Steaming Basics: Cooking With Steam For Beginners

Steaming is a cooking method that uses moist heat to cook food. It is considered a healthy cooking technique that can be used for many kinds of foods, including vegetables, fish, meat, and dumplings. The process involves boiling water in a pot, which then vaporizes into steam. The steam carries heat to the nearby food, cooking it without submerging it in water. This technique is known as compartment steaming and is often done using a food steamer, a kitchen appliance designed specifically for steam cooking. However, steaming can also be achieved with simple equipment like a pot, a steamer basket, and a stove.

How to steam vegetables

Steaming is a great way to cook vegetables, preserving their nutrients and colour. It's also one of the quickest cooking methods, so you can get your veggies on the table fast! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables:

What You'll Need

You'll need a pot or saucepan with a lid, and a steamer basket or colander that fits inside. You can also use a skillet with a custom steamer basket or a bamboo steamer. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe bowl or dish with plastic wrap or a plate to cover it.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly. The thicker the vegetable, the longer it will take to cook.

Step 2: Add Water and the Steamer Basket

Add about 1-2 inches of water to the bottom of the pot or saucepan. The amount of water will depend on the size of your pot and the type of vegetable you're cooking. The surface of the water should be just under the steamer basket.

Step 3: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the steamer basket in the pot and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the vegetables to the basket. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam inside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Cook the vegetables until they are just tender when pricked with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of vegetable. For example, broccoli takes 3-5 minutes, green beans and carrots take 4-5 minutes, and cauliflower takes 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Remove and Season the Vegetables

Carefully remove the vegetables from the steamer and place them in a bowl. You can season them with a bit of olive oil or butter, and kosher salt to taste. You can also add fresh herbs, lemon juice, feta cheese crumbles, or other spices to enhance the flavour.

Tips:

• Don't overcook the vegetables. Keep an eye on them and taste-test them to avoid overcooking.
• You can steam frozen vegetables, but they may take a few minutes longer to cook.
• Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the nutrients and texture of the vegetables. It's a healthier alternative to boiling, which can lead to nutrient loss.
• You can also steam vegetables in the microwave or using an Instant Pot or rice cooker.

How to steam fish

Steaming is a great way to cook fish, especially if you are looking for a healthy, quick, and easy method. It is a moist-heat cooking technique that uses hot steam to cook food without disturbing it in a boiling liquid, leaving it tender and moist.

First, you will need a pot or a wok, a steamer basket, and a lid. You can use a bamboo steamer, which is relatively inexpensive and can be found at a local Asian market or online. Alternatively, you can use a metal steaming rack inside a large pot with a lid.

Fill the bottom of your pot or wok with at least an inch of water and bring it to a boil. If using a bamboo steamer, ensure that the bottom is submerged in the water, but leave at least half an inch of space between the water and your food. For metal steaming racks, simply place them inside the pot, ensuring they sit above the water level.

Now, prepare your fish. Choose a mild-flavored, delicate white fish such as cod, haddock, or perch. The fish should be about 5/8-inch thick and fresh, as steaming is a delicate cooking method that may not mask the taste of old fish. Cut your fish into individual servings of around 5oz each, or you can cook one larger fillet (around 1lb 5oz).

Before placing the fish in the steamer, you can drizzle it with olive oil and lemon juice, or a mixture of Chinese cooking wine, salt, and pepper. You can also add aromatics like ginger, garlic, and onions to infuse extra flavor into the fish.

Place the fish on a heat-proof plate or directly onto the steamer rack, ensuring it is elevated above the water. Cover the pot and steam for 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness and type of fish. The fish is done when it is opaque and just barely flaky.

Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the steamer and place it on a warm platter or plate. You can now add your preferred seasonings or sauces. For a Chinese-style dish, scatter green onions, ginger, and chili over the fish, and then drizzle hot oil on top to create a sizzling, aromatic finish.

And that's it! You now have a perfectly steamed fish dish that is healthy, tasty, and simple to make.

How to steam meat

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that results in tender and flavourful meat. It is a gentle cooking technique, making it suitable for delicate foods such as seafood, as well as chicken, pork, and beef.

To steam meat, you will need a pot, a steamer basket, and a lid. You can also use a large heavy-bottomed pan with a perforated plate, or a special basket that fits inside a saucepan. The key is that the meat should be suspended above the water level, either on a rack or in a basket.

First, cut the raw meat into smaller pieces and place it in a clean, dry pot. You can add spices and herbs to boost the flavour, and leave the meat to marinate for a while. Then, place the meat in the steamer basket and set it inside the pot, making sure the basket doesn't touch the water. Bring the water to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the steam cook the meat. The time needed will depend on the type and thickness of the meat. For example, a 0.5-inch thick steak may take around 30 minutes to steam. Check the meat regularly to ensure it doesn't overcook. The meat is ready when it is fork-tender and the inside is no longer red or raw.

You can also steam meat in a microwave. Place the seasoned meat in a microwave-safe dish, add a small amount of liquid, and cover with plastic wrap with a few holes poked in it. Steam for a few minutes, then check if the meat is cooked to your liking.

How to steam rice

Steaming is a cooking method that uses hot steam to cook food without submerging it in boiling water. This technique is gentler on delicate foods, such as seafood, and helps retain nutrients that are otherwise lost when using other cooking methods.

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam rice:

• Wash the rice: Rinse the rice under running water, rubbing the grains together with your hands, until the water runs clear. This step is important to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
• Prepare the rice for steaming: Place the washed rice in a shallow, heat-proof container that fits inside your steamer. Add water to the rice. The rice-to-water ratio should be 1:1.3 for separate rice kernels. Increase the ratio to 1:1.5 if you prefer softer rice. For short-grain rice, a ratio of 1:1.1 works well.
• Pre-soak the rice: Soak the rice in water for at least 10 minutes before steaming.
• Fill the steamer with water: Place the steamer on the stove and fill it with cold water. The water should not be boiling when the rice is placed inside.
• Steam the rice: Put the container with rice and water inside the steamer. Turn the heat to high, cover the steamer, and cook for about 20 minutes.
• Let the rice rest: After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the steamer with the lid on for at least another 5 minutes. You can also keep it covered and in the steamer to stay warm until you are ready to serve.

And there you have it! Fluffy, perfectly steamed rice, cooked without a rice cooker. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

How to steam dumplings

Steaming is a great way to cook dumplings, and it's not too difficult to do. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam dumplings:

What You'll Need:

• A steamer basket, such as a bamboo steamer, metal steamer, or a pan with a cover/steam rack.
• Non-stick steamer liners, such as parchment paper, Napa cabbage leaves, or large, flat leaves of cabbage or lettuce.
• A pot or pan to boil water.
• Dumplings, either homemade or store-bought.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Line your steamer basket with the non-stick liner of your choice. If using parchment paper, poke a few holes in it to let the steam through.
• Fill your pot or pan with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil.
• Place the dumplings in the steamer basket, making sure they don't touch each other, as they will expand during cooking.
• Put the steamer basket over the boiling water, ensuring that the bottom doesn't touch the water. Cover the basket and steam for 10-15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the ingredients inside your dumplings; for instance, dumplings with raw ingredients like meat will take longer to cook.
• Check your dumplings to see if they're ready. Store-bought wrappers will become slightly transparent, and you'll be able to see the colours of the filling inside. Homemade wrappers will look plump and puffed.
• Enjoy your dumplings! They're best enjoyed straight off the stove, as the wrappers will start to firm up as they cool.

Tips:

• If you're making your own dumpling wrappers, use hot water dough for steaming, as this will give you a softer dumpling.
• You can add a dipping sauce to your dumplings, such as tamari or chili oil, for extra salty and spicy flavour.
• If you're cooking frozen dumplings, there's no need to defrost them first. Simply follow the same instructions, but cook them for a little longer, around 10 minutes for steaming.

So, there you have it! A simple and fun way to cook dumplings that produces silky, tender results.

Frequently asked questions