How to Use an Oster Food Steamer

Steamed Corn

Steam cooking is a simple, efficient and fat-free way to prepare surprisingly delectable dishes within minutes that retain their color, nutrients and flavor far better than boiling, frying and even baking. Oster has create a user-friendly, efficient steaming machine that just about anyone with access to running water and a functioning electrical outlet can use to cook grains, vegetables, fruit, eggs and even fish or poultry. You can cook an entire meal all at once with Oster's stacking steamer bowls and handy rice bowl, with only a modicum of cleanup.

Things You'll Need

• Oster digital food steamer
• Water, distilled if possible
• Vegetables
• Rice
• Eggs
• Fish or poultry
• Functioning electrical outlet

Instructions

1. Ensure that you've removed any extraneous stickers or labels, and have thoroughly washed and dried each non-electrical component.

2. Wipe the inside of the electrical base unit with a damp cloth. Place the steamer on a flat, stable surface with enough clearance from overhanging cupboards or any decor that can be damaged by escaping steam from the unit.

3. Make sure the removable heating element sleeve is in place before cooking, so that your steamer will function efficiently.

4. Fill the steamer water reservoir either by pouring water from a pitcher or measuring cup directly into the reservoir before inserting the drip tray, or into the water inlet located in the front corner of the base. The water inlet makes it easy to refill water during cooking if it gets too low.

5. Fill the water to the line indicated for the type of food you're cooking. Make sure the water is not higher than the "Hi" line, or lower than the "Lo" line.

6. Assemble the steaming components that you will need, such as the drip tray, steaming bowls, and rice bowl if needed. Place the drip tray in place over the filled water reservoir.

7. 

   Prepare your food in the usual manner by washing any fruits or vegetables, cleaning fish or poultry, and measuring all ingredients according to the guidelines for your intended dish.

8. 

   Assemble any ingredients that don't require sauce or liquid into the steaming bowl(s). Try to arrange them in the center and avoid blocking off the steam vents. You may wish to use separate steam bowls for meat and vegetables. Place the largest food items with the longest cooking time in the lower steam bowl. This will ensure that the hottest steam will reach them first.

9. 

   Place rice or any foods with sauce or liquid in the rice bowl. Place the rice bowl in the lower steam bowl only. When everything's assembled and ready to go, plug the unit into an appropriate electrical outlet, set the timer and turn the unit on.

10. Set the unit timer when you plug in the unit. The timer will default to five minutes. Adjust the time by pressing the arrow up or arrow down keys. The timer can be set for any time between five to ninety-five minutes, and cooking time will vary depending upon the meal you are preparing. The timer also has a delay setting for up to 12 hours, but you may wish to limit its use to rice or non-perishable items only.

Tips & Warnings

• As with all food preparation, it's best to use the freshest ingredients possible. During extended cooking times, keep an eye on the water level and replenish when necessary. Water should never go lower than the "Lo" line. Use distilled water, if possible, to avoid scale from developing in water reservoir and steam mechanisms. Always handle steamer components with hot pads or oven mitts during or after steaming. Remember that steam is very hot! Clean up is a breeze: Just wash each non-electrical component with hot soapy water and dry normally. Every few weeks or so, clean reservoir with white vinegar according to directions.

• Use only clean water in your steamer, absolutely no other liquids should be poured into the water reservoir--other liquids are what the rice bowl is for. Allow the steamer to cool before cleaning, and never immerse the electrical base, cord or plug in water! Just dump out any remaining water from the reservoir and wash the inside with hot soapy water. Children should be closely supervised when using your food steamer. Make sure the cord is not hanging off the counter and is well out of reach of curious little hands. Unplug unit when not in use and during cleaning. Keep the steamer away from hot surfaces such as stove tops and toaster ovens.

Resources

• Oster Products Digital Food Steamer
• A Plethora of Delectable Recipes