Delicious Dishes You Can Make Using A Commercial Steamer

Commercial steamers are a versatile and essential piece of cooking equipment for any institutional or commercial kitchen. They can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, seafood, eggs, meat, rice, and even desserts. Steam cooking is a gentle and even process that helps retain nutrients, flavours, and the colour of food. It also offers quick cooking times and energy efficiency. Commercial steamers come in a range of options, from compact countertop models to large floor models, and use different types of steam and cooking methods to suit various needs.

Characteristics of Commercial Steamers

Seafood

Commercial steamers are a great way to quickly cook a variety of seafood, from shellfish to finfish. Steaming is a gentle, fat-free cooking method that preserves the natural moisture, juices, and nutrients of seafood. Here are some tips and instructions for cooking seafood in a commercial steamer:

Shellfish

Shellfish, such as clams, mussels, crabs, and lobsters, can be cooked using a simple technique. Bring a small amount of cooking liquid (water, seafood broth, or wine) to a boil in a pan with a tight-fitting lid. The cooking liquid can be enhanced by simmering ingredients such as lemon juice, white wine, onions, shallots, spices, or fresh herbs. Then, add the shellfish, cover, and cook until most of the shells have opened. Any shellfish that remain closed should be discarded.

Finfish

Finfish, such as whole fish or fillets, can be steamed using a steamer basket or rack placed in a pot with a small amount of cooking liquid. Place the fish on the rack, cover, and steam until cooked to the desired doneness.

Safety and Cleaning

It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use and maintenance of your commercial steamer. Keep the correct level of liquid in the steamer during cooking and allow for adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Regular cleaning and de-scaling are also important to maintain the steamer's performance and longevity.

Benefits of Commercial Steamers

Commercial steamers offer several benefits for cooking seafood:

• Quick and efficient cooking: Steamers can rapidly cook large volumes of seafood, making them ideal for commercial kitchens.
• Gentle cooking method: Steaming is suitable for delicate seafood as it uses moist heat and maintains a safe distance between the food and the heat source.
• Flavor and nutrient retention: Steaming helps retain the natural juices and nutrients of seafood, resulting in flavorful and nutritious dishes.
• Reduced labor and costs: Steamers eliminate the need for heavy stock pots and reduce overall operating costs.

Vegetables

Commercial steamers are a great way to cook vegetables quickly and healthily. They can be used to cook a variety of vegetables, including:

• Broccoli
• Spinach and other leafy greens
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Small potatoes
• Artichokes
• Sweet potatoes
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Baby potatoes

When steaming vegetables, it is important to cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. The thicker the vegetable, the longer it will take to cook. For example, carrots, potatoes, and other root vegetables will take longer to steam than more tender vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

To steam vegetables in a commercial steamer, start by heating about 1-2 inches of water in the steamer until it comes to a boil. Then, place the vegetables in the steamer basket, making sure to separate them by cooking time if you are cooking multiple types of vegetables. Cover the steamer and allow the vegetables to cook for a few minutes. Check the vegetables for doneness by piercing them with a knife or fork; they should be tender but still have a slight bite to them. Remove the vegetables from the steamer when they are done and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Rice

Cooking rice in a commercial steamer is a great way to achieve fluffy, aromatic, and flavourful rice. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you master the art of cooking rice in a commercial steamer.

Choosing the Right Rice

The type of rice you select will impact the texture and flavour of your cooked rice. Jasmine rice, Basmati rice, and short-grain sushi rice are all excellent choices for steaming. These varieties offer unique flavours and textures that make each bite delightful. It is important to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch, which can make your rice mushy, resulting in a less desirable texture.

Measurements and Ratios

The key to cooking rice to perfection lies in using the correct measurements and ratios of rice to water. For white rice, a good rule of thumb is to use one-and-a-half cups of water for every cup of rice. If you prefer softer rice, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of water. However, be cautious not to overfill your steamer, as the water should never touch the rice. This ensures even cooking and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.

Preparing the Commercial Steamer

Fill the bottom of your commercial steamer with water, ensuring it stays below the steaming basket. Place the soaked and drained rice into a steaming basket or a shallow pan that fits inside the steamer. Cover the rice securely with a lid or aluminium foil to prevent steam from escaping, allowing the rice to cook evenly and absorb flavours.

Cooking the Rice

Set your commercial steamer to medium heat and let it cook. The cooking time will depend on the type of rice and the steamer you are using. Typically, white rice takes around 20 minutes to cook. However, it's important to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for your commercial steamer. Once the rice is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This resting period ensures that each grain is tender and fluffy. Avoid peeking or stirring the rice during the cooking process to maintain even cooking.

Enhancing the Flavour

To make your steamed rice even more interesting, you can add flavours and seasonings. You can replace the water with tea or coconut milk for extra fragrance and flavour. Using chicken, pork, vegetable, or mushroom stock will add more umami to your rice. Additionally, you can add salt, a splash of oil, fried onions, tomatoes, spices, or other ingredients according to your preferred cuisine.

Tips for Perfect Rice

• Pre-soaking your rice for at least 10 minutes can enhance the texture and flavour.
• Use a shallow, heat-proof container that fits in your steamer, and always use cold water when placing the rice in the steamer.
• Avoid using a glass or thick ceramic dish, as it may take longer to cook and may not steam evenly.
• Lightly grease the steamer tray or use a non-stick cooking spray before adding the rice to prevent sticking.
• Remember that practice makes perfect. Adjust the water ratios, cooking time, and try different rice varieties until you achieve your desired results.

Meat

Commercial steamers are a great way to cook meat efficiently and healthily. The moist heat cooking method is perfect for cooking delicate foods, preserving the flavours and nutrients of the food being prepared.

Steaming is a gentle cooking method, as food is not agitated by bubbling liquid. It is also a very healthy way to cook, as no fat is needed to conduct heat. This makes it a lower-calorie, low-fat cooking method. The food also stays moist as it is bathed in water vapour.

Commercial steamers are available in a range of options, from compact countertop models to extra-large kettles. Steam kettles are large stainless steel pots that use steam to heat and cook food. They are perfect for batch cooking and are energy-efficient. Microwave steamers are compact and user-friendly, ideal for busy kitchens. Pressure steamers are another option, cooking food at high temperatures and ideal for dense and starchy foods.

Commercial steamers are a great option for cooking meat efficiently, with a range of options available to suit different needs.

Eggs

Commercial steamers are a great way to cook eggs, and they come in a variety of options, from compact countertop models to extra-large kettles. Steam cooking is a gentle and even process that helps retain nutrients and flavours in food, while also offering quick cooking times and energy efficiency.

Types of Commercial Steamers

Steam Kettles

Steam kettles are large stainless steel pots that use steam to heat and cook food. There are two types: jacketed and non-jacketed. Jacketed kettles have a double-wall design with a space between the walls that is filled with steam, which transfers heat to the food inside. This method of heating food indirectly prevents scorching or burning. Non-jacketed kettles rely on direct steam for cooking and are more cost-effective and easier to maintain. Steam kettles come in various sizes, with tilting and stationary options available.

Microwave Steamers

Microwave steamers are ideal for busy kitchens as they cook food rapidly while preserving flavours and nutrients. They are compact in size, energy-efficient, and user-friendly.

Pressure Steamers

Pressure steamers cook food at temperatures above the boiling point of water, resulting in faster cooking times. They are energy-efficient and ideal for busy kitchens that need to produce large quantities of food quickly.

Convection Steamers

Convection steamers use a combination of steam and hot air to cook food, ensuring thorough and quick cooking. They are versatile and ideal for busy establishments such as cafeterias, catering businesses, hotels, and large-scale restaurants.

Commercial Electric Steamers

Commercial electric steamers are user-friendly, energy-efficient, and offer precise temperature control. Many models have multiple cooking compartments, allowing for the simultaneous preparation of different dishes without flavour transfer.

Combi Ovens

Combi ovens combine the functionality of a convection oven with the addition of steam. They can be set to use dry heat, steam, or a combination of both, making them a versatile option for commercial kitchens.

Cooking Eggs in a Commercial Steamer

When cooking eggs in a commercial steamer, the process is similar to steaming eggs at home. Here are the general steps:

• Add water to the steamer: Fill the steamer with about 1 inch of water.
• Boil the water: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Prepare the eggs: Place the eggs in a steamer basket or directly into the steamer, depending on the model.
• Steam the eggs: Cover the steamer and let the eggs cook for the desired amount of time. The steaming time will vary depending on the desired doneness of the eggs. For soft-boiled eggs, steam for 6-8 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs with a translucent and bright yolk, steam for 10 minutes. For fully cooked hard-boiled eggs, steam for 12-15 minutes.
• Chill the eggs: To prevent overcooking and to ensure perfectly shaped eggs, immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath or run them under cold water after steaming.
• Peel the eggs: After chilling, gently tap and crack the eggs all over. Then, peel the shell under a thin stream of running water.

Benefits of Cooking Eggs in a Commercial Steamer

Cooking eggs in a commercial steamer offers several advantages:

• Easy peeling: The steam helps loosen the egg shell, making it easier to peel compared to traditional hard-boiled eggs.
• Even cooking: Steam cooking ensures that the eggs are cooked evenly, resulting in tender and evenly cooked whites and yolks.
• Nutrient retention: The gentle cooking process of steaming helps retain the nutrients and flavours in the eggs.
• Batch cooking: Commercial steamers can cook multiple eggs at once, making them ideal for preparing a large number of eggs efficiently.

Frequently asked questions