Steam Pot Cooking: A Beginner's Guide To Deliciousness

Cooking with a steam pot is a simple and healthy way to prepare your food. It's a moist heat cooking method where boiling water evaporates into steam, and your food is cooked in a pot with a tight-fitting lid. This technique is popular in Asian cooking and is used for a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, proteins, breads, dumplings, and desserts. You can use a simple DIY steamer setup with a pot, a heat-proof dish, and something to prop up the dish, like a metal steam rack or even aluminium foil balls. Alternatively, you can use a steamer basket, a bamboo steamer, or an electric steamer.

Steamer Set-up #1: A Pot (or Wok) with A Lid and Heat-proof Dish

Steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook, and you can easily set up a steamer with everyday kitchen items. Here's how to set up a steamer using a pot or wok, a lid, and a heat-proof dish.

Firstly, find a pot or wok with a lid that can accommodate the heat-proof dish you plan to steam your food in. The size of the vessel depends on the size of the food and/or the cooking container. If you're steaming in a bowl or on a plate, ensure that it fits completely inside the pot or wok.

Next, you'll need something to prop up the dish above the water, such as a metal steam rack or a clean, empty metal can with both ends removed. This will keep your food from touching the water, which is important as you don't want to boil your food. You can purchase metal steam racks or stands, or use a heat-proof bowl or can. Wider cans or larger cans, such as 28-ounce (794g) tomato cans, provide a more stable surface and allow you to raise the food higher above the water, which is useful for steaming for longer periods.

Now, simply fill your pot or wok with water. For longer steaming times, you'll need more water. As a general rule, the water level shouldn't come within one inch of the rack or dish. Place the steaming rack or empty can in the centre of the pot and put your heatproof bowl or plate of food on top. Make sure your plate or dish is oven-safe and has a rim to prevent liquids from escaping.

Once your food is in place, cover the pot or wok with the lid. There should be enough space between the dish and the sides of the pot for the steam to circulate and cook the food effectively.

Finally, turn on the heat to medium or high and bring the water to a simmer. Your food will now steam cook!

Steamer Set-up #2: A Stainless Steel Steamer

A stainless steel steamer is a great investment if you steam food often. It's user-friendly and will allow you to steam a single level of food or use multiple tiers for larger batches of buns, dumplings, or different dishes at once.

To set up your stainless steel steamer, start by putting a few inches of water into the bottom of the steamer. You can then set up as many tiers as you like. If you're using dishes, simply place heat-proof ones on the tiers as you would in the first set-up.

If you're steaming buns or dumplings, you can line the tiers with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper. You can also use reusable cloth or silicone steamer liners. This will allow you to place buns or dumplings directly on the tiers without them sticking.

One downside of this type of steamer is that condensation can collect on the lid and drip onto your food. To prevent this, take a large, thin dishcloth or tea towel and tie it around the lid. Place the lid in the middle of the cloth and tie the ends securely around the handle. This will ensure that the loose ends don't come into contact with your heat source.

Now, bring the water to a simmer, cover, and steam.

Steamer Set-up #3: A Bamboo Steamer

Of the three steamer setups, a bamboo steamer is the preferred option. The biggest advantage is that the bamboo steamer cover does not collect condensation, so you don't have to worry about water dripping onto steamed buns and cakes and altering their texture or appearance.

To use a bamboo steamer, place it in a wok with enough water to reach about half an inch (1.25 cm) up the bottom rim of the steamer. This is one of the downsides of using a bamboo steamer; it requires a bit more attention. The bamboo steamer must sit in the water at all times to prevent the bottom rim from scorching. However, you can't overfill the water, or it might touch the food. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed.

If you have both a stainless steel steamer and a bamboo steamer, you can remedy this issue by placing the bamboo steamer in the bottom tier of the stainless steel steamer. Place shallow dishes with food inside the steamer racks, or line the racks with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners if you're steaming buns or dumplings.

Make sure there is enough clearance for the steam to circulate. Bring the water to a simmer, and cover the bamboo steamer with its bamboo lid. There's no need for any additional cover.

Electric vs. Stove-top Steamers

Steaming is a great way to cook food, and there are a variety of ways to do it. Two of the most common methods are using a stove-top steamer or an electric steamer. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Stove-top Steamers

Stove-top steamers are a traditional and straightforward way to steam food. They are typically made of stainless steel or bamboo and consist of a pot or wok with a lid and a steaming rack or basket that holds the food above the water. This setup allows steam to circulate and cook the food. Stove-top steamers are versatile and can be used for various dishes, including vegetables, proteins, buns, and dumplings. They are generally easy to set up and clean, and they don't require electricity, making them a good option for those without access to an electric power source. However, they may require more attention during the cooking process, as you need to monitor the water level and ensure that the food doesn't burn. Additionally, stove-top steamers can take up valuable hob space in the kitchen.

Electric Steamers

Electric steamers, on the other hand, are standalone appliances designed for convenience. They follow the same basic concept as stove-top steamers but with added automation. You add water and food to the appliance, close the lid, and select the appropriate settings. Electric steamers are often multi-tiered, allowing you to cook multiple items simultaneously. They are a good option for those seeking a "set and walk away" cooking experience, as you don't need to monitor the water level constantly. Electric steamers are also space-efficient, freeing up hob space for other cooking activities. However, they are typically more expensive than stove-top steamers and may not be as versatile in terms of the types of dishes they can prepare. Additionally, electric steamers may not be suitable for certain types of foods that require specific temperatures or cooking durations.

Both electric and stove-top steamers have their advantages and use cases. Stove-top steamers are simple, versatile, and ideal for those who want more control over the cooking process. Electric steamers offer convenience, automation, and the ability to cook multiple items simultaneously. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and specific cooking needs.

Steaming Food Without a Steamer Basket

Steaming food is a simple and healthy way to cook, but not everyone has a steamer basket or bamboo steamer to hand. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to steam food without a steamer. Here are some methods to try:

Use a Plate and Some Foil

Find a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. Take three sheets of aluminium foil and roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball or baseball. Place the foil balls in the bottom of the pot and pour in about half an inch of water. Rest the plate on top of the foil balls, add your food, cover the pot, and steam until your food is cooked to your liking.

Use a Strainer or Colander

Place your food in a large kitchen strainer or colander and put it on top of a pot of boiling water. Make sure the water doesn't touch the strainer or colander. Cover the pot to prevent steam from escaping and check your food regularly to prevent over-cooking.

Use a Wire Cooling Rack

Place a wire cooling rack across the top of a pot of boiling water. Add your ingredients on top and cover them with aluminium foil. Make sure the spaces between the wires of the rack are smaller than the food you're steaming.

Use a Disposable Pie Pan

Take a disposable aluminium pie pan and poke several holes in the bottom. Place it upside down in a pot with about an inch of water and rest your food on top of the inverted pan. The edges of the pan will ensure the food doesn't touch the water.

Steam in the Microwave

Place your food in a microwave-safe bowl and add a few tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring the plastic doesn't touch the food. Microwave for 4-6 minutes, checking regularly, until your food is tender.

Use a Wok Setup

If you have a wok, you can use it to steam bigger items and control the heat better than with a steamer. Place a rack in the centre of the wok, ensuring it doesn't touch the water. Cover the wok and turn the heat to medium. When you see steam, add your food, replace the cover, and cook according to your recipe.

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