A Simple Guide To Using The Nesco Electric Steam Cooker

The NESCO Food Steamer and Egg Cooker is a versatile appliance that can cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, seafood, meat, poultry, fruits, eggs, and grains. With 400 watts of steaming power and a 5-quart total capacity, it can prepare up to eight eggs at a time and has two 2.5-quart steaming trays for separating different foods. The 60-minute timer, power indicator light, and auto-shutoff function provide added convenience and safety. NESCO also offers other products such as the 9.5 Qt. Digital Smart Canner & Cooker, which is designed for pressure canning, pressure cooking, steam cooking, and slow cooking, providing a balance between safety, performance, and versatility.

How to steam eggs in your Nesco electric cooker

The Nesco Food Steamer and Egg Cooker is a versatile appliance that can help you prepare a variety of dishes, from perfectly cooked eggs to steamed vegetables, seafood, meat, poultry, fruits, grains, and more. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam eggs in your Nesco Electric Cooker:

• Prepare the Eggs: The Nesco Egg Cooker allows you to cook up to eight eggs at a time. Start by using the provided measuring cup with a piercing pin to puncture the eggs. This step helps prevent the shells from cracking during the cooking process.
• Add Water: Fill the heating base with the appropriate amount of water. The heating base of the Nesco Food Steamer can hold up to 2 cups of water, providing up to 60 minutes of steaming time.
• Place the Eggs: Place the eggs in the egg cooking tray. The Nesco Egg Cooker comes with an egg cooking tray that can hold up to eight eggs. If you're poaching eggs, use the poaching tray, which can accommodate up to three eggs at a time.
• Start Cooking: Plug in your Nesco Electric Cooker and turn it on. The power indicator light will illuminate, letting you know that the cooking process has begun. You can also adjust the desired consistency (hard, medium, or soft-boiled) using the control dial.
• Wait for the Auto Shut-Off: The Nesco Egg Cooker is designed with an auto-shutoff feature. Once the eggs are cooked to your desired consistency, the cooker will automatically turn off, and an alarm will sound. This feature ensures that you don't overcook your eggs and helps you achieve perfect results every time.
• Cool and Serve: Once the cooking is complete, carefully remove the eggs from the cooker and let them cool down before peeling and serving. You can now enjoy your freshly steamed eggs however you like—as deviled eggs, egg salad, or even poached eggs for Eggs Benedict.

Remember to always refer to the Nesco Food Steamer and Egg Cooker's care and use guide for detailed instructions and safety information. Additionally, the non-electrical components of the cooker, such as the measuring cup and trays, are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup convenient.

How to cook rice in your Nesco electric cooker

The first step to cooking rice in your Nesco electric cooker is to decide on the type of rice you want to cook. The Nesco cooker can cook a variety of rice types, including white rice, yellow rice, brown rice, and long-grain wild rice. Each type of rice has a different cooking time and water requirement, so it is important to select the right setting and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Once you have chosen the type of rice, you can start preparing it in the cooker. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Take the required amount of rice and an equal amount of water. For example, if you are cooking 1 cup of rice, use 1 cup of water. The same ratio applies if you are cooking a larger quantity, such as 2 cups of rice with 2 cups of water, or 3 cups of rice with 3 cups of water.
• Place the rice and water in the removable cooking pot of your Nesco electric cooker. The cooker should be empty and ready for use.
• Secure the lid on the cooker. Place the lid on the cooker and turn it counter-clockwise until you hear a "click," which indicates that the lid is locked into place. This step is crucial for pressure cooking.
• Set the pressure regulator knob. Turn the pressure regulator knob to the "Pressure" or "Seal" setting. This setting ensures that the cooker builds up pressure during the cooking process.
• Adjust the pressure button and cooking time. Press the "HIGH" button on the pressure setting to select the desired cooking temperature. You can also adjust the cooking time by pressing the "HIGH" button once for each minute or holding it down continuously until you reach the desired cooking time. For long-grain rice, 5 minutes is a good starting point.
• Start the cooking process. Press the START/STOP button to initiate the cooking cycle. The indicator light will stop flashing, and the cooker will begin counting down the minutes. You will also notice the Floating Valve rising as the cooker reaches the appropriate cooking pressure.
• Wait for the cooker to beep and switch to warm. Once the set cooking time is complete, the cooker will beep three times, indicating that it is done. It will then automatically switch to the WARM setting to keep the rice at an optimal temperature.
• Release the pressure and serve the rice. After ensuring that the cooker is turned off by pressing the START/STOP button, carefully turn the Pressure Regulator Knob to "STEAM" or "VENT" in short bursts to release the pressure. Then, remove the lid and serve your perfectly cooked rice!

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice and your desired consistency. For example, white rice with a moister consistency may require 4 cups of water or broth for 10 minutes of cooking time, while brown rice may need 4 cups of liquid for 20 minutes. Experiment with different settings and cooking times to find the perfect combination for your favorite type of rice.

How to clean your Nesco electric cooker

To clean your Nesco electric cooker, follow these steps:

Before the first use:

• Remove all packaging materials, including styrofoam, and discard them appropriately.
• Wash the inner pot, lid, and other removable components with warm soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
• Remove the silicone lid gasket by gently pulling it out. Ensure the gasket is clean and free from any debris.
• Insert the gasket back into the groove inside the lid, making sure it is properly installed behind the wire guide.

After each use:

• Unplug the cord from the electrical outlet and then from the appliance.
• Allow the appliance to cool before cleaning.
• DO NOT wash any parts of your appliance in a dishwasher.
• Use warm soapy water to clean the parts, then rinse and dry them.
• Wipe the base with a clean, damp cloth. NEVER submerge the base in water or any other liquid. Wipe the inside of the base as needed to remove any food residue.
• If the condensation reservoir contains visible moisture, remove it by pulling it down. Wash it in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry it before attaching it back to the base.
• Open the lid and remove the rubber gasket by grasping it on either side and pulling. Wash the gasket in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry it thoroughly.
• Reinsert the rubber gasket by pushing it down inside the edge of the lid, ensuring the 'v' groove of the gasket is centred around the wire ring on the lid.
• Clean the bottom of the removable cooking pot with a soft, damp cloth and dry it before using it again.
• Never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads to clean any parts of the appliance, as they can scratch the surface.

Additionally, here are some general tips for using and maintaining your Nesco electric cooker:

• Do not use roasting bags in the cooker.
• Do not put water between pans when cooking, as it can slow down the cooking process and make cleanup more difficult.
• Do not use your Nesco for deep frying, as the heat comes from the sides and the oil will not get hot enough.
• To prevent buildup on cookwells, do not spray them with non-stick sprays. Instead, use a light coat of liquid vegetable oil when making casseroles, soups, or chilli.
• Be sure to "cure" your cooker before the first use by removing all packaging materials, placing it in a well-ventilated area, and heating it on its highest setting for 30-60 minutes.

How to use your Nesco electric cooker to steam vegetables

Steaming vegetables is a great way to cook them while preserving their nutritional value and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use your Nesco electric cooker to steam vegetables:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Before steaming, make sure to prepare your vegetables by cutting any large vegetables into smaller chunks or bite-sized pieces. Root vegetables like carrots should be sliced, unless you are using baby carrots. Some vegetables, like artichokes, can be kept whole but should be trimmed. Cauliflower and broccoli should be broken into florets.

Step 2: Fill the Steamer with Water

The Nesco Food Steamer has a 400-watt stainless steel-wrapped heating base that holds 2 cups of water, allowing for up to 60 minutes of steaming time. Remove the steamer trays and fill the base with water.

Step 3: Place the Vegetables in the Steamer Trays

The Nesco Food Steamer comes with two 2.5-quart steaming trays and a 2-cup rice bowl, all made of BPA-free plastic. Place your prepared vegetables in the steaming trays. You can use one or both trays, depending on the quantity of vegetables you are steaming. The trays are clear, so you can easily monitor the cooking process without losing steam.

Step 4: Set the Timer and Start Steaming

The Nesco Food Steamer has a 60-minute timer with a power indicator light and an auto-shutoff function. Set the timer according to the type of vegetable you are steaming. For example, sliced carrots will take 6-8 minutes, while asparagus will take 5-6 minutes. Make sure the heating base does not run out of water during steaming.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Most vegetables should be tender but still slightly firm when cooked. You can check the texture with a fork or knife. The colour of the vegetable may also brighten during cooking. Once your vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness, turn off the steamer and serve.

How to use your Nesco electric cooker to cook meat

The NESCO Electric Cooker can be used to cook meat in a variety of ways, including roasting, baking, steaming, and slow cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use your NESCO Electric Cooker to cook meat:

Step 1: Prepare the Cooker

Before using your NESCO Electric Cooker for the first time, it's important to "cure" the appliance. Remove the lid, cookwell, and all packaging materials. Place the cooker in a well-ventilated area, plug it in, and heat it to its highest setting for 30-60 minutes. This process may produce a slight smoke or odor, which is normal and indicates that the insulation around the heating element is heating up for the first time.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

Roasting and Baking:

The NESCO Electric Cooker, such as the Roaster Oven, can be used for roasting and baking meat. Adjust the temperature control to the desired setting, typically in the 200°F range for slow cooking. For additional browning of meat, you can mix 1/4 cup of melted margarine with 1 teaspoon of browning sauce and brush it on the meat before roasting. Remember to stir the contents occasionally, as the heat in NESCO cookers comes from the sides rather than the bottom.

Steaming:

If you're using a NESCO Food Steamer, simply ensure that you have added enough water to the heating base to allow for the required steaming time. The NESCO Food Steamer can cook a variety of meats, including seafood, poultry, and eggs.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat

When using the roasting or baking function, you can place your meat directly on the rack inside the preheated cookwell. If desired, you can place the meat in a casserole dish, glass, stainless steel, or aluminum baking pan before placing it on the rack. For steaming, place the meat in one of the steaming trays or the rice bowl, depending on the quantity and type of meat being cooked.

Step 4: Cook the Meat

Close the lid and set the timer according to your desired level of doneness. Remember that the cooking time may vary depending on factors such as food size, thickness, humidity, and altitude. For safety, always use a separate 120-volt electrical outlet to plug in your NESCO Electric Cooker.

Step 5: Check and Serve

Once the timer goes off, carefully open the lid and check if the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness. If not, adjust the temperature or timer accordingly and continue cooking. When the meat is cooked to your liking, turn off the cooker, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and let it cool down before handling and serving.

Frequently asked questions