Steam cooking is for tender foods. Steaming is using boiling water to steam food by slowly cooking it. Basically boil water in any pot or pan with a tight fitting lid. The food is placed in a steaming bowl or tray over the water and cooked with the steam. Steaming is usually done using a steaming pot, but can be put in a saucepan with a lid using a steaming tray or a skillet using a bowl. Foods that can be steamed include fish or vegetables. Steaming allows food to maintain its flavor.
The stew is a cooking method with little water and slow cooking. It’s a great way to cook tougher, cheaper meats for a longer period of time, making them easier to eat and more flavorful. The stew can be made in a pot or pan with a lid so that the heat and steam remain inside, making the meat more tender. It has the advantage of cooking slowly and without constant care.
Boiling foods, like steamed foods, are for tender foods. Vegetables should be cooked by putting them in boiling water so that they cook quickly and maintain their flavor and minerals. Meats should be put in cold water and brought to a boil. Once the water boils, the temperature should be lowered to a simmer, which is when the water is just bubbling with a little steam. A saucepan is ideal for boiling food.
The roast is to cook in the oven on low heat and add a little fat to prevent burning and add flavor. Roasting is usually done with meats baked in a Dutch oven. Roasting is a great way to cook meats and vegetables together and keep the flavor.
Grilling is a method of cooking over an open flame using charcoal or gas. It’s great on meats and vegetables as it seals in the flavor and actually cooks the fats in the meats. A grill pan is best for this cooking method.
Baking is best for cakes, breads, pastries, and casseroles. Baking is done in the oven in baking dishes, casseroles, cake pans, and cookie sheets. Be sure to cook the food completely without burning the exterior. It is useful to have an oven that is capable of maintaining a constant heat at all times.
Frying is one of the most popular cooking methods. It is made on the stovetop in a skillet, skillet, or wok. using varying amounts of oil, fats or grease. Different types of frying include dry frying where no fats, fats or oils are used on heat and the food is cooked over low heat until golden brown. Shallow frying is done with enough fat or oil to cover the pan to prevent food from sticking. It is usually used for eggs, pancakes, and vegetables. Frying is the other method of frying. This method requires the food to be cooked in at least 2 inches of heated fat, oil, or fat. It is used to fry chicken, potatoes and many other foods.
Cooking is fun when you use the right method and the right pot and/or pan. Enjoy creating tasty, healthy and well-prepared meals.