Steaming Topsail: A Beginner's Guide To Cooking Perfection

Topsail Steamer offers a unique and mouth-watering dining experience, specialising in fresh seafood, meats, and veggies, all prepared in single-use steam pots. With a focus on convenience and flavour, Topsail Steamer provides everything you need for a delicious feast, including easy-to-follow instructions. Their signature Bay Buckets® and customisable options offer a range of seafood, meats, veggies, and homemade seasonings, ensuring there's something for every taste. Simply add liquid, steam, and enjoy a memorable meal with friends and family.

Choosing the right steamer pot

First, consider the size of the pot. Topsail steamer offers two options: the Low Tider, which serves 2-3 people, and the High Tider, which serves 4-5 people. Choose the size that best fits the number of people you plan to serve.

Next, consider the material of the pot. It is essential to select a pot made of durable, high-quality materials that can withstand high temperatures and retain heat effectively. Stainless steel or aluminium pots with a thick base are excellent choices for even heat distribution. Additionally, ensure that the pot has a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam inside and cook the food evenly.

The design of the steamer pot is also crucial. Look for a pot with a steamer basket or insert that allows you to easily remove the food from the pot once it is cooked. Some pots come with multiple tiers or compartments, which can be handy if you want to cook different types of seafood or vegetables simultaneously.

When selecting a steamer pot, opt for one with a flat, stable base. This feature will ensure that the pot sits securely on your stove or heat source, reducing the risk of accidents or spills.

Finally, consider any additional features that may be useful. For example, some steamer pots come with built-in thermometers or timers, which can help you monitor the cooking process. Others may have adjustable steam vents that allow you to control the steam release and prevent condensation buildup.

By considering the size, material, design, stability, and additional features of the steamer pot, you can choose the right one for cooking your topsail steamer. Remember to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the longevity of your pot and enjoy delicious seafood feasts with your family and friends.

Prepping the steamer

To prep your Topsail Steamer, start by gathering all your ingredients. Topsail Steamers are typically made with a variety of seafood, meats, vegetables, and seasonings. Common ingredients include lobster tails, peel-and-eat shrimp, snow crab, littleneck clams, andouille sausage, kielbasa, sea scallops, sweet corn, red bliss potatoes, onion, butter, cocktail sauce, and seafood seasoning. You can choose to include all or just some of these ingredients, depending on your personal preference.

Once you have gathered your ingredients, it's important to prepare them properly. Start by cleaning and rinsing all your seafood thoroughly. This step is crucial to ensure the safety and quality of your meal. Next, chop any larger ingredients, such as potatoes, into bite-sized pieces. You can also leave smaller items, like shrimp, whole if you prefer. If you're using corn, remove it from the cob to allow for more even cooking.

After all your ingredients are prepared, it's time to assemble your steamer pot. Topsail Steamers are typically cooked in a single-use pot, which can be purchased from specialty stores or ordered online. These pots are designed for easy, one-pot cooking. Simply layer your ingredients in the pot, starting with the items that will take the longest to cook, such as potatoes and sausage. Then, add your seafood, followed by the vegetables and any other remaining ingredients.

Finally, add your liquid of choice to the pot. Water is a common choice, but you can also use wine, beer, or broth to add extra flavor to your steamer. The amount of liquid you add will depend on the size of your pot and the quantity of ingredients, so adjust accordingly. Bring your pot to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer for approximately 40 minutes, or until all the ingredients are cooked through.

Adding ingredients in the right order

When preparing a Topsail Steamer, the order in which you add the ingredients is crucial to ensure optimal cooking and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on adding ingredients in the correct order:

Start by preparing your single-use steaming pot. Place the sweet corn and red bliss potatoes at the bottom of the pot. These ingredients have a longer cooking time and require a head start.

Next, add in the seafood. If you're using shellfish like shrimp, crab, or clams, put them in now. These items need sufficient cooking time to ensure they're properly cooked.

After that, add in any sausage or meat items such as Andouille sausage or Kielbasa. These meats are typically pre-cooked, so they only need to heat through and infuse their flavour into the rest of the dish.

If your recipe includes onions, it's best to add them at this stage. Onions cook relatively quickly and become tender without losing their shape.

Finally, add any remaining ingredients such as seafood seasoning or other vegetables. These final touches enhance the flavour and visual appeal of your steamer.

Remember, the key to a successful Topsail Steamer is allowing each ingredient to cook thoroughly before adding the next. This ensures that all components are cooked just right and come together harmoniously in the end.

Timing the cooking

Topsail steamers are a great, quick option for a delicious meal. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your pot and the quantity of food you are preparing. For a single-use steam pot, the cooking time is approximately 40 minutes. This will give you a mouthwatering seafood feast that can be spread out on the table and enjoyed with friends and family.

For larger groups, Topsail offers Party Pots that serve 20-35 people. These require a two-day advance notice and come with a propane burner and a $150 refundable deposit. The cooking time for these larger pots may be longer than the standard 40 minutes, but the exact time will depend on the specific combination of ingredients chosen.

The Low Country Shrimp and Topsail Clam Bake options serve 2-3 people and have similar cooking times. The same goes for the High Tider versions of these meals, which serve 4-5 people. The cooking time will be slightly longer to accommodate the larger portion sizes.

The Crabby Jimbo, Full Steamer, and Captain Pierce options have similar cooking times, both for the Low Tider and High Tider portions. These meals also serve either 2-3 or 4-5 people, respectively.

It's important to follow the steaming instructions provided by Topsail to ensure perfect results. With just the right amount of cooking time, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious and memorable meal with your loved ones.

Serving suggestions

Topsail steamers are best served straight from the pot to the table. The single-use steam pots are perfect for any occasion, whether you're at home, on the beach, or tailgating. All of the pots include a base of sweet corn, red bliss potatoes, cocktail sauce, butter, and paper for the table.

For a special occasion, why not try the Shark Bite Bucket? This pot serves 5-6 people and includes 2 lbs of snow crab, 2 dozen littleneck clams, 1 1/2 lb of peel-and-eat shrimp, 1/2 lb of large sea scallops, 1/2 lb of Andouille sausage, 1/2 lb of Kielbasa, 4 cold water lobster tails, sweet corn, red bliss potatoes, onion, homemade seafood seasoning, cocktail sauce, and butter.

If you're serving a smaller group, the Low Country Shrimp (Low Tider) might be a better option. This pot serves 2-3 people and includes 1 1/2 lbs of peel-and-eat shrimp, 1/2 lb of Andouille sausage, sweet corn, red bliss potatoes, homemade seafood seasoning, cocktail sauce, and butter.

For a real treat, add some crab crackers and tools to your spread. These handy tools will give your guests an easy and fun way to open crab or lobster shells and claws and can even be used to shell and devein shrimp.

Don't forget to complete your meal with some sides and desserts! Try the locally baked cornbread (available in plain or jalapeño cheddar) or the Lemon Blueberry Pie.

Frequently asked questions