Steam Oven Cooking Guide for Beginners,
Part 2
Steam ovens feature an array of great cooking function; however, one of the best features of a steam oven is the ability to reheat food with outstanding results. When cold food is reheated in a steam oven it literally brings food back to life as the steam gently penetrates into the food warming it evenly throughout.
Tips for Reheating Food in the Steam Oven
Most steam ovens have a Reheat function with a default temperature setting that the manufacturer has determined will provide the best results. Since the goal is to heat the food evenly it is best to use the preset temperature for most foods, although there are some exceptions.
Generally heating cold food takes approximately 10 minutes, but the time will depend on how dense the food is and the quantity being reheated. A large slice of lasagna for example might take 15 minutes whereas a dish with some grains and roasted vegetables may only take 8-10 minutes.
Food can be reheated in the oven cooking containers, on a plate or in a bowl or casserole dish:
When cooked meats such as beef or lamb are reheated the meat will take on a slightly greyish tone however, once you cut into the meat you will see it remains perfectly pink on the interior and will taste freshly cooked.
Pizza and baked items are best reheated at a higher temperature. Heat the oven to 350 and once hot place the pizza or baked item in the oven for 3 - 5 minutes depending on the density of the item.
The steam oven can also be used to warm dishes so that food stays warm when served and also to hold prepared food prior to serving.
Steam Oven Maintenance
Steam is a remarkable tool for cooking, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to take care of your oven and keep it free of moisture when it is not in use. Leaving moisture in the tank or not drying the oven out in between use can lead to mold growing on food particles that may not even be visible.
If you use your oven in the morning to cook oatmeal, poach eggs or reheat food then it is ok to leave the water in the tank if you plan to use the oven later that day. However it is best to make sure the tank is emptied daily and the oven dried out. To quickly dry the oven you can set it to the Convection mode 350 F for 10 minutes or wipe it dry with a soft cloth.
In the next Steam Oven Cooking Guide for Beginners, I will review cooking a complete meal in the steam oven as well as providing tips for cleaning and descaling.
Larissa, Your Convection Steam Oven Enthusiast
