Steaming Without A Steamer: Simple Techniques For Perfect Results

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that is simple, quick, and requires very few ingredients. It is a great way to cook food as it lets the true flavors come through. While there are various types of steamers available, such as collapsible metal baskets, steamer pots, and bamboo steamer baskets, it is still possible to steam food without a steamer. Here are some alternative methods to achieve the perfect steam.

Use a plate and some foil

If you don't have a steamer, you can use a plate and some foil to steam your food. First, find a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. Then, make three large, solid balls out of aluminium foil and place them in the bottom of your pot. Next, add water to the pot and place the plate (with ingredients) on top of the aluminium foil balls. Finally, cover the pot and heat it on the stove until your food is steamed to your liking.

Using a plate and some foil is a fun and creative way to steam your food without a steamer. It's also convenient because you can keep the food on the plate when you serve it, making cleaning easier. This method is similar to using a steamer basket, as the aluminium foil balls lift the food off of the direct heat (i.e. the bottom of the pot) as it cooks.

When using this method, be sure to use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam inside. Also, make sure that your plate is heat-proof and slightly smaller than your pot so that steam can circulate and cook the food. Additionally, be careful when handling the pot, as the steam will be very hot and can cause burns.

With this simple setup, you can steam almost anything, from vegetables to proteins, buns, dumplings, and even desserts. So, the next time you're in the mood for steamed food but don't have a steamer, grab a plate and some foil, and you're good to go!

Steam in the microwave

Steaming food in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook without a steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare your vegetables

Rinse your chosen vegetables thoroughly with water to remove any dirt. Technically, you can steam any veggie in the microwave, but some good options are broccoli, spinach, kale, cauliflower, asparagus, corn, peppers, carrots, and green beans. Trim off any hard ends and fibrous bits, and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they steam evenly.

Step 2: Arrange the vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl

Spread the vegetables out evenly in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Avoid piling the vegetables on top of each other, and steam only one type of vegetable at a time as they require different steaming times. Glass, ceramic, and plastic bowls are safe to use in the microwave.

Step 3: Add water and cover the bowl

Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the bowl. The water will create steam when heated. Cover the bowl loosely with a plate, microwave-safe plastic wrap, wax paper, parchment paper, or a paper towel. If using plastic wrap, ensure it is labelled microwave-safe and does not touch the food.

Step 4: Microwave the vegetables

Place the covered bowl in the microwave and cook on HIGH for 3-5 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable. For example, sliced carrots will take 6-8 minutes, while spinach only needs 5 minutes.

Step 5: Check for doneness

Remove the bowl from the microwave and place it on a heat-safe surface. Carefully remove the cover, being cautious of the hot steam. Use a fork to pierce the vegetables to check if they are tender. If they are still crisp, return them to the microwave and steam in 30-second intervals.

Tips:

• This method also works for steaming fish fillets and rice.
• For rice, use a large microwave-safe bowl and a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. Cover with a clean dish towel or paper towel and cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.
• For fish, season the fillets and place them in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and cook on HIGH for 3 minutes, or until the fillets are opaque.

Use a splatter screen and bowl

If you're not steaming a large volume of food, a splatter screen and bowl can be used to steam food without a steamer. Here's how to do it:

First, place a splatter screen on top of your pot. A splatter screen is a wire mesh that prevents hot oil from splattering when cooking. You can place it over your pot to act as a makeshift steaming platform.

Next, lay your vegetables or other food items on top of the splatter screen. Make sure not to overcrowd the screen, as you want to allow for even steaming.

Then, cover the splatter screen and the pot with a large bowl. This will help trap the steam and ensure that your food cooks evenly.

Finally, turn on the heat and let your food steam until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Keep in mind that different foods will have different steaming times, so it's important to keep an eye on your food to prevent overcooking.

Using a splatter screen and bowl is a simple and effective way to steam food without a steamer. It's perfect for small quantities of food, and you can easily find these items in your kitchen. This method is also great for cooking sticky rice, so give it a try the next time you're in the mood for some!

Use a strainer or colander

Using a strainer or colander is a simple and effective way to steam food without a steamer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Choose a large kitchen strainer or colander that can comfortably fit over a pot of water. Ensure it has a heat-proof handle or protect yourself with an oven mitt during the process.
• Fill a pot with approximately half an inch of water. The amount of water used will depend on the food you are cooking and the duration of steaming required.
• Place the strainer or colander inside the pot, ensuring there is enough space between the water and the strainer/colander. The boiling water should not touch the strainer. You can adjust the height by choosing a larger pot or using a pot with a narrower base.
• Place your food in a single layer inside the strainer/colander. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding.
• Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot as much as possible to prevent steam from escaping. You can use a lid or aluminium foil for this.
• Monitor the cooking process regularly to prevent overcooking. Steaming times will vary depending on the type of food you are preparing.
• Once your food is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the strainer/colander and serve.

Using a strainer or colander is a convenient and straightforward method for steaming food without a steamer. This technique allows you to cook a variety of dishes, from vegetables to proteins, with minimal equipment. Remember to adjust the amount of water and cooking time according to your specific culinary needs.

Build a pie tin steamer

Building a pie tin steamer is a simple and effective way to steam your food without a steamer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build one:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need two reusable aluminium pie tins. These can be purchased at most grocery stores and are a cheap and convenient option for steaming your food.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Pie Tins

Using a knife, skewer, or scissors, poke 12-16 holes in the base of both pie tins. This step is important as it allows the steam to vent and cook your food evenly. Space out the holes evenly to allow for even airflow.

Step 3: Flatten One of the Pie Tins

Use a rolling pin to flatten one of the pie tins. Don't worry about getting it perfectly flat; a few passes with the rolling pin should be enough. This step creates a platform for your food to rest on inside the steamer.

Step 4: Assemble the Steamer

Place the structurally sound pie tin upside down in a pot with a small amount of water. The water level should reach about halfway up the pie tin. Then, rest the flattened tin on top of the first.

Step 5: Prepare Your Food

Place your chosen food on top of the flattened tin. You can steam a variety of foods, including vegetables, meat, and dough. For vegetables, it is recommended to coat them with a small amount of cooking oil before steaming. You can also add a small amount of sesame oil for extra flavour.

Step 6: Steam Your Food

Once your food is in place, cover the pot with a lid and turn on the heat. Ensure that your water is simmering and steaming before adding your food to ensure even cooking. Steam until your food reaches the desired level of softness or doneness.

With these simple steps, you can easily build a pie tin steamer and enjoy perfectly steamed food without the need for a traditional steamer.

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