How To Steam Off Cooked-On Pam?

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that is simple, quick, and healthy. It is a great way to cook food as it helps retain flavour, texture, and nutrients. All you need is a pot with a lid, a steamer, and a stove. You can steam a variety of foods, including vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, rice, and even hard-boiled eggs. Steaming is also a versatile technique, and you can steam food without a steamer by using a pot, pan, or wok with a small amount of water, bringing it to a simmer, and then placing the food in the steamer.

Steaming without a steamer basket

Steaming is a great way to cook vegetables, maintaining their nutrients, colour, and crispness. Here are some ways to steam vegetables without a steamer basket:

Using a Strainer or Colander

Place a metal strainer or colander inside a saucepan, ensuring that the bottom doesn't touch. Add water to the bottom of the pan, place veggies in the strainer/colander, and cook. Depending on the amount of food, you may need to work in batches.

Wire Cooling Rack

Place a wire cooling rack over a saucepan with about an inch of water. Top it with veggies and cook. A wider saucepan works best for this method.

Splatter Screen

Place a splatter screen over a wide saucepan filled with water. Add veggies and cook.

Foil Pie Tin

Take a foil pie tin and poke holes in the base. Place it upside down in a pot with a little water. Put your veggies on top and turn on the heat.

Plate and Foil

Find a heat-proof plate that's oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. Make three large balls out of aluminium foil and place them in the bottom of the pot. Add water, place the plate (with ingredients) on the foil balls, cover, and steam.

Microwave

Place veggies in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid and add a tablespoon of water. Cover and microwave for 2-5 minutes, checking frequently.

Steaming with a microwave

Step 1: Prepare your food

Wash your vegetables or protein thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also soak certain vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts in a bowl of cold water to get rid of any bugs. If you are using fresh vegetables, trim off any hard ends, fibrous bits, or damaged areas, and cut them into bite-sized or uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Choose the right container

Place your food in a microwave-safe container such as a glass, ceramic, or plastic bowl or dish. Make sure the container is large enough so that the food pieces are not piled on top of each other, allowing for even cooking.

Step 3: Add water and cover

Add a small amount of water to the container, usually around 1-3 tablespoons, depending on the amount of food. Cover the container with a lid, plate, or microwave-safe plastic wrap to trap the heat and create steam. If using plastic wrap, ensure it is labelled microwave-safe and does not touch the food.

Step 4: Microwave

Place the covered container in the microwave and heat on high power. The cooking time will depend on the type of food and the power of your microwave. For example, firmer vegetables like potatoes may take around 6-8 minutes, while softer vegetables like broccoli will take less time, around 4-5 minutes. Fish fillets usually take around 3 minutes but may need additional time in 20-second intervals until they are opaque and fully cooked.

Step 5: Remove and serve

After microwaving, carefully remove the container from the microwave and place it on a heat-safe surface. Be cautious when removing the lid or covering as hot steam will escape. Check that your food is tender and cooked to your desired doneness. If not, return it to the microwave in short intervals until done.

By following these steps, you can easily steam various foods in your microwave, from vegetables to fish and even rice, without the need for a traditional steamer.

Steaming with a pot, pan or wok

Steaming is a traditional Asian cooking technique that is a great way to prepare tasty and nutritious food. It is a moist-heat cooking method that is less disruptive to food than boiling, helping delicate foods like shellfish and vegetables maintain their nutrients and remain intact.

Steaming with a pot, pan, or wok is a simple process:

Step 1:

Fill your pot, pan, or wok with a small amount of water. The water level should be low enough that it doesn't touch the food when the steamer is placed inside. A good rule of thumb is to start with 1/4 to 1/2 an inch of water, or enough to reach about an inch below the steamer.

Step 2:

Place the steamer into the pot, pan, or wok, ensuring the water level meets the above requirement.

Step 3:

Place your food in the steamer, making sure the individual pieces don't touch unless you're steaming vegetables.

Step 4:

Turn the stove's heat to medium and bring the water to a simmer.

Step 5:

Put the lid on the pot, pan, or wok, and steam according to your recipe or the guidelines below.

Step 6:

When the time is up, carefully remove the lid and take out the food from the steamer.

Some additional tips for steaming with a pot, pan, or wok include:

• Refrain from removing the lid while the food is steaming, as this will let heat and steam escape, increasing cooking time.
• Grease the steamer with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking, or use a traditional Asian technique and line the bottom of the steamer with cabbage leaves.
• If you don't have a steamer, you can use a colander instead, as long as it fits inside the pot or wok with the lid closed.
• If using a bamboo steamer, it must sit in water at all times to prevent scorching, but don't overfill the water, as it might touch the food. Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed.
• If steaming directly on a bamboo steamer, use perforated parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or another form of non-stick protection to prevent food from sticking.
• For steaming larger items, a simple circular steaming rack with a large lid is a good option.
• A "hot dish steamer tong" is a useful tool for safely picking up large, hot plates.

Mistakes to avoid when steaming food

Steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook your food, but there are some common mistakes that people make that can ruin a meal. Here are some mistakes to avoid when steaming food:

Mishandling the pot lid

The lid should always be on tight during the steaming process to trap the steam and create the perfect hot environment to cook the food. There should be some space between the food and the lid so the steam can circulate. Don't pile the food so high that it touches the lid.

Adding food before the water boils

It is a mistake to place the food in the steamer over the water before the water has started boiling. It is more effective to wait for the water to boil, then add the food and seal the pot. If you add the food too early, you might overcook it.

Steaming for too long

Steaming is a fast cooking method, so oversteaming is common. To avoid this, always set a timer and test the food with a knife to see if it is easily punctured. Steam times vary based on the food, so you might need to add certain foods at different times.

Not cutting the vegetables purposefully

If you are just steaming one type of vegetable, cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. If you are steaming multiple types of vegetables, cut the ones that take longer into smaller pieces. The smaller the piece, the quicker it will steam.

Skipping the aromatics

Steaming doesn't have to mean bland food. Add aromatics such as garlic, ginger, onions, or herbs to your dish. You can steam them along with the food or add them to the water before boiling. You can also marinate the food in a sauce before steaming.

Adding too much or too little water

If you are steaming food in a basket, the food should never come into contact with the water, only the steam. Add enough water so that it is about one to two inches below the basket.

Not taking advantage of the microwave

You don't always need a giant pot and steamer basket to steam food. You can also steam food in the microwave. Place the vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl, add a small amount of liquid, cover the bowl, and cook.

Assuming you need a steamer basket

You don't always need a steamer basket. You can create a makeshift steamer with tin foil and a heat-proof plate, or use a disposable aluminium pie plate or elevated cooling rack.

Steaming food that is too bulky

Steaming is a speedy cooking method, but it can cook the surface of the food so quickly that the inside doesn't have time to cook. Don't try to steam super bulky or large foods, especially if you haven't chopped them into smaller pieces.

Not lining a bamboo steamer basket

Don't forget to line the bottom of a bamboo steamer to prevent food from sticking and to create a barrier between the food and the bamboo, which can absorb scents. You can use lettuce, cabbage, corn husks, or grape leaves as natural liners. If using parchment paper, poke holes in it to allow the steam to reach the food.

Benefits of steaming

Steaming food is a cooking technique that has gained popularity as it is a healthy, simple, and quick way to prepare tasty dishes. Here are the key benefits of steaming:

Retains Nutrients

Steaming helps food retain its natural vitamins and minerals, which are often lost during conventional cooking methods. Since there is no direct contact with water, the nutritional value of the food remains intact. This is especially beneficial for vegetables, allowing them to stay as close to their natural state as possible.

Enhances Flavor and Color

Steaming is an excellent way to bring out the natural flavor and color of your food, especially vegetables. The steam's moisture enhances the flavor, making your greens taste fresh and juicy. The vibrant colors of steamed vegetables also indicate a wider range of essential nutrients in your diet.

Reduces Fat Content

Steaming is a healthy alternative to frying or grilling as it does not require the use of oils or fats. This automatically lowers the fat content of your meal. Additionally, the steam helps remove and separate fat from meat, making it easier to discard, resulting in a healthier dish.

Easy to Digest

Steaming softens the fibers of vegetables and fruits, making them more easily digestible. This allows your body to absorb the nutritional content more efficiently.

Lowers Cholesterol

By eliminating the need for cooking oils, steaming helps lower cholesterol levels. The water or steam is sufficient to keep food from drying out, so you don't need to add any extra fat or saturated oils that can contribute to high cholesterol.

Convenience and Cleanliness

Steaming is a quick and convenient way to prepare meals. It allows you to cook multiple types of food simultaneously without any flavor transfer. Additionally, cleanup is a breeze, as there are minimal splatters and odors to deal with.

Frequently asked questions