A slow cooker is an electronic cookware with a ceramic pot that cooks food at low temperatures and over a long period of time. A slow cooker is also commonly called a "crock pot", which is a popular brand of slow cooker. Food cooked in a slow cooker takes between 4 and 12 hours at a temperature of between 75 - 80 degrees Celsius. Let's learn to use the slow cooker.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Prepare the Kitchen
Step 1. Remove the slow cooker from its box
Wash the inside of the ceramic part and the glass lid with soap and warm water.
Step 2. Prepare a place on your kitchen counter
Slow cookers give off heat so safety is paramount. Make sure there is still room around the slow cooker, including the top, so that the heat during the cooking process can escape.
You can store a clean slow cooker in the cupboard and unplugged. If you choose storage like this, you will have to prepare a place each time you will use it
Step 3. Choose a slow cooker that has a "warm" setting, if you want it to cook when you're not at home
Older slow cookers may not automatically have this setting after cooking.
Step 4. Read the instructions for using the slow cooker
Different brands have different settings and instructions for cleaning.
Step 5. Look for recipes when you want to use the slow cooker
- Look for recipes specifically for the slow cooker. You can find recipes from cookbooks or online recipes that show the required temperature and cooking time, as well as the correct ingredients. Remember, you'll need to at least half fill the slow cooker's ceramic pot for cooking in order to cook according to the recipe. If you have a very large or small slow cooker, you may not need to change the portion. Most recipes for cooking in a slow cooker call for 4.5 - 5.5 liters.
- Find a regular recipe for dry heat cooking and adapt it to a slow cooker. In order to adjust the measure properly, you will need to reduce the liquid amount by 1/2, as the liquid will not drain from the pan. You should also put items that will be roasted on high heat on a "high" heat setting and items that will be baked on a low heat on a "low" setting. Also experiment with cooking times, but recipes usually take 4 - 6 hours.
Part 2 of 4: Preparing Ingredients for Cooking with a Slow Cooker
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients you need the night before, if you want to cook during the day
You can chop up vegetables or meat and make the sauce the night before. This way, you can put the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning and set the temperature to allow them to cook throughout the day.
Step 2. Cut the vegetables into large pieces if the recipe calls for you to cook them for more than six hours on a low setting
If you want smaller, firmer pieces of vegetables, add them later.
Step 3. Fry the meat until the outside is browned before putting it in the slow cooker
Fry the meat in a hot skillet with a little olive oil to brown all the sides. This will lock in the juices and make the taste richer.
This applies to large, diced cuts of meat. Make sure you cook it quickly and flip all sides
Step 4. Heat the sauce before putting it in the slow cooker. This will shorten the cooking time and allow the sauce to mix evenly.
If you prepared the ingredients the night before, mix the sauce in first and place it in the microwave for a few moments before putting it in the slow cooker
Step 5. Look for leaner cuts of meat when cooking in the slow cooker.
- Pork thighs and chicken thighs are cheaper than breasts and chops. Long cooking at low temperatures allows the fat to soak into the meat and makes it taste more delicious just like an expensive cut of meat.
- Buying irregular cuts of meat will also prevent your meat from drying out.
Step 6. Reduce the amount of seasoning you use
The longer the cooking time, the stronger the flavor of the spices. This is especially important if you are adjusting the dosage in a regular recipe for slow cooker cooking.
Part 3 of 4: Tips for Cooking with a Slow Cooker
Step 1. Use a slow cooker to keep sauces, soups and entrees warm at parties
Set the slow cooker to a low temperature to maintain the temperature when people open the slow cooker pot frequently.
Step 2. Don't be afraid to try recipes
Start with the recommended cooking time and adjust later.
Step 3. Set the slow cooker on the "warm" setting when the cooking process is complete, but you are not ready to serve it yet
Step 4. Do not open and close the slow cooker during the cooking process
Opening the slow cooker before the last 30 minutes will let the heat out and prolong the cooking time.
Some experts also believe that opening the lid while cooking meat will allow bacteria to enter your kitchen. Because slow cookers maintain a low temperature, foods such as chicken, pork, or fish, which require a high enough heat to kill bacteria can spread bacteria on utensils, countertops, and kitchen floors
Step 5. Unplug the slow cooker from the power outlet after use
Let the slow cooker cool completely before cleaning.
Part 4 of 4: Cleaning the Slow Cooker
Step 1. Remove leftovers from the slow cooker
We recommend storing food in smaller Tupperware containers, so you can clean the slow cooker after it cools down.
- If your slow cooker has a ceramic container that can be lifted, remove it from the heater to cool. Put it on the stove.
- If you can't remove the inside of the slow cooker, make sure the slow cooker is unplugged and completely cool before cleaning with water.
Step 2. Clean with soap and warm water
Slow cookers are generally very easy to clean. If you have crusty leftovers, soak them for 5-10 minutes in warm, soapy water.
- The movable slow cooker ceramic pot can also be cleaned in the dishwasher.
- If your food sticks to a lot and makes it crusty, you may be cooking too long.
- Do not use a harsh scourer to clean the slow cooker as this can damage the surface.
Step 3. Wipe the heating area at the base with a soft cloth dampened in warm soapy water
Wipe dry.
Step 4. Clean the splash of water with vinegar
Wipe dry after wiping wet to reduce water spots.
Step 5. Done
Warning
- Do not cook frozen meat in the slow cooker. A slow cooker does not cook meat at a temperature higher than 60 degrees Celsius. Meat that is between 4 and 60 degrees Celsius still contains harmful bacteria.
- Do not wash the lid of the slow cooker in cold water if the lid is still hot. The cap is not subject to sharp changes in temperature.
