Emilie Meyer
Cooking with steam is a simple and healthy way to prepare your food. Steamers come in different sizes and materials, from stainless steel to bamboo, and electric steamers. You can also use a stove-top pot or a wok to steam food. The basic setup involves placing a dish of food on a rack above simmering water in a covered pot, trapping the steam inside. The steam then cooks the food without the need for excess oil or fat, preserving nutrients, flavours, and textures. With a steamer, you can cook a variety of dishes, from vegetables and meats to seafood and even desserts.
How to cook food in a steam pot:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pot | Deep vessel, wok, steamer pot, large pot, stainless steel pot, ceramic steamer |
| Food to be cooked | Vegetables, seafood, meats, dumplings, eggs, rice, desserts |
| Water level | 2-4 inches of water, depending on steaming time |
| Temperature | Medium to high heat |
| Steam circulation | Ensure space between pot and food for steam circulation |
| Lid | Dome-shaped lid to trap steam and provide space |
| Food placement | Use a plate, bowl, rack, or steamer basket to keep food from touching water |
| Timing | Varies depending on food, e.g., 6-8 minutes for rice |
| Seasoning | Limited seasoning options available |
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What You'll Learn
How to set up a steamer
Setting up a steamer is a straightforward process and can be done with equipment you may already have in your kitchen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up a steamer:
Choose a Steamer Setup
You can use a dedicated steamer pot, which comes with stackable perforated sections for steaming multiple items at once. Alternatively, you can use a simple DIY setup with a deep vessel like a wok, pot, or deep pan. If using a wok or pot, ensure it has a lid; a dome lid is preferable as it provides more room for steam to collect and prevents food from touching the lid.
Prepare the Steamer
Fill the bottom of your steamer or deep vessel with water. The amount of water depends on the steaming time; generally, you'll need at least 2 inches of water, or more for longer steaming times. If using a wok or pot, place a metal steam rack at the bottom so that it sits above the water level.
Prepare the Food
Place your food in a heat-proof dish or directly onto the steamer rack or basket. If using a dish, ensure it fits completely inside the vessel and is raised enough so that the food doesn't touch the water. If steaming buns or dumplings, you can line the rack with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners to prevent sticking. For foods that may stick, like fish fillets, spray the surface of the rack or dish with a non-stick cooking spray.
Start Steaming
Cover the pot or wok with the lid. If using a tiered steamer, you can set up as many tiers as needed. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, then adjust the heat to maintain an even simmer. Be careful not to let all the water evaporate, as this can scorch your pot or steamer. For longer steaming times, use boiling water to maintain the water level.
Tips
- Season the water with salt, especially when steaming ingredients like pasta.
- Avoid overcrowding the steamer basket; work in batches if needed.
- Always use caution when handling hot dishes and steam to prevent burns.
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Steamer pot types
There are several types of steamer pots available for cooking. The most common type is a simple pot with a tight, heavy lid that turns the pot into a pseudo-pressure cooker. This is a versatile option as the base can be used as a regular pot. You can also use a wok, which is a popular choice due to its larger diameter and concave lid, allowing for more steam circulation.
Another option is to use a metal steamer basket that sits on top of stockpots. These are sturdy, easy to clean, and have higher clearance than silicone steamers. They are also more durable than bamboo steamers and avoid the cracking and mould issues associated with them. Metal steamer baskets with holes punched on the bottom and sides are recommended for even cooking. The wider the basket, the better, as it allows for more ways for steam to penetrate and cook the food.
Electric steamers are also available, with stackable perforated trays or divisions to steam large batches or different foods simultaneously. Some appliances, like rice cookers or multi-cookers, also have a steamer function.
You can also create a simple DIY steamer with a deep vessel like a pot or pan, a lid, and an item to keep the food from touching the water, such as an inverted bowl or aluminium foil balls.
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Preparing food for steaming
Firstly, decide on your steaming setup. You can use a wok, a pot with a lid, or a steamer pot with stackable perforated sections. If using a wok or pot, you will need a metal steaming rack or basket, and a lid. The rack should be placed in the centre of the wok or pot, with about an inch of water added—ensuring the water does not touch the rack. If using a steamer basket, it should be lowered into the boiling water. For longer steaming times, more water is required.
Next, prepare your food. For example, if steaming potatoes, it is best to peel, chop, and rinse them first. If steaming buns or dumplings, line the rack with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners to prevent sticking. For steaming eggs, place them straight from the fridge into the basket.
Finally, place your food on the rack or in the basket, cover, and steam according to your recipe or preferences. Ensure there is enough space between the pot's sides and the food for steam circulation. Remember to use boiling water when adding more water during steaming to maintain a consistent temperature.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for steaming food depend on several factors, including the type of food, the amount of food, the size and shape of the pot or wok, and the cooking temperature. Here are some general guidelines and tips for achieving the best results:
Firstly, it is important to ensure that the food is raised above the water level and that the boiling or simmering water does not touch the food. The amount of water required will depend on the steaming time and the size of the pot or wok. For longer steaming times, more water is needed. As a general rule, fill the pot or wok one-third to halfway with water, ensuring that the water level is below the rack or plate holding the food. If steaming for an hour, use at least 3 to 4 inches of water. However, the water level should not be too high, as it can touch the food and affect its texture or cause overcooking.
Secondly, the cooking temperature can vary from medium to high heat. A medium heat setting is generally recommended for a good rolling boil, while low-temperature steaming is possible but takes longer. When using a wok, the larger surface area allows for more steam circulation, and the concave lid provides more room for steam to circulate above the food.
Additionally, the type and amount of food being steamed will determine the cooking time and temperature. For example, steaming rice typically involves adding water in a 1:1.5 ratio to the rice, stirring when absorbed, and then steaming for an additional 6-8 minutes. For steaming eggs, bring water to a boil in a pot, place eggs in a steamer basket, cover, and cook for around 7 minutes for a soft-cooked egg with a runny yolk. The timing may vary depending on the refrigerator temperature and egg size. To halt the cooking process, immediately place the eggs in an ice bath after removing them from the heat.
When steaming fish, vegetables, or meats, the cooking time will depend on the thickness and quantity of the ingredients. As a tip for even cooking, it is recommended to cut medium-sized irregular pieces for better steam circulation and faster cooking. Additionally, the use of a lid is essential to trap the steam and prevent the food from drying out. The lid should not touch the food to avoid sticking and ensure adequate circulation of steam.
Lastly, it is important to note that steaming times may vary depending on the steamer basket or rack used. For instance, stainless steel steamers conduct heat faster than glass plates, so cooking times may need to be adjusted accordingly. Always refer to the recipe or your personal preference for the desired doneness of the food.
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Steamer recipes
Steamed Fish
Steaming is a great way to cook fish, keeping it moist and tender. Try a whole steamed fish in a wok, or steam fillets of fish such as trout or halibut with vegetables for a nutritious meal. You can also pair steamed fish with a variety of sauces, such as black bean sauce or ginger oyster sauce.
Steamed Chicken
Steaming is a healthy and tasty way to cook chicken. Try an authentic Chinese steamed chicken recipe, or experiment with different flavours like garlic or black bean sauce. For a more substantial meal, you can also steam chicken with rice.
Steamed Dumplings and Buns
Dumplings and buns are a perfect choice for steaming. Make your own steamed dumplings with a variety of fillings, or try Chinese steamed BBQ pork buns for a tasty treat. You can also steam buns with other fillings, such as chives or pickled vegetables.
Steamed Vegetables
Steaming is a great way to cook vegetables, retaining their nutrients and flavour. Try steaming asparagus, green beans, or carrots. You can also experiment with different combinations of vegetables and seasonings to find your favourite flavour profiles.
Steamed Desserts
Steaming is not just for savoury dishes! Try steaming apples and pears until soft and sprinkling them with cinnamon sugar for a delicious and healthy dessert. You can also experiment with steamed sponges, such as a raspberry and coconut steamed sponge for a comforting treat.
With a steamer, the possibilities are endless! You can experiment with different ingredients and recipes to find your favourite steamed dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a deep vessel, such as a wok or a pot, a lid, and something to keep the food from touching the water, such as a rack or a plate.
First, add water to your vessel, making sure the water level is below whatever is holding your food so that the bubbling water can't touch it. Then, bring the water to a boil and place your food inside. Cover the vessel with a lid and let the steam cook your food.
You can steam a variety of foods, including vegetables, meats, seafood, dumplings, eggs, rice, and even desserts.
