Why cook with steam? Well, for starters, it keeps food moist and prevents it from drying out. Then there’s the fact it preserves nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It also allows heat to be delivered more efficiently to the food than dry hot air, prevents flavour exchanges between different dishes and helps food to cook more evenly. If you’re looking for a delicious dish that’s of restaurant-quality, using a steamer or a steam oven is a no-brainer, really. So, with that in mind, we’ve rounded up our favourite recipes that call for one. Some require it for the star event, others use it only for the sides, and others still don’t even outright ask for it – though we’d definitely recommend. All, however, prove it’s a necessity in your kitchen. This gallery has been brought to you by AEG Matte Black & Winning Appliances.

Chicken bao (steamed buns)

With just eight ingredients and a prep time of only five minutes, these steamed buns take the meaning of ‘winner winner chicken dinner’ to a whole ‘nother level.

Oven-steamed soy salmon

Steaming this salmon locks in the moisture and infuses it with beautiful Asian flavour.

Flourless chocolate cake with blackberries and cashew praline

Tart and juicy blackberries balance the dark richness of this cake, but any berries will do. With an AEG SteamPro Oven, you can simply select your desired cooking temperature and the Steamify function will automatically add the optimal amount of steam to ensure the cake comes out moist.

Singapore-style chilli prawns

Soak up the extra sauce in this rich chilli prawn curry with steamed buns.

Lamb and spinach wellingtons

Serve these hearty wellingtons with a side of steamed green beans and baby carrots to add a lightness and freshness to your meal.

Mediterranean fish parcels

Swap a grill for a steamer and these salmon and potato parcels will be even more packed with flavour.

Korean-style roast chicken

Cooking this dish for guests? Marinate the chicken 1-2 days prior to cooking so that it can be ready to go when people arrive. Cooking it in a steam oven ensures its nutrients are maintained.

Spanish-style salmon with lemon roasted rice

Citrus and seafood is the perfect partnership in this Spanish-inspired recipe.

Sesame-crumbed pork cutlets with quick tonkatsu sauce

Master this Japanese classic and a fresh radish salad. Serve with miso soup and steamed rice to recreate a typical restaurant spread. This gallery has been brought to you by AEG Matte Black & Winning Appliances.