Steaming Without A Basket: Simple Techniques For Perfect Results

Steaming is a great way to cook food, but what if you don't have a steamer basket? Well, there are several ways to steam food without one. One way is to use a plate and some foil. You'll need a pot, a heatproof plate, and three sheets of aluminum foil. Roll the foil into balls and place them in the pot with a little water. Then, rest the plate on top, add your food, cover, and steam. Alternatively, you can use a strainer or colander, a cooling rack, a splatter screen and bowl, or even steam your food in the microwave. So, there's no need to worry if you don't have a steamer basket – you can still enjoy perfectly steamed food!

Use a plate and some foil

Using a plate and some foil is a fun way to steam your food without a steamer basket. It's easy to make, and you can keep the food on the plate when you serve it, which makes cleaning up a breeze. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, find a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. You want to make sure the plate fits comfortably inside the pot, with a little room to spare. Take three sheets of aluminium foil and roll them into balls about the size of baseball-sized or golf ball-sized balls. Place these foil balls in the bottom of your pot. They act as a stand for your plate, elevating it slightly above the bottom of the pot.

Now, add water to the pot. Pour in approximately half an inch of water, or about an inch if you're using a deeper pot. You want to make sure the water doesn't touch the plate or the food you'll be steaming. Place the plate on top of the foil balls, creating a DIY steamer basket. If you don't have a heat-proof plate, you can use a small baking rack or a splatter guard instead.

Add your food to the plate in a single layer. Make sure the food doesn't overlap, so it cooks evenly. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam inside. Turn on the heat and let the water come to a boil. Once it's boiling, lower the heat slightly so the water is barely bubbling.

Keep an eye on your food and check it often to prevent overcooking. Steaming times will vary depending on what you're cooking. When your food is ready, carefully remove it from the plate and set it aside. And that's it! You've successfully steamed your food without a steamer basket.

This method is a simple and effective way to steam your food, and it's a great option if you don't have a steamer basket or want to try something new. It's also versatile, as you can use it to steam vegetables, proteins, dumplings, and more. So, the next time you're in a pinch, grab a plate and some foil, and you're all set to steam!

Steam in the microwave

Steaming food in the microwave is a quick and easy method, especially when appearance isn't a priority. It is also a good option if you don't want to use a stove. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam food in the microwave:

• Place your food in a microwave-safe bowl: This could be vegetables, such as broccoli florets or cubed potatoes, or other foods suitable for steaming.
• Add a small amount of water: A few tablespoons of water should be enough. This water will create the steam needed to cook your food.
• Cover the bowl tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap: Ensure the plastic wrap does not touch the food. This will help contain the steam and cook your food evenly.
• Microwave until fork-tender: Microwave for around 4 to 6 minutes, or until your food is tender and cooked to your desired doneness. The timing may vary depending on your microwave and the type of food you are cooking, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Season and serve: Once your food is cooked, carefully remove it from the microwave and take off the plastic wrap. Season with salt and pepper, sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice as desired.

Using a microwave to steam food is a convenient and fast option, perfect for quick snacks or when you don't want to use multiple pots and pans. It is a simple method that lets the true flavours of the food come through.

Use a splatter screen and bowl

Using a splatter screen and bowl is a great method for steaming small amounts of food, such as sticky rice. It is also a good option if you don't have access to a steamer basket. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a splatter screen and bowl to steam food:

Firstly, you will need to gather your equipment. For this method, you will require a splatter screen, a large bowl, a pot, and some water. It is also important to ensure that your splatter screen fits securely on top of your pot to prevent it from collapsing when you place the food and bowl on top. If you don't have a splatter screen, you can use tinfoil or aluminium foil instead. Ensure that it fits tightly around the pot for the best results.

Once you have your equipment, fill the pot with approximately half an inch of water. The exact amount of water may vary depending on the size of your pot and the food you are steaming. Place the pot on the stove and turn on the heat.

While you are waiting for the water to heat up, prepare your food by cutting it into uniform sizes if necessary. This will help ensure even cooking.

Once the water is simmering, carefully place the splatter screen on top of the pot. Then, place your food on the splatter screen. You can put the food directly on the splatter screen or use a heat-proof plate or bowl, depending on what you are comfortable with.

Finally, cover the food with the large bowl. This will help trap the steam and ensure even cooking. Leave the food to steam according to your recipe or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Using a splatter screen and bowl is a simple and effective way to steam food without a steamer basket. It is a versatile method that can be used for various dishes, and it is especially useful for sticky rice. With this guide, you can easily steam your favourite foods without any specialised equipment.

Steam in water

Steaming is a moist heat cooking method that involves boiling water evaporating into steam. The steam is trapped in a pot with a tight-fitting lid, creating a hot environment to cook the food. Typically, an inch or so of water is used, with a steamer basket resting above so that the food never touches the water.

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can still achieve the same results by steaming the food directly in water. This method works best with firmer vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.

Here's how to do it:

• Fill a pot with about half an inch of water.
• Add the vegetables to the pot.
• Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil.
• Cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Drain the water and set the vegetables aside.

Keep in mind that this method may not produce the same results as steaming with a basket, especially for softer foods like potatoes, which may end up tasting watery. Additionally, it may not be the easiest or fastest option compared to other steaming methods.

To enhance the flavour of your steamed food, you can finish with a pinch of salt and pepper, a bit of sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Use a strainer or colander

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

Firstly, you'll need to gather your equipment: a large kitchen strainer or colander, a large pot, and some water. Ensure that your strainer or colander is big enough to hold the food you plan to steam.

Next, fill the large pot with water to a level just below the bottom of the strainer or colander when placed inside. This is important to ensure that the boiling water does not touch the strainer or colander. Depending on the size of your pot and strainer/colander, fill the pot with approximately half an inch of water.

Now, place the strainer or colander inside the pot. If your strainer or colander doesn't rest securely on the rim of the pot, you may need to hold it in place. In this case, it is recommended to use a strainer with a heat-proof handle or protect your hands with an oven mitt to avoid burns.

Then, place the food you wish to steam into the strainer or colander. Arrange the food in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Once the food is in the strainer or colander, turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. After the water reaches a boil, lower the heat slightly so that the water is barely bubbling. This is the ideal steaming temperature.

Cover the pot as much as possible to prevent steam from escaping. Check on your food regularly to prevent overcooking, as steaming times can vary depending on the type of food.

Using a strainer or colander is a straightforward and effective way to steam food without a steamer basket. With this method, you can easily steam vegetables, proteins, and other foods to perfection.

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