Steaming Noodles: A Quick, Easy, And Tasty Method

Noodles are a staple in Asian cuisine and can be cooked in a variety of ways, one of which is steaming. Steaming is a healthy and convenient way to cook noodles, especially when preparing a meal for a large number of people. It is also a great option for health-conscious individuals as it requires minimal oil or fat, resulting in fewer added calories. Additionally, steaming helps retain the flavour and texture of the noodles while making them easier to digest.

How to steam noodles without a steamer

Noodles can be steamed without a steamer by using a pot and a cooling rack or a plate. Firstly, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Place a cooling rack or a plate on top of the pot and put the noodles on the rack or plate. Cover the pot with a lid or an upside-down pan. Let the noodles steam for 7-8 minutes. Finally, remove the lid and serve the noodles.

Another method to steam noodles without a steamer is to use a bowl and plastic wrap. Place the noodles in a bowl and pour boiling water over them until they are covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 5 minutes. Drain the noodles and serve.

Additionally, a fine-mesh sieve can be used to steam noodles. Place the noodles in the sieve and hold it over a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot and let the steam cook the noodles.

When steaming noodles, it is important to ensure that the noodles do not become overcooked and mushy. Steaming noodles without a steamer is a convenient and healthy way to prepare them, as it retains their flavour and texture while making them easier to digest.

Benefits of steaming noodles

Noodles are a staple food in many parts of Asia and are becoming popular worldwide due to their convenience, quick preparation, and taste. They are made from wheat flour, water, starch, salt or lye, and other substances that enhance their flavour and texture.

Nutrient Retention:

Steaming helps noodles retain more nutrients than boiling or frying. The high temperatures of frying and the water used in boiling can cause water-soluble nutrients like vitamins C and B, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus to break down or dissolve.

Unique Flavour:

Steamed noodles have a unique flavour that is hard to replicate with other cooking methods. The steaming process gently cooks the noodles without adding extra ingredients like oil, preserving their natural taste.

No Clumping:

When noodles are boiled, they tend to stick together, resulting in mushy, overcooked clumps. Steaming, on the other hand, cooks the noodles evenly without causing them to clump, resulting in a more pleasant texture.

Reduced Calories:

Steaming is a healthier alternative to frying or boiling as it requires no oil or fat, reducing the overall calorie count of the dish. This makes it a great option for those watching their weight or trying to cut down on unhealthy fats.

Quick and Easy:

Steaming noodles is a quick and convenient cooking method. Unlike frying or boiling, there is no need to worry about the noodles sticking to the pot or burning. Simply place the noodles in a steamer basket, set the timer, and let them cook.

Versatility:

Steaming is a versatile cooking method that can be used for various types of noodles, including dried and fresh pasta, and noodles of all shapes and sizes. Additionally, steaming is suitable for cooking other foods like meat, rice, and vegetables, making it a handy all-in-one cooking technique.

Preparing the noodles for steaming

Once you have your steamer, it's time to prepare the noodles. If you're using dried noodles, it's recommended to soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to get rid of the starch. This step will ensure your noodles don't stick together and have a better texture. Fresh pasta can be steamed without this step, but soaking won't hurt!

Rinsing the noodles in cold water before steaming is another optional but beneficial step. This process will remove any dirt, dust, or impurities, and it will also help to remove excess starch, resulting in less sticky noodles that retain their shape.

Now, it's time to assemble your steamer. Fill the bottom portion of the steamer with water, ensuring it reaches the maximum fill line or about halfway up the sides of the steamer basket. Then, place the steamer basket inside, and you're almost ready to start cooking!

Place the desired quantity of noodles in the steamer basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. This will allow the steam to circulate and cook the noodles evenly. You can now proceed to the next step of steaming your noodles!

How to steam vegetables and noodles together

Steaming is a great way to cook vegetables and noodles together. It's a quick, easy, and healthy option that doesn't require any fancy equipment. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Choose your favourite vegetables and noodles for this meal. When it comes to vegetables, the options are endless, but some popular choices include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, green beans, and potatoes. For noodles, you can use any type you prefer, such as dried or fresh pasta, ramen, or rice noodles.

Step 2: Cut the Vegetables

Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This is important because different-sized pieces will cook at different rates, and you want everything to be done at the same time. Keep in mind that denser vegetables like carrots or potatoes may need to be cut into smaller pieces to cook faster.

Step 3: Clean and Prepare the Noodles

Before steaming, it's a good idea to rinse the noodles in cold water to remove any excess starch, which can make them gritty. This step will also help prevent stickiness during cooking and ensure they retain their shape.

Step 4: Gather Your Equipment

You will need a large pot with a lid, a steamer basket or a cooling rack that fits inside the pot, and a stove. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a heat-safe colander or a metal steamer insert.

Step 5: Add Water and Bring to a Boil

Fill the large pot with water, adding about 1-2 inches of water, or enough to reach just below the steamer basket. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to high. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Step 6: Add the Noodles and Vegetables

Once the water is boiling, carefully place the steamer basket or cooling rack into the pot. Put the noodles into the steamer basket and scatter the vegetables over them. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow for even cooking.

Step 7: Cover and Steam

Cover the pot with the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Let the vegetables and noodles steam together for a few minutes. The exact timing will depend on the type of noodles and vegetables you are using, but it usually takes around 5-10 minutes for noodles and 3-10 minutes for most vegetables.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

After a few minutes, start checking the progress of your meal. The noodles are done when they are tender but still firm. Vegetables should be tender and easily pierced with a knife or fork. Remember, it's better to slightly undercook than overcook, as your food will continue to cook a little even after removing it from the steamer.

Step 9: Remove from Heat and Serve

Once your noodles and vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness, carefully remove them from the steamer. You can do this by lifting the steamer basket out of the pot. Drain any excess water from the noodles if needed. Serve immediately with your favourite seasonings, such as olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper, and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you're using an electric steamer, follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific timings and quantities.
• Try not to over-steam your food. Set a timer to avoid overcooking, and remember that vegetables should still have a bit of crunch when you remove them from the steamer.
• You can steam different types of vegetables and noodles together, but keep in mind that denser vegetables and heartier noodles will take longer to cook.

Reheating noodles in a steamer

To reheat your noodles in a steamer, first, prepare your steamer by filling the bottom portion with cold water. An electric steamer is ideal, but you can also use a stove-top steamer. Ensure the water level is about 1 inch deep, or halfway up the sides of the steamer basket. Place the steamer basket inside and turn the machine on.

Next, place your noodles in the steamer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, as you want the noodles to cook evenly. Cover the steamer with a lid. Set a timer for the desired cooking time, usually between 8 and 20 minutes, depending on the type of noodle.

Once the timer goes off, carefully open the lid and, using heatproof utensils, remove your cooked noodles. Your noodles are now ready to be enjoyed!

This method is a great way to retain the flavour and texture of your noodles, and it's healthier than frying or boiling, as no oil is required.

Frequently asked questions