Let's explore some innovative ways to use those extra portions sitting in your fridge and discover the magic of the steam oven in creating inspired dishes.

Practical tips for reheating with a steam oven

1. Cover and contain

Use steam oven-proof containers and ensure that the food is covered to prevent it from drying out.

2. Add a splash of liquid

For recipes that may need a bit of a moisture boost, adding a splash of broth or water can make all the difference.

3. Be careful with your timing

Keep an eye on the clock. Steam ovens generally take less time to reheat foods evenly compared to conventional ovens.

Creative Steam Oven Recipes To Maximize Your Leftovers

1. Revamped Risotto

Leftover risotto can often become dry and clumpy when reheated traditionally. To bring it back to its creamy glory, place it in a steam oven-proof dish, add a splash of vegetable or chicken broth, and steam until heated through. Top it with freshly grated parmesan and chopped herbs for an exquisite remake.

In case you wanted to create a risotto from scratch, we've got one of our family recipes here to help.

Recipe: Revamped Risotto

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover risotto

• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Risotto: Transfer the leftover risotto to a steam oven-proof dish. Use a fork to gently break up any clumps, ensuring an even distribution.

2. Add Broth: Pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the risotto. Stir gently to incorporate the broth into the rice, but do not overmix.

3. Steam: Place the dish in the steam oven. Set the oven to steam at 212°F (100°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the risotto is thoroughly warmed and has regained its creamy consistency.

4. Add Flavor: Once the risotto is heated, remove it from the oven. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts and integrates smoothly.

5. Season: Add the finely chopped parsley and basil into the risotto. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently to evenly distribute the herbs and seasoning.

6. Serve: Transfer the revamped risotto to serving dishes. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for an elegant presentation.

Enjoy your flavorful, revitalized risotto, showcasing the steam oven's ability to turn leftovers into a delicious, gourmet meal!

2. Pulled Pork Slider Buns

Transform leftover pulled pork into savory slider buns. Simply reheat the pork in the steam oven to keep it juicy and moist. Serve it on small, steamed buns with a tangy coleslaw and a dash of BBQ sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

Recipe: Pulled Pork Slider Buns

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of leftover pulled pork

• 6-8 slider buns

• 1 cup coleslaw mix

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

• Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Reheat the Pulled Pork: Place the leftover pulled pork in a steam oven-proof dish. Set your steam oven to a reheat setting or 212°F (100°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until the pork is heated through and remains moist.

2. Prepare the Coleslaw: In a mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the coleslaw is well coated. Adjust seasonings to taste.

3. Steam the Buns: While the pork is reheating, place the slider buns in the steam oven and steam them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are warm and soft. This step ensures the buns stay moist and fluffy.

4. Assemble the Sliders: Once the pork and buns are ready, start assembling the sliders. Place a generous amount of pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun.

5. Garnish + Serve: Drizzle some BBQ sauce over the pulled pork for added flavor. Top the pulled pork with a spoonful of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.

Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Place the top half of the buns over the coleslaw-topped pork and serve immediately.

Enjoy these delicious, moist, and flavorful pulled pork slider buns—perfect for a quick meal or a delightful snack!

3. Steamed Veggie Frittata

Chances are high that leftover vegetables are a regular occurrence. Combine these with some beaten eggs, cheese, and fresh herbs, then pour into a steam oven dish. Steam until the eggs set, and you’ll have a fluffy, nutrient-packed frittata perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Recipe: Steamed Veggie Frittata

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of mixed leftover vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes)

• 6 large eggs

• 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)

• 1/4 cup of milk or cream

• 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, basil, or chives), chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the dish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Veggies: If the leftover vegetables are not already cooked, steam them in the steam oven at 212°F (100°C) for about 5-7 minutes until tender. If using already cooked vegetables, make sure they are chopped into bite-size pieces.

2. Grease the Dish: Lightly grease a steam oven-proof dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the frittata from sticking.

3. Whisk the Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the mixed vegetables and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Stir in the fresh herbs, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

5. Pour into Dish: Pour the mixture into the greased steam oven dish, spreading it out evenly.

6. Steam the Frittata: Place the dish into the steam oven and cook at 212°F (100°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Serve: Once cooked, remove the frittata from the steam oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy this fluffy, nutrient-packed steamed veggie frittata as a wholesome breakfast, lunch, or dinner option! The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—feel free to experiment with different leftover vegetables and cheeses to create your own unique version.

4. Fish Taco Fillings

Leftover fish can turn into a phenomenal filling for tacos when gently steamed to maintain its moisture. Serve with warm tortillas, shredded cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a light yet flavorful meal.

Recipe: Fish Taco Fillings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of leftover cooked fish (e.g., salmon, cod, or tilapia), flaked

• 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)

• 1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green)

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• 1 lime, cut into wedges

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil or cooking spray (for warming tortillas)

Instructions:

1. Reheat the Fish: Place the flaked leftover fish in a steam oven-proof dish. Set your steam oven to a reheat setting or 212°F (100°C) for about 8-10 minutes, until the fish is warmed through and remains moist.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

3. Warm the Tortillas: Lightly spray the tortillas with olive oil or cooking spray, then place them in the steam oven for about 2-3 minutes or until they are warm and pliable.

4. Assemble the Tacos: Lay out the warm tortillas on a serving platter or individual plates. Evenly distribute the reheated fish onto the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, red onion, and cilantro.

5. Add the Sauce and Serve: Drizzle each taco with the prepared lime-cumin sauce. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Enjoy these fresh and flavorful fish tacos, which make for a perfect light lunch or dinner option. The combination of tender, moist fish and crisp vegetables wrapped in a warm tortilla is sure to delight your taste buds!

5. Loaded Steam Oven Potato Skins

Got some baked potatoes left over? Scoop out the insides leaving a small border, and mix the potato flesh with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. Stuff this mixture back into the skins and place them in the steam oven until the cheese melts and everything is heated. Finish with a dollop of sour cream and chives.

Recipe: Loaded Steam Oven Potato Skins

Ingredients:

• 4-6 baked potatoes, cooled and halved

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Scoop out the insides of the baked potato halves, leaving a small border of potato flesh around the skins. Reserve the potato insides in a mixing bowl.

2. Mix the Filling: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon bits, green onions, melted butter, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the scooped-out potato insides. Mix everything together until well combined.

3. Stuff the Skins: Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato skins, packing it in until slightly mounded.

4. Steam the Potato Skins: Place the stuffed potato skins in a steam oven-proof dish. Set your steam oven to 212°F (100°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potato skins are heated through.

5. Serve: Remove the potato skins from the steam oven and let them cool slightly.

Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for garnish.

Enjoy these delicious and satisfying loaded steam oven potato skins as a hearty appetizer, snack, or side dish! The combination of creamy potato filling, crispy bacon, and melted cheese is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Steam ovens are a luxury that make everyday life better

A steam oven is a versatile tool that can transform your leftovers into delightful and nutritious meals, significantly reducing food waste.

Whether you’re revamping risotto, creating frittatas, or indulging in loaded potato skins, the steam oven offers a convenient and healthier way to enjoy your meals a second time around. So next time you consider tossing those leftovers, think creatively and let your steam oven work its magic!

Explore our wide selection of steam ovens at Trail Appliances and embark on your journey to prevent food waste and enjoy delicious, revamped meals. Visit us in-store or online to learn more about how steam ovens can enhance your kitchen experience.