Are you tired of boiled eggs with a rubbery texture, or cracking eggs while trying to make poached eggs? Rejoice, because you can steam eggs to perfection! Steaming eggs is a simple and quick process, and it yields tender and fluffy eggs. Read on to learn how to steam eggs in various ways and to discover ways to use steamed eggs in many dishes.
How to Steam Eggs
Steaming eggs is a hassle-free way of cooking eggs to perfection. It is an excellent way to hard-cook eggs, make soft-cooked eggs, and even steam eggs in the shell using a pressure cooker. Here’s how to steam eggs:
Steaming Eggs on a Stovetop
You do not need any fancy equipment to steam eggs. Use a pot, a steaming basket or a colander, and a tight-fitting lid as your steamer setup. Here’s how to steam eggs on a stovetop:
- Fill the pot with 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Set the steaming basket or colander with the eggs in the pot.
- Put the lid on the pot and steam the eggs for 6 to 13 minutes, depending on the doneness you desire.
- Remove the eggs and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Steaming Eggs in a Microwave
If you prefer to cook eggs in a microwave, you can also steam eggs. Here’s how to steam eggs using a microwave:
- Place the eggs in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid or a plate covering the top of the bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the bowl.
- Microwave the eggs for 4-5 minutes, depending on the desired doneness.
- Remove the eggs, and let them cool for a few minutes before peeling.
Steaming Eggs in the Shell Using a Pressure Cooker
If you want to steam eggs in their shells, you can also use a pressure cooker. Steaming eggs in the shell results in easy-to-peel eggs. Here’s how to steam eggs in the shell using a pressure cooker:
- Add 1-2 cups of water to the pressure cooker.
- Put the eggs in the steamer basket or on the steamer stand with enough space between them.
- Place the trivet in the pressure cooker and set the steamer basket on top of the trivet.
- Cover the pressure cooker and steam the eggs on high heat for 5 minutes for soft-cooked eggs or 8-10 minutes for hard-cooked eggs.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for several minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.
How to Serve Steamed Eggs
Steamed eggs are versatile and can be used in any dish that requires eggs. You can eat them as they are or use them in other dishes, including:
- Eggs Benedict
- Egg salad sandwiches
- Deviled eggs
- Scotch eggs
- Egg drop soup
- Frittatas
- Quiches
Why Steam Eggs?
Steaming eggs is the perfect way to ensure the eggs have the ideal texture without overcooking or undercooking them. Boiling eggs can lead to a tough or rubbery texture, and poaching eggs can be an intimidating process. Steaming eggs is easy and yields the desired texture consistently.
Do Steamed Eggs Taste Different?
Steamed eggs have a tender and fluffy texture that sets them apart from boiled or fried eggs. They don’t have a different taste as steaming doesn’t affect the flavor of eggs.
Can You Steam Eggs in the Oven?
Steaming eggs in the oven is not advisable. The oven is not a designed machine to create steam, and there isn’t any efficient tray or basket to keep the eggs in place while steaming. Besides, steaming eggs requires direct heat, whereas the oven’s heat is indirect.
Can You Steam Eggs in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen tool, but it’s not the ideal way to steam eggs. Although some people claim to have had success using the Instant Pot for steaming eggs, the success rate isn’t high. It takes roughly the same amount of time, and it’s easier to steam eggs using a regular pot or a microwave.
How Long Do Steamed Eggs Last in the Fridge?
Steamed eggs can last as long as one week in the refrigerator, and they are ideal for meal planning. Store steamed eggs in an air-tight container in the fridge, and you’re good to go.
Conclusion
Steaming eggs may seem like an unusual method to cook eggs, but it’s an efficient technique that ensures tender and fluffy eggs. Whether you want hard-cooked, soft-cooked, or steamed eggs in the shell, you can use various methods to steam eggs. Steamed eggs are a healthy protein source, and they’re a perfect addition to any dish.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: How do I know if the steamed eggs are cooked?
- A: The best way to determine if steamed eggs are cooked is to use an egg timer or a kitchen timer to track the time. If the eggs are soft-cooked, six minutes will suffice, and for hard-cooked eggs, it will take between 8-13 minutes.
- Q: Do I need to refrigerate steamed eggs?
- A: Yes. Once steamed eggs are cooked and at room temperature, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to seven days.
- Q: Can I use a steamer basket for steaming eggs?
- A: Yes. You can use a steamer basket, a colander, or any fitting container with a tight-fitting lid to steam eggs. Place the eggs in a single layer, and the water should not cover the eggs.
- Q: Can I steam eggs in a rice cooker?
- A: Yes. You can steam eggs in a rice cooker by using a steaming basket or setting the eggs on the rice. Fill the rice cooker with water and turn it to cook mode to steam the eggs. The cooking time remains the same.
References
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. (2019). Egg Products and Food Safety. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/egg-products-preparation/shell-eggs-from-farm-to-table/ct_index
Wikipedia. (2021). Steamed Egg. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steamed_egg