Steaming Eggs: Using The Aroma Steamer For Perfect Results

Steaming is a great way to cook eggs, as it makes them easier to peel and reduces the risk of cracking. To steam eggs in an Aroma steamer, first, fill the inner pot with water. Then, place the desired number of eggs into the steamer tray and close the lid. Set the timer and steam for 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs, 10 minutes for medium-boiled eggs, and 12-15 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Once the timer goes off, immediately transfer the eggs to a bowl of icy cold water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, your steamed eggs will be ready to peel and enjoy!

Steamer basket vs. no steamer basket

When it comes to steaming eggs, you may be wondering if you need a steamer basket. The short answer is no—you can steam eggs without a steamer basket by simply boiling water in a saucepan and then placing the eggs in the water. However, using a steamer basket has its benefits.

If you're using a steamer basket, you'll want to fill your saucepan with enough water to reach the bottom of the basket (about 1 inch or so). If you're not using a steamer basket, you can get away with just a 1/2 inch of water in the bottom of your pan. The main advantage of using a steamer basket is that it allows for more even cooking. When eggs are placed directly in boiling water, they can cook unevenly and crack more easily. With a steamer basket, the eggs are lifted above the water, allowing the steam to cook them more gently and evenly. This results in tender whites and perfectly cooked yolks.

Another benefit of using a steamer basket is that it can make peeling the eggs easier. When eggs are steamed, the hot steam permeates the shell, making the egg inside easier to peel. This is because the air from the steam gets between the egg white and the shell, causing the membrane to stick to the shell and not the whites. This makes peeling the egg a breeze.

Whether you use a steamer basket or not, the process for steaming eggs is fairly similar. First, you'll want to heat your water to boiling. If using a steamer basket, place it in the saucepan before adding the water to ensure it's in place correctly. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and gently place your desired number of eggs in the steamer basket or the bottom of the pan. It's best to arrange the eggs in a single layer, but you can stack them if needed, adding a bit more time to the steaming process. Turn the heat back on to medium-high and cover the pot.

For soft-boiled eggs, set your timer for 6 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs with a still translucent and bright yolk, steam for 10 minutes. For fully cooked hard-boiled eggs, steam for 12 to 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, remove the eggs with a spoon and place them in a bowl of icy cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down.

So, while a steamer basket is not necessary for steaming eggs, it can provide more even cooking and easier peeling. Give both methods a try and see which one you prefer!

Boiling water first vs. adding eggs first

When steaming eggs in an aroma steamer, there are two schools of thought on whether it is better to boil the water first or add the eggs first. Here is a detailed analysis of both methods:

Boiling Water First

This method involves adding water to the steamer and heating it to a boil before placing the eggs in the steamer basket. This approach has several advantages. Firstly, it allows for more precise timing as you don't have to account for the heating-up time of the water. Secondly, it reduces the risk of cracking the eggs by gently cooking them in steam rather than dropping them into simmering water. This method is also generally recommended for steaming hard-boiled eggs, as it makes them easier to peel. The hot steam permeates the egg shell, loosening it and making the peeling process smoother.

Adding Eggs First

On the other hand, some people prefer to add the eggs to the steamer before turning it on. One reason for this is that it saves time, as you don't have to wait for the water to boil before starting the cooking process. Additionally, some believe that adding the eggs to room-temperature or cold water and then heating it up helps cut down on eggs cracking and leaking during boiling. This method can be especially useful if your stove or cooker takes a while to heat up.

In conclusion, both methods have their merits, and the choice between them may depend on personal preference, the type of egg dish being prepared, and the specific equipment being used. However, it is generally recommended to boil the water first when steaming eggs in an aroma steamer to ensure more precise cooking times and to facilitate the peeling process for hard-boiled eggs.

Soft-boiled eggs

Step 1: Prepare Your Aroma Steamer

Fill the inner pot of your aroma steamer with water. The amount of water you need will depend on the type of aroma steamer you have. If you have a steamer with a steam tray, add around 2 cups of water to the inner pot. If your steamer doesn't have a steam tray, add 3-6 tablespoons of water, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

Place the desired number of eggs into the steam tray. If your steamer doesn't have a steam tray, you can put the eggs directly into the inner pot. Make sure the eggs are cold from the fridge, as this will give you the best results.

Step 3: Start Steaming

Close the lid of your aroma steamer and turn it on. Select the appropriate function and set the timer for soft-boiled eggs. The steaming time will vary depending on your steamer model and your desired level of doneness. For soft-boiled eggs, steam for 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Cool the Eggs

Once the timer goes off, carefully transfer the eggs to a bowl of iced water. This will stop the cooking process and help loosen the shells for easier peeling. Allow the eggs to sit in the ice bath for 2-3 minutes before peeling.

Step 5: Peel and Enjoy

After the eggs have cooled, it's time to peel them. Start by gently tapping the fat end of the egg on a hard surface to create a crack. Then, gently tap the sides of the egg and roll it between your hands to create more cracks. Finally, start peeling from the cracked bottom and work your way up. Enjoy your soft-boiled eggs as-is or with your favourite seasonings!

By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy perfectly soft-boiled eggs with tender whites and creamy yolks, thanks to the gentle cooking method of steaming.

Medium-boiled eggs

Steaming is a great way to cook medium-boiled eggs, resulting in a more tender egg white and a creamier yolk. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect medium-boiled eggs using an aroma steamer:

Step 1: Prepare the Aroma Steamer

Fill the inner pot of your Aroma steamer with water. The amount of water will vary depending on the model of your steamer. For the Aroma® 14-Cup Rice & Grain Cooker Steamer, add 2 cups of water to the inner pot. If you are using a different model, refer to the instructions for the appropriate amount of water.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggs

Place the desired number of eggs into the steam tray. If your steamer does not have a steam tray, carefully place the eggs directly into the inner pot.

Step 3: Start Steaming

Close the lid of the steamer and turn it on. If your steamer has a specific steam function, select that. Otherwise, select the White Rice function. Set the timer for medium-boiled eggs, which is typically around 11 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your preference for the yolk consistency and the model of your steamer.

Step 4: Prepare an Ice Bath

While the eggs are steaming, prepare a bowl of iced water. This will help stop the cooking process and cool the eggs down quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Peel the Eggs

Once the timer goes off, carefully transfer the eggs to the prepared ice bath. Allow them to cool for at least 2-3 minutes. To peel the eggs, gently tap them all over to crack the shell, then remove the shell under a thin stream of running water.

Tips and Variations:

• The steaming time may vary depending on factors such as egg size, altitude, and your desired yolk consistency. It is recommended to experiment with the timing to find the perfect setting for your preference.
• For soft-boiled eggs, steam for 6-8 minutes. For hard-boiled eggs, steam for 12-15 minutes.
• For room-temperature eggs, you can reduce the steaming time slightly.
• If you don't have an aroma steamer, you can use a pot with a steamer basket or a metal colander to steam your eggs.

Hard-boiled eggs

Steaming is a great way to make hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it using an aroma steamer:

Firstly, prepare your steamer by filling the bottom of the pot with water. The water level should be just below the bottom of the steamer basket, usually around 1 inch of water. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a small metal colander or sieve instead. Just make sure you can still cover the pot to prevent steam from escaping.

Next, place the steamer basket into the pot, cover it, and bring the water to a boil over high heat. While you're waiting for the water to boil, get your eggs. It's best if they're at room temperature, and you can fit as many as will comfortably sit in a single layer in the steamer basket.

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the eggs into the steamer basket. Cover the pot again and start timing. For hard-boiled eggs, you'll want to steam them for 12 to 15 minutes. If you prefer your eggs to be soft-boiled, steam for 6 minutes.

When the timer goes off, turn off the heat and carefully remove the hot water from the pot. Fill the pot with cold water and add some ice cubes to help the eggs cool down faster. Let the eggs sit in the ice water for about 10 to 20 minutes, or until they're completely cooled.

Finally, gently tap the eggs on the counter to crack the shell, then peel under a thin stream of running water. And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed hard-boiled eggs that are easy to peel and ready to eat or use in your favourite recipes.

Frequently asked questions