Steaming Secrets: Using Heat To Cook Delicious Meals

Steamers are a common kitchen appliance, especially in Asian cooking, and are used to cook a variety of foods, from vegetables to meats and even desserts. The steaming process involves boiling water, which then vaporises into steam. The steam carries heat to the food, cooking it without submerging it in water. This moist-heat cooking method is gentle on delicate foods like seafood and shellfish, and it also preserves nutrients, unlike boiling or simmering. Steamers come in various types, from simple stove-top setups using pots and baskets to standalone electric steamers. The key to successful steaming is managing the water level and ensuring an airtight seal to optimise the cooking process.

The basics of steaming: boiling water turns to steam, which cooks food

Steaming is a cooking method that uses moist heat. It involves boiling water, which then turns into steam and cooks the food. The food is cooked at a higher temperature compared to poaching, braising, and stewing. Once water is heated past the 212°F mark, it stops being water and turns into steam.

Steaming is a simple process that requires only two pieces of equipment: a pot and a steamer basket. The pot is filled with a small amount of liquid, which is then brought to a simmer. The item to be cooked is placed in the steamer basket, which is suspended above the liquid. The pot is then covered, and the hot steam circulates through the pot, cooking the food very quickly. This technique is known as "compartment steaming."

There are different types of steamers available, such as stainless steel and bamboo steamers, which have multiple tiers for cooking larger quantities of food. Electric steamers are also available, which are standalone appliances designed to cook food on your countertop.

Steaming is a healthy and gentle way to cook food, preserving up to 50% more nutrients compared to other cooking methods. It is ideal for delicate foods such as seafood and vegetables, as it does not involve agitation, which can make foods mushy. Steaming also does not require the addition of fats like butter or oil, making it a lighter and more nutritious option.

The advantages of steaming: it's quick, simple, healthy, and gentle on food

Steam cooking is a quick, simple, healthy, and gentle way to cook food. This technique, which originated in Eastern cultures, is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. It is a versatile method that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from vegetables to proteins, breads, dumplings, and even desserts.

Steaming is a fast and economical way to prepare dishes. It allows you to cook different foods simultaneously, saving time and reducing the number of pots and pans to wash. The setup is simple and can be achieved with basic kitchen tools. All you need is a pot with a lid and a steamer basket or a heat-proof dish to place the food in. The food is cooked by the hot steam circulating through the pot, which cooks it very quickly. This method is known as "compartment steaming."

One of the main advantages of steaming is that it preserves nutrients. Since there is no direct contact with water, the nutritional substances in food are not lost, and the food retains its nutrients much better. This is especially beneficial for vegetables, as steaming helps soften their fibres, making them more easily digestible.

Steaming is also a healthy cooking option as it does not require the use of oil or fats. This results in dishes that are lower in calories and fat content. It is an excellent choice for those watching their calorie and fat intake. Additionally, steam cooking produces very little smell compared to other cooking methods.

Steaming is a gentle cooking method, making it ideal for delicate foods like seafood. It cooks at a higher temperature than poaching, braising, and stewing, but since the food is not submerged, it avoids the loss of nutrients through leaching. The moist environment inside the steamer also helps keep food tender and juicy.

Steaming equipment: stove-top vs electric steamers

Stove-top vs Electric Steamers

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that cooks food by surrounding it with hot vapour in an enclosed environment. It is a simple and healthy way to cook, as it does not require any added cooking fat and preserves more nutrients in the food compared to other cooking methods.

There are two main types of steaming equipment: stove-top and electric steamers. Stove-top steamers are generally more affordable and versatile, while electric steamers are more convenient and suitable for cooking larger batches.

Stove-top Steamers

Stove-top steamers are steaming inserts that fit into or on top of a saucepan or pot filled with simmering water. The food is placed in the insert, and the perforated base allows the steam to circulate and cook the food. Stove-top steamers come in various materials, including stainless steel, silicone, and bamboo.

• Pot (or Wok) with a Lid and Heat-proof Dish: This setup requires a pot or wok with a lid, 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.
• Stainless Steel Steamer: This type of steamer has multiple tiers, allowing you to cook single or multiple batches at once. You can place heat-proof dishes on the tiers or line them with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper to cook buns or dumplings directly on the racks.
• Bamboo Steamer: Bamboo steamers are traditional for Chinese dumplings and dim sum. They consist of stacking steamer baskets and a domed lid, providing ample space for cooking. Bamboo steamers need to be placed in a wok or pot with enough water to prevent scorching, requiring more attention during the cooking process.

Electric Steamers

Electric steamers are standalone appliances designed for convenience. You add water, place the food in the steamer trays, close the lid, and select the appropriate setting. Electric steamers often have multiple stackable trays, allowing you to cook different foods simultaneously.

Some advantages of electric steamers include:

• Ease of use: Electric steamers are simple to set up and use, with no need for a stove or additional cookware.
• Capacity: They typically have larger capacities than stove-top steamers, making them ideal for cooking for a family or a large batch.
• Set-it-and-forget-it: With electric steamers, you can add the ingredients, select the setting, and let the steamer do the work while you focus on other tasks.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Counter space: Electric steamers can take up valuable counter or storage space, especially if you don't use them frequently.
• Cost: They tend to be more expensive than stove-top steamers, and it is essential to read reviews before purchasing.

Both stove-top and electric steamers offer unique benefits depending on your needs and cooking style. Stove-top steamers are versatile, affordable, and suitable for occasional use, while electric steamers are more convenient, efficient, and ideal for cooking larger batches.

Steamer setup: how to set up a steamer with basic kitchen equipment

Steaming is a cooking method that uses moist heat. When water is heated past 100°F, it vaporizes into steam, which then cooks the food. The food is placed in a basket suspended above the water, so it never comes into direct contact with the water.

Now, here are three ways to set up a steamer using basic kitchen equipment:

Steamer Setup #1: A Pot (or Wok) with a Lid and Heat-proof Dish

You will need:

• A pot or wok with a lid
• A heat-proof dish that can fit inside the wok or pot
• Something to prop up the dish above the water, like a metal steam rack or a clean, empty metal can

Fill the pot or wok with 2 inches of water (or more, depending on how long you need to steam the food). Place a steaming rack or empty can in the center of the pot, and then put your heatproof bowl, plate, or shallow dish of food on top. Cover the pot or wok, turn on the heat, and bring the water to a simmer.

Steamer Setup #2: A Stainless Steel Steamer

You will need:

• A stainless steel steamer
• Heat-proof dishes
• Cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper

Fill the bottom of the steamer with a few inches of water. Place heat-proof dishes of food on the tiers, or line the tiers with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners and place buns, dumplings, or other foods directly on top. Bring the water to a simmer, cover, and steam.

Steamer Setup #3: A Bamboo Steamer

You will need:

• A bamboo steamer
• Shallow heat-proof dishes
• Cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper

Place the bamboo steamer in a wok with enough water to come up to the bottom rim of the steamer by about half an inch. You can either place shallow heat-proof dishes inside the steamer racks or line the racks with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners and place buns, dumplings, or other foods on top. Bring the water to a simmer, cover the bamboo steamer with its lid, and steam.

For all three setups, be sure to keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed.

Steaming tips: how to avoid common mistakes and enhance your steamed dishes

Steaming is a great way to cook food, offering a simple, healthy, and tasty method of preparing your meals. However, there are some common mistakes to avoid and a few tips to elevate your steamed dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Don't overfill the water: While it is important to have enough water, overfilling can cause the bubbling water to touch the food, ruining the dish.
• Don't boil straight away: It is better to bring the water to a boil first and then add your food.
• Don't steam for too long: Steaming is a quick cooking method, and over-steaming can lead to soggy food.
• Don't use a loose-fitting lid: The steam must touch the food to cook it effectively. A loose-fitting lid will lengthen the cooking time and may even lead to undercooked food.
• Don't forget to prepare the food: Adding herbs, spices, or garlic to the food before steaming can enhance the flavour.

Tips to Enhance Your Steamed Dishes:

• Use stock and herbs: Instead of plain water, try using chicken or vegetable broth, or add herbs like rosemary or garlic to infuse your food with flavour.
• Use a tea towel: To prevent condensation from dripping onto your food, especially when using a metal steamer, tie a thin tea towel around the lid to catch the drops.
• Use boiling water: When adding water during steaming, use boiling water to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Use different surfaces: Placing food on a plate, wax paper, or a heat-proof dish inside the steamer can make the process faster and cleaner, especially for sticky foods like buns.
• Use a wok: When using a pot or wok with a lid, a wok is ideal as it has a larger diameter and a more concave lid, creating more room for steam to circulate.
• Use a bamboo steamer: Bamboo steamers are excellent as they don't collect condensation, so you don't have to worry about water dripping onto your food.

Happy steaming!

Frequently asked questions