Steaming Simplified: Electric Cooker Mastery For Perfect Meals

Electric steam cookers are a great way to cook food without sacrificing nutrient quality or taste. They are also one of the simplest ways to prepare vegetables, meats, and even entire meals. The process is simple: you boil water and let the steam cook the food. However, it does take some patience and learning to master. It is important to read the instructions that come with your steamer and take proper safety precautions to prevent injuries and fires/burns. For example, never submerge the cord, plug, or base unit in water, and always place the steamer on a stable surface. Electric steamers are also best used indoors.

Preparing the food

Now, fill the reservoir with water. Check your steamer's instructions for the correct amount, and don't exceed the maximum fill line. If your steamer has a diffuser tray, place it correctly.

Next, prepare your food. For vegetables, clean them and cut them into equal-sized pieces. For fish, season it, and for meat, season and defrost it before placing it in the steamer. If you're steaming rice, just add the rice. You can also add herbs, spices, or garlic to the mix.

Arrange your food loosely in the baskets, ensuring it's a single layer, so the steam can circulate. If you're steaming multiple foods with different cooking times, start with the food that requires the longest cooking time.

Assembling the steamer

To assemble an electric steamer, you will need to gather all the parts. This includes the base unit, which contains the water reservoir, one to three steamer baskets, and a lid with vents and a handle.

Firstly, ensure the base unit is stable and on a level surface, such as a kitchen counter. Then, fill the reservoir with fresh, cool water. Most steamers will have a maximum fill line, so be sure not to exceed this.

Next, place the steamer baskets inside the base unit. If your steamer has multiple baskets, stack them inside each other. Some steamers have specific instructions for stacking, so be sure to refer to your manual.

Finally, place the lid on top of the steamer. The lid should have vents to allow steam to escape and a handle to prevent burns when lifting.

Filling the steamer with water

Firstly, you should refer to your steamer's instruction manual for the correct water amount. If you don't have an instruction manual, fill the reservoir with cool, fresh water to the maximum fill line. Do not exceed this line.

If your steamer has a diffuser tray, make sure it is in place before you add water. If you are using a stovetop steamer, fill a pot with about a half-inch to an inch of water for firmer veggies and a smaller batch. For softer veggies or a larger batch, fill the pot about halfway.

If you are using a bamboo steamer, place it in a wok and fill it with water to a height that reaches about half an inch below the bottom rim of the steamer. Do not overfill the water, as it might touch the food.

If you are using a metal steamer basket, add about one or two inches of water to the pot. The water should not go above the steamer basket once it is placed in the pot.

Setting the timer

Firstly, consult your owner's manual for the suggested cooking time for the type and quantity of food you are steaming. Different foods will require different cooking times, so it is important to be precise. For example, if you are steaming vegetables, they will likely need around 3-10 minutes, depending on their size and how soft you want them. If you are cooking multiple foods that require different cooking times, start with the food that needs the longest cooking time, and add the others according to their individual cooking times.

Next, set the timer on your electric steamer according to the suggested cooking time. Some foods may have a very precise cooking time, while others may allow for a little flexibility. It is always best to err on the side of caution and start with a shorter cooking time, as you can always cook your food for longer if needed.

Once the timer is set, press the "cook" button or equivalent, and let the steamer do its job. When the timer goes off, your food should be ready to eat! However, it is important to use a meat thermometer to check that your food is cooked to the correct temperature, especially when cooking meat. This will ensure that your food is safe to eat.

Finally, always refer to the instructions that came with your steamer for proper cooking times and preparation tips. Each steamer may have slightly different instructions, so it is important to familiarise yourself with your specific model.

Safety precautions

Electric steam cookers are a convenient and healthy way to prepare food. However, it is important to follow safety precautions to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some essential safety guidelines to follow when using an electric steam cooker:

• Always read the instructions that come with your electric steam cooker. Familiarize yourself with the safety features of your appliance, such as lid locks and pressure release valves.
• Never submerge the cord, plug, or base unit of the electric steam cooker in water. This could lead to electrical hazards and increase the risk of electric shock.
• Only use the electric steam cooker indoors and on a stable surface, such as a kitchen counter. This reduces the risk of accidental spills and scalding.
• Ensure there is always water in the reservoir before turning on the cooker. Running the appliance dry can lead to overheating, damaging the equipment, and potentially causing a fire.
• Exercise caution when opening the cooker. The hot condensation on the inside of the lid can cause accidental scalding. Always open the lid away from you to avoid hot steam and condensation.
• Unplug the cooker when not in use, and allow it to cool down before adding, removing, or cleaning any parts. This reduces the risk of burns and ensures safe handling.
• Regularly clean and maintain your electric steam cooker. Pay attention to the rubber gasket, ensuring it is not dried out or cracked. Replace the gasket as recommended by the manufacturer, usually annually or when necessary.
• Avoid overfilling the cooker. Leave sufficient space to prevent food from blocking the vents and pressure release mechanisms. For foods that expand during cooking, such as beans and grains, fill only about half of the cooker.
• Be cautious when cooking foods that froth or release excess steam, such as pasta, rhubarb, and oatmeal. Follow trusted recipes, and ensure the quantity in the pot is well below the maximum fill line to prevent blocking the steam valves and vents.
• Release pressure safely. Use the natural release, cold water release, or quick-release methods as per the manufacturer's instructions. Protect your hands and face when handling the cooker during pressure release, and ensure your body is away from the steam vent.
• Practice general safety measures when working with steam. Steam can cause burns and scalding, so wear protective clothing if working with high-temperature steam. Keep electrical appliances and plug sockets away from steam to prevent electric shock. Use non-slip mats on the floor to prevent slipping accidents.

By following these safety precautions, you can confidently use your electric steam cooker while minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Frequently asked questions