Steaming Secrets: Cooking Frozen Steams Perfectly

Cooking frozen food is a convenient way to enjoy a tasty meal without the hassle of preparing fresh ingredients. One popular method is steaming, which can be done on the stove or in the microwave. Steaming is a moist-heat cooking technique that uses hot water vapour to cook food. This method is suitable for various dishes, from vegetables to dumplings and steamed buns. The process is usually quick, taking anywhere from 2 to 25 minutes, depending on the food type and the size of the pieces.

How to steam frozen vegetables on the stovetop

Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to cook them without losing too many nutrients. Here's how to steam frozen vegetables on a stovetop:

First, fill a pot with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water. You can go up to 2 inches (5 cm) but avoid filling the pot to a higher level, as this could make your vegetables mushy. Place the pot on your stove and turn the heat to high. Once the water is boiling, it's time to add your vegetables.

You'll need a steamer basket or colander for this next part. Place it inside the pot, making sure it hangs on the lip and that the bottom isn't submerged in the water. Now, pour your frozen vegetables into the steamer basket or colander. Spread them out evenly. It's important that the water isn't touching your veggies, as this can affect their flavour and texture. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam inside.

The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and how tender you like them. As a guide, steam peas and corn for about 10 minutes, carrot slices for 9-10 minutes, broccoli for 20 minutes, and asparagus spears for 20 minutes. If you're unsure whether your veggies are cooked, stick a fork in them. If they feel tough or hard in the centre, steam for a little longer.

If you don't have a steamer basket or colander, you can use a few balls of aluminium foil instead. Roll up three golf ball-sized balls of foil and place them in the water. Then, put a heat-proof plate on top of the foil and add your vegetables to the plate.

How to steam frozen vegetables in the microwave

Steaming frozen vegetables in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to prepare a nutritious side dish or meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choose Your Vegetables

Select a bag of frozen vegetables that suits your taste and dietary preferences. You can choose from a variety of options such as frozen broccoli, carrots, peas, corn, or a frozen vegetable mix.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Take out the desired amount of frozen vegetables from the bag and put them in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. There is no need to thaw the vegetables before cooking. Rinse the vegetables under cold water to remove any ice crystals or frost.

Step 3: Season and Add Liquid

To enhance the flavor of your vegetables, you can season them with salt, pepper, herbs, or spices. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter. Additionally, a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a zesty kick. Adding a small amount of liquid, such as water, vegetable broth, or lemon juice, will create steam and promote even cooking.

Step 4: Microwave Cooking

Cover the bowl or dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to retain steam and speed up the cooking process. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power. The cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so it is advisable to start with a shorter time and adjust as needed.

For most vegetables, start with a cooking time of 3-5 minutes. After the initial cook time, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the vegetables to distribute heat evenly. Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave as it may be hot. Let the vegetables rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to continue cooking in their residual heat, resulting in tender and delicious veggies.

Now you know how to steam frozen vegetables in the microwave, making it easy to prepare nutritious meals anytime!

How to steam frozen dumplings

Steaming frozen dumplings is a great way to get that stretchy, tender dumpling skin while avoiding the softer texture that boiling tends to create. Here's how to do it.

What You'll Need:

• Frozen dumplings (store-bought or homemade)
• A pot or saucepan
• A bamboo or other basket steamer that fits over your pot
• Parchment paper or Napa cabbage leaves
• A plate that fits inside your pot (optional)
• Olive oil
• Tongs
• Dipping sauce of your choice

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Line your steaming basket with parchment paper or Napa cabbage leaves. If using parchment paper, poke a few holes to let the steam through.
• Fill your pot or saucepan with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil.
• Place the steaming basket over the pot, ensuring it sits above the boiling water. If it touches the water, carefully remove or pour out some of the water.
• Add your frozen dumplings to the basket. There's no need to defrost them first—cooking from frozen is best.
• Cover the pot and steam the dumplings for around 10-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on your dumpling fillings. If using raw ingredients like meat, steam for longer; if using cooked ingredients, steam for less time.
• To check if your dumplings are ready, look at the dumpling skins. Store-bought wrappers will become slightly transparent, revealing the colors of the filling inside. Homemade wrappers will look plump and puffed.
• Once the dumplings are cooked to your liking, gently remove them from the basket using tongs and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Avoid overcrowding the steamer to prevent soggy dumplings.
• Keep an eye on your dumplings as they cook—they can be ready in as little as 10 minutes.
• For an extra crispy base, try the steam-fry method after steaming. Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan and cook the dumplings until the bottoms are lightly browned. Then, add a small amount of water, cover, and steam until the water evaporates.

Enjoy your delicious, steaming-hot dumplings!

How to steam frozen buns

There are several ways to cook frozen steamed buns. Here is a guide on how to steam frozen buns using different methods.

Using a Microwave

Frozen buns can be cooked in the microwave by placing them on a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, poke holes in the top, and heat for 10 minutes at 60% to 70% power. You can also microwave frozen buns for about a minute on high. Alternatively, you can wrap the bun in a moist paper towel and heat it in the microwave on high for 30 seconds.

Using an Oven

Set your oven to the lowest temperature setting, usually about 300°Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying some cooking oil on the surface. Place the frozen buns on the pan and put them in the oven for 10 minutes until they are golden brown.

Using a Stovetop

You can steam frozen buns on a stovetop by placing a large pot on the stove with about an inch of water and bringing it to a boil. Place the buns in a tea towel and put them inside the pot. The buns will steam as they cook.

Using an Instant Pot

To use an Instant Pot as a steamer, pour 3 cups of water into the inner pot and place a bamboo basket or stainless steel steamer basket on top. Press "SAUTE" and bring the water to a boil. When the water is boiling, carefully place 3 to 4 buns on the steaming basket. Drape a clean kitchen towel over the inner pot and put the IP cover on top. Steam for 5 minutes for small to medium-sized buns, and 8 minutes for large buns.

Pan-Frying

To pan-fry frozen buns, heat a pan with some oil and place the frozen buns on it. Add a few ounces of water and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, adding more water if needed. Remove the lid and allow the water to evaporate for another 2-3 minutes until the buns release from the pan and have a golden crispy bottom.

Using a Rice Cooker

If you have a rice cooker, you can use the steamer tray that comes with it to steam frozen buns. Place the buns on the tray and follow the rice cooker's instructions to steam them.

How to steam frozen vegetables without a steamer

Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to cook them without losing too many nutrients. It's also a very quick and easy way to prepare them. Here is a guide on how to steam frozen vegetables without a steamer.

Using a Stove

If you want to steam frozen vegetables on a stove without a steamer, you can use a pot with a lid, and a colander or strainer. You can also use a plate and some aluminium foil.

First, fill the bottom of your pot with around an inch or two of water. Bring this to a boil. If using a colander or strainer, place this inside the pot so that it sits above the water. If using the plate and foil method, roll three pieces of foil into balls and place them in the water. Balance the plate on top of the foil balls.

Next, add your frozen vegetables to the colander, strainer, or plate. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the vegetables until they are tender. The time this takes will depend on the type of vegetable you are cooking. Broccoli, for example, will take around 5-7 minutes, whereas carrots, beets, and potatoes will take 10-20 minutes.

Using a Microwave

You can also steam frozen vegetables in a microwave. Place the vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small amount of water—around 2-3 tablespoons or enough to cover the bottom of the bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the steamer or bowl, and check on the vegetables regularly to prevent overcooking.
• Season the vegetables with herbs, spices, olive oil, or butter to add extra flavour.
• If you are steaming different types of vegetables together, try to use ones with similar sizes and levels of firmness to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions