Steaming Zucchini: Tupperware Stack Cooker Time And Tips

Steaming zucchini is a quick, healthy, and versatile way to cook this vegetable. It is one of the healthiest ways to cook zucchini as it does not require oil or butter. The cooking time depends on how crisp or tender you want the zucchini to be. For crisp zucchini, steam for 4 minutes, and for tender zucchini, steam for 5-7 minutes. You can steam zucchini in a tupperware stack cooker by placing it in the cooker with a small amount of water, covering it, and steaming it until tender.

How to steam zucchini in a Tupperware stack cooker

First, wash the zucchini thoroughly under running water. Cut off the ends of the zucchini and slice it into uniform pieces. The size of the slices will depend on your preference, but they should be around 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick to ensure even cooking.

Next, fill the bottom tier of your Tupperware stack cooker with 1-2 inches of water. Place the steamer basket or insert that came with your Tupperware stack cooker into the bottom tier. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a metal colander that can fit inside the cooker and sit above the water. Place the zucchini slices in the steamer basket or colander, making sure they are spaced out to allow for even steaming.

Now, stack the tiers of your Tupperware cooker according to the instructions, with the tier containing the zucchini in the middle. Close the lid and place the cooker on your stovetop over medium heat. Allow the water to come to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Steam the zucchini for 5-7 minutes, or until it is tender. Be careful not to overcook the zucchini, as this will affect its colour and texture. Once the zucchini is tender, turn off the heat and carefully remove the tier containing the zucchini.

You can now season the zucchini as desired. A simple option is to drizzle olive oil over the zucchini, add some minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sesame seeds, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve the steamed zucchini immediately as a side dish or a light accompaniment to your meal. Enjoy!

How long to steam zucchini

Steaming zucchini is a great way to cook this versatile vegetable without losing its colour, texture, and flavour. It is also one of the healthiest ways to cook zucchini as it doesn't require oil or butter. Here is a guide on how to steam zucchini using a Tupperware stack cooker, along with some other methods.

Using a Tupperware Stack Cooker

To steam zucchini in a Tupperware stack cooker, first cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch (0.64 cm) slices. You can also cut the slices into halves or quarters if you want smaller pieces. Rinse the zucchini under running water to wash it.

Next, fill the base of the Tupperware stack cooker with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and place it on a burner on your stove. Turn the heat to high and wait for the water to boil.

While you're waiting for the water to boil, place the zucchini slices into the steamer basket of your Tupperware stack cooker, spreading them out evenly so they cook uniformly.

Once the water is boiling, carefully lower the steamer basket into the Tupperware stack cooker, ensuring that the basket sits just above the water level. The zucchini should not be submerged in the water.

Let the zucchini steam for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. If you want crisp zucchini, you can steam for 4 minutes, and if you want it softer, steam for 6 minutes.

Other Methods of Steaming Zucchini

Aside from using a Tupperware stack cooker, you can also steam zucchini using a steamer basket on the stove, in the microwave, or in an Instant Pot.

Stove

Fill a pot with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water and bring it to a boil. Place the zucchini in a steamer basket and lower it into the pot, ensuring the basket sits above the water level. Steam for about 5 minutes or to your desired tenderness.

Microwave

Cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch (0.64 cm) slices and place them in a microwave-safe casserole dish with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of water. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap and microwave on high for about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Instant Pot

Cut the zucchini into quarters and then into 1/3-inch (0.85 cm) pieces. Place the zucchini in a steamer basket inside the Instant Pot, along with 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Steam" mode for 1-2 minutes, depending on how soft you want the zucchini.

Tips for Perfect Steamed Zucchini

• Always wash zucchini before cutting and cooking.
• Leave the peel on the zucchini, as it contains most of the nutrients.
• Avoid overcooking zucchini, as it can turn mushy.
• Season steamed zucchini with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and/or lemon juice to enhance its flavour.
• Store leftover steamed zucchini in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

How to prepare zucchini for steaming

Preparing zucchini for steaming is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash and Cut the Zucchini

Begin by washing the zucchini thoroughly under running water. Using a sharp knife, trim off both ends of the zucchini and discard them. You can then cut the zucchini into your desired size and shape. For steaming, it is recommended to cut the zucchini into uniform slices, approximately 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. This ensures even cooking. You can also cut the zucchini into quarters or smaller pieces, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Steamer

Fill a large pot or saucepan with 1-2 inches of water. Place a steamer basket, steamer insert, or a metal colander inside the pot. Make sure the water level is just below the bottom of the steamer. If using a colander, ensure it is big enough to be supported by the rim of the pot without touching the water.

Step 3: Steam the Zucchini

Place the zucchini slices in the steamer basket, making sure they are evenly spaced to allow steam to circulate. Cover the pot with a lid and place it on medium to high heat. Bring the water to a gentle boil and let the zucchini steam for 5-7 minutes, or until tender. The cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of crispness. Be careful not to overcook the zucchini to maintain its colour and texture.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the zucchini is steamed to your liking, transfer it to a serving dish. You can season the zucchini with a variety of ingredients, such as olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss the zucchini until it is evenly coated with the desired seasoning. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve the steamed zucchini immediately as a side dish or an accompaniment to your main course.

How to prevent soggy zucchini

Steaming zucchini is a great, healthy way to cook this versatile vegetable. However, zucchini has a high water content, and it's easy for it to become soggy and mushy if you're not careful. Here are some tips on how to prevent that from happening:

Reducing Water Content:

• Salting and Draining: Sprinkle salt over your sliced zucchini and let it sit in a colander for 20-30 minutes, or even up to an hour if you have the time. This draws out moisture, and you can then pat the zucchini dry with paper towels or a tea towel. This method is especially good for grilled, roasted, or fried zucchini.
• Squeezing Grated Zucchini: If you're making zucchini bread, it's a good idea to squeeze out the excess liquid from the grated zucchini. This will prevent your bread from turning out dense and wet.

Cooking Methods:

• Steaming: When steaming zucchini, keep the cooking time short. Depending on the size of your zucchini slices, 4-6 minutes should be enough to retain some crispness.
• Roasting: For oven-roasted zucchini, thick slices of around 1/2 inch are best to prevent sogginess.
• Stir-Frying: If you're stir-frying zucchini, make sure your slices are thick enough, and cook them quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking.
• Microwaving: Microwaving is another option for a quicker cook. Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch slices, place them in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water, cover, and cook for around 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Instant Pot: You can also use an Instant Pot to steam zucchini. Cut the zucchini into 1/3-inch pieces, place them in the steamer basket, add 1 cup of water, and steam for 1-2 minutes. Remember to use the quick-release feature to vent the steam afterward.

Other Tips:

• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure your zucchini slices aren't touching when roasting or stir-frying, as this can prevent steam from escaping and lead to sogginess.
• Bring to Room Temperature: Bringing your zucchini to room temperature before cooking can help ensure even cooking, especially if you're cooking thicker slices.
• Under- rather than Overcooking: Zucchini is safe to eat raw, so don't be afraid to undercook it slightly. It's better to have a slightly crunchy zucchini than a soggy one!

How to store steamed zucchini

Once you've steamed your zucchini, you'll want to store it properly to keep it fresh and edible. Here's a detailed guide on how to store steamed zucchini:

Let it Cool Down

Before storing your steamed zucchini, it's important to let it cool completely. Place the zucchini on a plate or in a bowl and allow it to reach room temperature. Do not cover it, as this can trap the heat and create a breeding ground for bacteria.

Choose the Right Container

When it comes to storing steamed zucchini, always opt for an airtight container. You can use glass or plastic containers, but make sure they have tight-fitting lids. Avoid using metal containers as they can react with the zucchini and affect its taste and texture. If you don't have an airtight container, a zip-top bag will also work.

Refrigerate the Steamed Zucchini

Once your zucchini is cooled and stored in an airtight container, place it in the refrigerator. The zucchini will stay fresh and safe to eat for up to 2 days. Always use a clean spoon or fork when serving the zucchini to avoid contaminating it with bacteria from your hands.

Freeze for Long-Term Storage

If you want to store your steamed zucchini for longer, consider freezing it. Steamed zucchini can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cooled zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen zucchini to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

Defrosting and Reheating

When you're ready to eat your frozen steamed zucchini, simply take it out of the freezer and defrost it in the refrigerator for a few hours. You can also defrost it by placing the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water to speed up the process. Once defrosted, you can reheat the zucchini in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's heated through.

Food Safety

It's important to practice good food safety when storing and reheating steamed zucchini. Always use clean utensils when handling the zucchini, and never leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the zucchini develops an odd smell or colour, discard it immediately.

Frequently asked questions