Steaming Cooked Burgers: Good Idea Or Bad Move?

There are several advantages to using a commercial steamer to cook burgers. Firstly, steaming is a healthier cooking method as it requires no added butter or oil. It also helps retain moisture, keeping the meat juicy, and is more efficient as it cooks the inside and outside of the food evenly. However, there are some drawbacks. Steamers can be complex to install and tend to break down easily due to mineral buildup. Additionally, they use a lot of water, which can result in higher water bills. Ultimately, the decision to use a commercial steamer for cooked burgers depends on balancing the benefits of faster cooking times, healthier food, and better moisture retention with the potential drawbacks of higher maintenance, water usage, and installation complexity.

How to make a steamed cheeseburger

Steamed cheeseburgers are a unique take on the traditional cheeseburger, offering a juicy and flavourful alternative to the classic pan-fried or grilled burger. This cooking method involves steaming the burger patty and cheese separately and then assembling them together, resulting in a moist and tender burger with melted cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious steamed cheeseburger:

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (ideally with 80% lean meat)
• Cheese (American, Cheddar, Swiss, or Muenster)
• Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Hamburger buns
• Condiments of your choice

Utensils:

• Large pot or skillet
• Steamer basket or metal rack
• Spatula

Instructions:

• Set up your steaming apparatus by filling a large pot or skillet with water. The water level should be just below the steamer basket or rack.
• Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce. Mix well but avoid overmixing.
• Form the seasoned beef into patties. A standard portion is around 1/3 pound or 6 ounces for each patty.
• Place the patties into the steamer basket or rack, ensuring they do not touch the water.
• Bring the water to a boil and cover the pot or skillet. Steam the burgers for approximately 7-10 minutes.
• After the allotted time, uncover and check the doneness of the burgers. They should be cooked to your desired level (medium-rare, medium, or well-done).
• Add a slice of cheese to each patty and recover the pot. Allow the cheese to melt, which should take around 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• While the cheese is melting, prepare your hamburger buns. You can warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or lightly toast them, depending on your preference.
• Place the bottom buns on plates and add your choice of condiments.
• Once the cheese is melted, use a spatula to transfer the cheeseburgers to the prepared buns.
• Place the top buns on the burgers and serve immediately while they are still hot.

Tips:

• If you don't have a steamer, you can create a DIY steamer by using a cookie cooling rack with legs that fit inside a large skillet with a lid.
• For optimal cheese distribution, poke a few dents in the burger patties before steaming.
• You can also steam the buns to warm and soften them slightly without making them soggy.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and condiments to create your perfect steamed cheeseburger.

The history of steamed cheeseburgers

The steamed cheeseburger, also known as a steamer or cheeseburg, is a hamburger topped with cheese that is cooked via steaming. It is believed that the steamed cheeseburger was invented at Jack's Lunch in Middletown, Connecticut, in the 1920s or 1930s. Jack's Lunch was a restaurant located at 434 Main Street and was operated by Jack Fitzgerald for 44 years. The steamed cheeseburgers at Jack's Lunch were cooked in a tall copper box filled with simmering water for 18 tin trays of square ground-beef patties. Cheddar cheese was offered as an option for an additional 5 cents.

One theory suggests that the idea for the steamed cheeseburger may have been influenced by the perception of steaming as a healthy alternative to frying during the 1920s. Steamed food was considered easier to digest than fried food.

While the exact origins of the steamed cheeseburger are attributed to Jack's Lunch, the concept of steaming food has been around for centuries and is used in various cuisines worldwide. Additionally, the town of Meriden, Connecticut, has played a significant role in popularizing steamed cheeseburgers. According to some sources, steamed cheeseburgers have been around in one form or another since the 1890s. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, workers in Meriden, a former industrial hub, would eat affordable and calorie-dense sandwiches of steamed cheese and bread. As meat became more affordable, ground beef was incorporated into these sandwiches, giving rise to the steamed cheeseburgers we know today.

Today, steamed cheeseburgers remain a unique specialty of central Connecticut, with Ted's Restaurant in Meriden being the most famous eatery serving this delicacy. The restaurant has been steaming up burgers since 1959 and has become a beloved staple of the region. The steamed cheeseburger has even gained recognition beyond Connecticut, making it onto the "Best Burger In Every State" list on Thrillist.

Advantages of cooking with steam

Steam cooking is a popular cooking method that has gained traction in the culinary world for its numerous benefits. Here are some advantages of cooking with steam:

Health Benefits

Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook, as it helps retain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. When compared to dry-heat cooking, less nutrients are lost, reducing the need to add salt or oil to your dishes. This makes steamed meals a healthier option. The gentle heat of steam prevents food from drying out, keeping it moist and juicy. In the case of burgers, steaming helps retain moisture even when cooked to medium or medium-well, resulting in a juicy and flavorful burger.

Flavor and Texture

Steaming enhances the flavor and texture of food. By cooking with steam, dishes retain their genuine flavor, allowing you to appreciate the true essence of the ingredients. This method is especially suitable for fish and vegetables, as it gently cooks them without requiring oil or butter. The result is a light and healthy dish that is easy on the palate.

Versatility and Convenience

Steam cooking is incredibly versatile and convenient. It allows you to cook a wide variety of dishes, from vegetables and grains to meat and bread. You can even cook multiple dishes simultaneously without transferring flavors between them. Steam cooking also reduces cooking time by approximately 30%, making it a quick and efficient way to prepare meals. Additionally, steam ovens are easy to clean, as the built-in steam helps lift food splatter, making cleanup a breeze.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Steam cooking has a long history, with its first recorded use in Ancient China. The technique then spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and the United States, where it gained popularity for its health benefits and unique cooking capabilities.

Disadvantages of cooking with steam

While steaming is a healthy cooking method that can retain moisture in cooked burgers, there are some disadvantages to cooking with steam. Here are some reasons why you may not want to use a commercial steamer for cooking burgers:

Safety Concerns

Steam can cause serious burns, and because it quickly dissipates from a container, there is a risk of burns when cooking with steam or removing food from a steamer. This is particularly true in a commercial kitchen setting where large quantities of steam are generated and handled.

Altered Appearance and Taste

Steaming does not allow for the browning of food, which can affect the appearance and taste of certain dishes. The browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a flavourful crust on grilled or fried burgers that adds a significant amount of flavour and texture. Without this, steamed burgers may lack the desired flavour and visual appeal, especially for those who prefer the traditional taste of grilled or fried burgers.

Limited Fat Content

Some people may prefer the taste that oils and fats can add to food. When cooking with steam, the fats in the meat melt away and are drained, resulting in a lower fat content in the final dish. While this can be considered a benefit for those seeking healthier options, others may find the lack of fat makes the food less appetising or satisfying.

Specialised Equipment

While it is true that steaming does not require a lot of specialised equipment, using a commercial steamer in a kitchen setting may require a larger, customised setup. This can involve additional costs and space considerations, especially if the steamer is designed specifically for cooking burgers or certain types of food.

In conclusion, while steaming may be suitable for certain dishes or those seeking healthier alternatives, it does have its drawbacks. These disadvantages should be carefully considered before incorporating steam cooking into a commercial kitchen setting, especially when it comes to cooking burgers, as it may impact the taste, appearance, and overall satisfaction of the final dish.

How to build your own steamer

Steaming is a great way to cook food, and you can achieve this without a designated steamer. Here's how to build your own steamer setup at home.

Firstly, you need a deep vessel to cook in, such as a wok, pot, or deep pan. The size of the vessel depends on the size of the food and/or the cooking container. If you’re steaming in a bowl or on a plate, ensure that it fits completely inside the vessel.

Next, you need a lid to trap the steam. When covered, the lid should not touch the food, so opt for a dome-shaped lid if possible, as this provides more room for the steam to collect and prevents the food from being squashed.

Finally, you need something to keep the food from touching the water. You can use any heatproof item, such as an inverted wide bowl or three aluminium foil balls. Alternatively, a round cooking rack is a good option, as these are reusable, sturdy, and just the right size, height, and shape.

Place the rack or bowl in the centre of the pot and add about an inch of water, ensuring it doesn't touch the highest part of the rack. Cover the pot and turn the heat to medium. Once the water is boiling or steam is visible, add your food, replace the lid, and let it cook as required.

Alternative Methods

There are a few other ways to create a steamer without a designated appliance:

• Pie Tin Steamer: Take two reusable aluminium pie tins and poke 12-16 holes in the base of each. Flatten one of the tins with a rolling pin, then place the structurally intact tin upside down in a pot with a little water. Rest the flattened tin on top and place your food on it.
• Strainer or Colander: Place your food in a large kitchen strainer or colander and set it on top of a pot of water.
• Cooling Rack: Place a cooling rack across the top of a pot of water, add ingredients, and cover with aluminium foil. Ensure the rack doesn't have spaces larger than the food to avoid it falling into the water.
• Plate and Foil: Find a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. Make three large, solid balls out of aluminium foil and place them in the bottom of the pot. Add water, place the plate (with ingredients) on top, and cover the pot.
• Splatter Screen and Bowl: If steaming a small amount of food, place a splatter screen on top of your pot, lay down your food, and cover with a large bowl.

Steamed Burgers

Now you know how to steam, you may want to try steaming burgers. This cooking method originated in central Connecticut and is believed to have been invented at Jack's Lunch in Middletown, Connecticut, in the 1920s or 1930s. Steaming was touted as a healthier alternative to frying, and it produces a moist, juicy burger.

To make a steamed burger, combine umami-rich soy sauce, tomato paste, and onion powder into the meat to mimic the flavours of a grilled patty. Then, cook the patty via steaming, either in a custom-built stainless-steel steaming box or using one of the above methods. Drain the fat from the tray once the patty is fully cooked. Finally, steam your bun to warm and slightly soften it.

Frequently asked questions