manual of your egg cooker to determine the appropriate steaming time for the vegetables you are cooking. Different vegetables will have different cooking times. For example, broccoli typically takes 3-5 minutes, while carrots and green beans may need 4-5 minutes.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing veggies for steaming in your egg cooker. Remember to refer to your egg cooker's instructions for specific guidelines, and feel free to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to find your favourite combinations!

Equipment needed to steam veggies

To steam veggies in an egg cooker, you will need the following equipment:

The Egg Cooker

First, you will need an egg cooker. Not all egg cookers are created equal, and some may be better suited for steaming veggies than others. Some popular options include the:

• Dash Rapid Egg Cooker
• Chefman Electric Egg Cooker Boiler
• Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Egg Cooker
• Elite Gourmet EGC314CB Digital Easy Egg Cooker
• Cuisinart Stainless Steel Egg Cooker

When selecting an egg cooker, consider the capacity, the number of functions, and whether it includes a steaming function. Some egg cookers can also poach, scramble, and boil eggs, in addition to steaming veggies.

Vegetables

Of course, you will also need vegetables to steam! Technically, it is possible to steam all vegetables, but some options are better than others. Good choices include:

• Broccoli
• Spinach and other leafy greens
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Small potatoes
• Artichokes

Avoid steaming large chunks of hard vegetables, such as potatoes, squash, or celeriac.

Water

You will need water to generate steam in the egg cooker. The amount of water required will depend on the type and quantity of vegetables you are steaming, as well as the specific instructions for your egg cooker.

Steamer Basket or Insert

Some egg cookers may come with a steamer basket or insert specifically designed for steaming veggies. If not, you can purchase a separate steamer basket or insert that fits into your egg cooker. This will help ensure that your vegetables are properly steamed and do not come into direct contact with the heating element.

Measuring Cup

A measuring cup will be useful for measuring the correct amount of water needed for steaming. Some egg cookers, like the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker, come with a measuring cup that has markings for the amount of water needed for different functions, including steaming.

Kitchen Tools

Finally, you will need some basic kitchen tools to prepare your vegetables for steaming. This may include a knife for chopping or slicing vegetables into smaller pieces, a peeler for root vegetables, and a spoon or tongs for safely removing the steamed veggies from the egg cooker.

Steps to steam veggies in a pan

Firstly, you need to prepare your vegetables for steaming. Any large vegetables need to be cut into smaller chunks or bite-sized pieces. Root vegetables like carrots should be sliced, unless you are using baby ones. Some vegetables can be kept whole, such as artichokes (ensure they are well-trimmed). Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and chard can also be steamed in whole pieces. Cauliflower and broccoli should be broken into florets.

Next, you will need a medium-sized pan. Fill the pan with around 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil.

Then, add your vegetables to the pan. Cover the pan and cook until the vegetables are tender. You may need to top up the water with a splash more if the pan boils dry.

The amount of time you steam your vegetables for will depend on the type of vegetable and the size of the pieces. Here is a guide to how long to steam different types of vegetables:

• Sliced carrots – 6-8 minutes
• Cauliflower florets – 5-6 minutes
• Asparagus (thick spears) – 5-6 minutes
• Broccoli florets – 5 minutes
• Brussels sprouts – 8-10 minutes
• Green beans – 4-5 minutes
• Spinach and leafy greens – 5 minutes
• Whole artichoke – 25-35 minutes
• Small potatoes – 15-20 minutes
• Larger chopped potatoes – 25-30 minutes

If you are steaming frozen vegetables, it is recommended to add an extra 5 minutes to the steaming time.

By following these steps, you can easily steam vegetables in a pan without the need for any special equipment.

Steps to steam veggies in a microwave

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Before you begin steaming, make sure you prepare your veggies. Cut any large vegetables into smaller chunks or bite-sized pieces. Root vegetables like carrots should be sliced, unless you're using baby carrots. Some vegetables, like artichokes, can be kept whole, but make sure you trim them well. Cauliflower and broccoli should be broken into florets.

Step 2: Choose a microwave-safe container

Select a microwave-safe bowl or container that is large enough to hold your vegetables. Make sure the container has a lid or a plate that can be used to cover it.

Step 3: Add water to the container

Once you have selected the container, add 2-3 tablespoons of water for every cup of vegetables you plan to steam. This will ensure that there is enough moisture in the container to generate steam.

Step 4: Place the vegetables in the container

Place the prepared vegetables into the container with the water. Try to arrange them in a single layer, if possible, to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cover the container and microwave

Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Place it in the microwave and set the timer according to the type of vegetable you are cooking. Refer to a steaming time guide for specific vegetables to ensure they are cooked properly. For example, sliced carrots should be steamed for 6-8 minutes, while broccoli florets will only need 5 minutes.

Step 6: Check for doneness and adjust timing

When the timer goes off, remove the container from the microwave, being careful not to burn yourself. Take off the lid or plate and use a fork to test the vegetables for doneness. If they are not tender enough, recover the container and microwave in additional 1-minute intervals until they reach the desired texture.

Step 7: Serve the steamed vegetables

Once your vegetables are tender, drain any excess water and transfer them to a serving dish. Season them with salt, pepper, herbs, or any other desired seasonings. Serve them as a healthy and tasty side dish or incorporate them into a larger recipe.

Frequently asked questions