Steam Cooking Simplified: Setting Up Your Steam Cooker

Steam cooking is a healthy and efficient way to cook food. It helps to lock in essential vitamins and minerals, retain flavour and texture, and doesn't require the addition of fats or oils. It's also a great way to cook multiple foods at once.

There are several ways to set up a steamer, depending on the equipment you have available. You can use a pot or wok with a lid, a stainless steel steamer, or a bamboo steamer.

If using a pot or wok, you'll need a heat-proof dish that fits inside, and something to prop up the dish above the water, such as a metal steam rack or a clean metal can. Simply fill the pot with water, place the rack or can in the centre, and put your dish of food on top.

A stainless steel steamer is a user-friendly tiered steamer that allows you to cook a large volume of food. You can place heat-proof dishes of food on the tiers, or line them with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners and place food directly on top.

To use a bamboo steamer, place it in a wok with enough water to come up the bottom rim by about half an inch. You'll need to keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed to prevent the bottom rim from getting scorched.

Use a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish

If you don't have a specialised steaming setup, you can still achieve great results by using a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, choose a pot or wok that has a tight-fitting lid. The lid is crucial as it helps trap the steam, creating a moist environment that cooks your food evenly. Make sure the pot or wok is large enough to accommodate the dish you'll be using.

Next, select a heat-proof dish that fits comfortably inside your chosen pot or wok. This could be a ceramic or glass dish, or even a metal container, as long as it can withstand the heat. The dish should be slightly smaller than the pot or wok to ensure adequate circulation of steam around it.

Now, add water to the pot or wok. The amount of water depends on the cooking time and the amount of steam you need. As a general rule, add enough water to just touch the bottom of the heat-proof dish when it's placed in the pot or wok. For longer cooking times or more steam, you can add slightly more water, but be careful not to add too much, as this can cause boiling or spillage.

Place the heat-proof dish inside the pot or wok, ensuring it's stable and secure. The dish should not be submerged in the water; it needs to sit above it. Now, add your food to the dish. This could be anything you wish to steam, from vegetables to fish or dumplings. Ensure the food is prepared in a way that suits steaming, such as being cut into even pieces or marinated with flavours that complement the gentle cooking method.

Cover the pot or wok with the lid. This traps the steam inside, ensuring a consistent and moist cooking environment. Turn the heat to medium-high. The water will start to boil, and steam will circulate around the dish, gently cooking your food. Adjust the heat as needed to control the steam and prevent boiling or dryness during cooking.

Finally, use a timer and regularly check on your food to ensure it's cooked to your liking. Steaming times vary, so stay vigilant. Once done, carefully remove the lid, being mindful of the escaping steam, and then enjoy your perfectly steamed dish.

Set up a stainless steel steamer

Setting up a stainless steel steamer is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, fill the bottom of the steamer with water. You will need a few inches of water, depending on how long you plan to steam your food. It is generally recommended to have at least 2 inches of water in the steamer, and you may need more for longer steaming times.

Next, set up the tiers of the steamer. You can use as many tiers as you need, depending on the quantity of food you are steaming. Place heat-proof dishes of food on the tiers, or if you are steaming buns or dumplings, line the tiers with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Then, bring the water to a simmer and cover the steamer with its lid. Make sure that the lid is on securely, as this will help to trap the steam inside the steamer.

Finally, let the food steam until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady simmer.

Additionally, here are some tips for using a stainless steel steamer:

• To prevent condensation from dripping onto your food, you can tie a thin kitchen towel or tea towel around the lid, with the cloth on the inside to catch any condensation. Secure the ends so they don't touch the heat source.
• Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed to ensure the steamer doesn't boil dry.
• Always use oven mitts or heat-proof gloves when handling the steamer, as the steam can cause severe burns.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully set up and use a stainless steel steamer for cooking a variety of foods.

Use a bamboo steamer

Using a bamboo steamer is a great way to cook or reheat your food. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use one:

Step 1: Gather your ingredients

Choose the ingredients you want to steam. This could include vegetables, rice, seafood, dumplings, buns, or any other food that benefits from gentle and moist cooking.

Step 2: Line the bamboo steamer (optional)

If you're placing food directly on the steamer bed (for instance, with buns or dumplings), use parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or bamboo leaves to line it and prevent the food from sticking to the bamboo base. This step is optional but will make cleaning easier and enhance the presentation of the food.

Step 3: Boil water in a pot or wok

Select a pot or wok large enough to accommodate the bamboo steamer. Fill it with water, ensuring the water level is below the bottom tier of the steamer when placed on top. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Arrange the food

While the water is boiling, place the food you want to steam onto the bamboo base (or whatever you've used to line the base). Make sure there is enough space between each piece for the steam to circulate. Keep in mind that different ingredients may require different cooking times, so consider their individual needs when arranging them in the steamer.

Step 5: Stack the tiers

If your bamboo steamer has multiple tiers, stack them on top of each other, ensuring the lid fits securely on the top tier.

Step 6: Place the bamboo steamer on the pot or wok

Carefully place the bamboo steamer on top of the pot or wok, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer. The steam will cook the food without direct contact with the water.

Step 7: Cover with the lid

Place the fitted lid on top of the bamboo steamer, ensuring it fits snugly. The lid helps trap the steam within each tier, ensuring even cooking.

Step 8: Steam the food

Allow the food to steam for the recommended cooking time. The cooking time can vary depending on the ingredients and your desired level of doneness. Check the food periodically to avoid overcooking.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy

Once the food is cooked to your liking, carefully remove the bamboo steamer from the pot or wok using oven mitts or kitchen tongs. Be cautious of the hot steam when removing the lid. Transfer the steamed food to a serving platter and enjoy it while it's hot and flavourful.

Caring for your bamboo steamer:

To clean your bamboo steamer, wash it with a sponge and mild dish soap, then immediately rinse it thoroughly. Let the steamer air dry for at least two days before storing it away to prevent any mildew or mould.

Steam food in the microwave

Steaming is a delicious and healthy way to cook many kinds of food. You can steam food in a microwave, and it's super easy! Here's how:

Step 1: Prepare Your Food

First, decide what you want to steam. You can steam most vegetables, fish, and rice in the microwave.

If you're steaming veggies, rinse them thoroughly with water to remove any dirt and debris. You can steam veggies whole or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Broccoli, spinach, kale, asparagus, carrots, and potatoes are just some of the veggies that steam well in the microwave.

For fish, choose fillets that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. You can use any type of fish, but whitefish like cod and haddock work particularly well.

Step 2: Choose a Microwave-Safe Container

Place your food in a microwave-safe container. Glass, ceramic, and plastic bowls and dishes are good options. Avoid using flimsy plastic containers, aluminium foil, or plastic bags in the microwave.

Step 3: Add Water

Add a small amount of water to your container. The water will create steam when heated. The amount of water you need will depend on the food you're steaming, but usually, 2-3 tablespoons (30-44 ml) is enough.

Step 4: Cover the Container

Cover the container with a lid, plate, or microwave-safe plastic wrap. This will help trap the heat and create steam. If using plastic wrap, ensure it doesn't touch the food and that it's labelled "microwave-safe."

Step 5: Microwave Your Food

Place the covered container in the microwave and heat on HIGH. The cooking time will depend on the type of food and your microwave's strength. For example, sliced carrots may take 6-8 minutes, while broccoli will take around 5 minutes. Fish fillets usually take about 3 minutes.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Remove the container from the microwave and carefully take off the cover, being cautious of hot steam. Use a fork to pierce the food to check if it's tender. If it's still too crisp, put it back in the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals.

And that's it! You've now successfully steamed food in the microwave. Enjoy your tasty and healthy meal!

Use an electric steamer

Using an electric steamer is a great way to cook your food without sacrificing the nutrient quality or taste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use an electric steamer:

Step 1: Precautions

Before using an electric steamer, it is important to read the instructions that came with your steamer. Taking proper safety precautions can help prevent injuries and fires/burns. Here are some general precautions to keep in mind:

• Never submerge the cord, plug, or base unit in water.
• Only use electric steamers indoors and on a stable surface, such as a kitchen counter.
• Only use the steamer while water is in the reservoir. Running a steamer dry may overheat the steamer, which can damage the equipment and may cause a fire.
• Use caution when opening the steamer, as there will be hot condensation on the inside of the lid. Opening it too quickly could result in accidental scalding.
• Unplug the steamer when it's not in use.
• Always let the steamer cool off before adding, removing, or cleaning any part of it, and make sure it is turned off and unplugged before doing so.

Step 2: Assemble the Parts

Different electric steamers may have slightly different components, but in general, you should have the following basic parts:

• The base unit, which contains the water reservoir.
• One to three baskets, which you will arrange your food on.
• A lid with vents and a handle.

Step 3: Fill the Reservoir

Fill the base unit with fresh, cool water. Follow any specific instructions that came with your steamer regarding how much water to use. If no instructions are provided, fill the reservoir up to the maximum fill line but do not exceed it. Make sure that the diffuser tray, if your steamer has one, is properly in place.

Step 4: Prepare the Food

Cut your food into equal-sized pieces. Arrange them loosely in the baskets to allow steam to circulate. Limit the baskets to a single layer of food if possible. Once your food is in the baskets, cover the steamer with the lid.

Step 5: Turn on the Steamer

Plug in your steamer and set the timer according to the type and quantity of food you are cooking. Follow any specific instructions that came with your steamer for proper cook times and preparation tips.

Step 6: Serve the Food

When the timer goes off, your food should be ready to serve. Enjoy your freshly steamed meal!

Using an electric steamer is a convenient and healthy way to prepare your food. By following these steps, you can easily master the art of steaming and enjoy tasty and nutritious meals.

Frequently asked questions