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High-protein cooking mastery with the Invoq Combi oven

Learn how to optimize high-protein cooking with precision and efficiency in HOUNÖ Invoq Combi oven.

high-protein cooking mastery with the invoq combi oven

23 April 2025

High-protein cooking is a core focus in modern professional kitchens – whether catering to health-conscious diners, athletes, or the growing demand for plant-based proteins. Yet, achieving the right balance of texture, moisture, and consistency can be challenging when working with lean meats, dairy, eggs, or alternative proteins. Dry, overcooked proteins or uneven batch results slow down production and compromise quality.

For chefs and foodservice professionals, the Invoq combi oven is the solution – a high-performance industrial oven engineered for precise cooking control, batch consistency, and time efficiency. Whether you are preparing protein-rich breakfasts, roasting lean meats, or steaming plant-based proteins, the Invoq combi oven delivers superior results while optimizing workflow.

Why high-protein cooking demands combi oven technology?

In commercial kitchens, high-protein ingredients behave differently under heat than traditional starch-based foods. Proteins firm up quickly, and without proper humidity control, they risk becoming dry or rubbery. In contrast, traditional convection ovens often lead to uneven dehydration, requiring more intervention from chefs. With the Invoq Combi oven, high-protein menu items are cooked to perfection with minimal oversight, allowing for a streamlined and efficient kitchen operation.

Precision, consistency and efficiency

High protein cooking in Invoq Combi oven

The Invoq combi oven is designed to balance heat and moisture, ensuring:

Precise humidity control: to prevent protein denaturation and dryness.
Uniform cooking for even results across all trays and batches.
Optimized textures – whether steaming soft eggs or roasting lean meats.
Automated cooking programs to maintain quality and consistency in high-volume settings.

Professional techniques for high-protein cooking in the Invoq Combi oven

1. Steaming:
retain moisture and nutrients

Ideal for: Chicken, fish, tofu, eggs, legumes

Steaming in a combi oven preserves the natural moisture in lean proteins, keeping them tender while maintaining flavor and nutritional integrity. This method is perfect for preparing juicy chicken breasts, flaky salmon, or soft, airy egg-based dishes.

Technique: Set the Invoq combi oven to 85-95°C with 80-100% humidity for delicate proteins like fish and tofu. For chicken or firm plant proteins, use 95-100°C steam mode to prevent drying. Use the oven’s multipoint core probe to ensure you reach the desired temperature.

2. Convection roasting:
enhance texture and browning

Ideal for: High-protein baked goods, seared meats, roasted legumes

When developing texture in high-protein dishes, convection roasting ensures even browning and crisp exteriors. This is essential for crisping falafels, roasting chickpeas for salads, or baking protein-enhanced wraps and flatbreads.

Technique: Use 200-220°C convection mode with 30% humidity for a balance between moisture retention and exterior crispness. This works well for golden-brown falafels, crunchy roasted chickpeas, or airy protein pancakes. For meat use the oven’s multipoint core probe to accurately achieve your target temperature.

3. Combi cooking:
best of both worlds

Ideal for: Large protein cuts, casseroles, meal prep

Combination cooking blends steam and convection, allowing protein-rich dishes to stay juicy while developing a seared exterior. This method is particularly effective for batch-cooking protein-rich meals like egg-based frittatas, roasted fish fillets, or layered casseroles.

Technique: Start with 25-30% humidity at 160°C, then transition to convection at 200-210°C to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and browning. Always use the Invoq oven’s combi function.

Menu inspiration

High-protein dishes in the Invoq Combi oven

Protein pancakes with banana – Light, fluffy, and nutrient-packed, with steam ensuring even texture.
Falafel with crispy exterior – The perfect crispness using convection and steam.
Cottage cheese wraps – Batch-cooked for meal prep, keeping protein intact.
Paleo bread – A high-protein, grain-free alternative with a soft, moist texture.

Current trends in high-protein cooking for professionals

Plant-based protein mastery – Advanced cooking techniques for pea protein, chickpea flour, and lentil-based dishes.
Gluten-free and high-protein breads – A growing market for protein-rich bakery products like protein bread and seed-based loaves.
Batch cooking for meal prep businesses – Using industrial ovens for scalable, high-protein menu offerings.
Precision cooking for lean proteins – Reducing food waste and ensuring consistent moisture retention in meats and seafood.

Discover our high-protein recipes here

Falafel

Crunchy, flavorful, and perfectly baked – prepare large batches of falafel consistently and efficiently in the Invoq oven.

Protein Pancakes

The perfect balance between taste and nutrition – bake large batches of protein-rich pancakes efficiently in the Invoq oven.

American Pancakes

Perfect volume and consistent quality – bake large batches of pancakes efficiently in the Invoq oven. Ideal for professional kitchens.

Easy Protein Flatbread

Baked to perfection in the Invoq oven – a healthy and airy alternative to traditional bread, perfect for sandwiches or wraps.

Maximizing kitchen efficiency with the Invoq Combi oven

✔ Faster turnaround times with programmable settings for consistency.
✔ Reduced energy and water consumption with precise humidity control.
✔ Enhanced menu flexibility, from roasting and steaming to baking protein-rich goods.

The Invoq combi oven is not just about high-protein cooking – it’s a tool for efficiency, precision, and innovation in professional kitchens. By integrating steam, convection, and combination cooking, chefs and foodservice professionals can produce high-quality, protein-packed meals at scale.

Looking to enhance your protein-focused menu with Invoq oven?

Get Started to learn more Invoq Combi