Cooking Veggies Without A Steamer: Easy, Quick, And Tasty!

There are several ways to cook vegetables without a steamer. One way is to use a metal colander or a strainer, placed inside a pot with a small amount of water. Another method is to use a plate and aluminium foil. A microwave can also be used to steam vegetables. For those with an oven, a roasting pan with a rack can be used to steam vegetables.

Use a microwave

Using a microwave is one of the easiest and fastest ways to steam vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Wash and peel the vegetables. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Different types of vegetables have different cooking times, so cut the vegetables accordingly. For example, broccoli cooks faster than cauliflower.

Step 2: Choose a microwave-safe bowl

Select a microwave-safe bowl with a lid. The lid helps to generate steam. Check if your bowl is microwave-safe by looking for a symbol that resembles a microwave with wavy lines. If there is no such symbol, it is best to use another container.

Step 3: Add water

Add 1 tablespoon of water to the bowl. The amount of water depends on the quantity of vegetables. Add a little more water if you are steaming a large amount. However, if you are steaming leafy greens like spinach, you don't need to add any water as the rinsed leaves will provide enough moisture.

Step 4: Cover the bowl

Place the lid on the bowl without snapping it closed. Leaving a small gap allows steam to escape, preventing the lid from popping off in the microwave, which could create a mess and affect the cooking process.

Step 5: Microwave the vegetables

Microwave the vegetables for 2 to 5 minutes, then check their tenderness with a fork. Most vegetables should be ready in 5 minutes, but denser vegetables like potatoes will take longer. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until the desired texture is achieved if you prefer them more tender.

Tips:

• Be mindful of the appearance: While microwaving is convenient, it can give vegetables a slightly shrivelled look due to partial cooking.
• Use the right amount of water: Too much water will result in boiling rather than steaming, and too little water will not generate enough steam.

Use a plate and aluminium foil

If you don't have a steamer, you can use a plate and aluminium foil to steam your veggies. First, get a large, deep skillet and place it on the stove. The heat setting will depend on the type of vegetable you're steaming. Next, tear off a few sheets of aluminium foil, crunch them into balls, and place them inside the skillet. Then, grab a heat-proof plate and position it above the foil balls. Pour a small amount of water into the skillet—this will eventually turn into steam.

Place the lid on top of the skillet and bring the water to a boil. Once it's boiling, lower the heat and let the vegetables steam. The time needed to steam vegetables varies depending on what you're cooking, but it should take around five to seven minutes. After the vegetables are done steaming, turn off the heat and let the plate cool before washing.

Steam in a colander and a pot

Steaming vegetables is a great way to cook them without losing their nutrients, colour, and crispness. If you don't have a steamer, you can easily make your own with a colander or strainer and a pot. Here's how:

First, choose a pot that has a tight-fitting lid. The lid is important as it helps to trap the steam inside the pot. The pot should also be deep enough to allow for steam to build up and cook the vegetables effectively.

Next, fill the pot with about half an inch of water. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the colander or strainer you'll be using. Place the colander or strainer inside the pot, ensuring it doesn't touch the water. If your colander doesn't have a heat-resistant handle, be sure to use a pot holder to protect your hands.

Now, add your vegetables to the colander. You can steam just one type of vegetable or a variety, but keep in mind that vegetables with similar textures and thicknesses will steam at the same rate. For example, broccoli and cauliflower, or peas and carrots, can be steamed together.

Then, bring the water to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Cover the pot with its lid to trap the steam inside. If your lid doesn't fit well, you can use a piece of aluminium foil to seal the top of the pot. Just be careful not to burn yourself if the pot is already hot.

After about 5 minutes, check on your vegetables. Different vegetables will have different steaming times, and this will also depend on how full your colander is. Broccoli, for instance, usually takes about 5-7 minutes to reach a crisp texture, while denser vegetables like potatoes may take 10 minutes or more.

Finally, when your vegetables are tender, remove the colander from the pot and serve. Remember to use pot holders when lifting the colander to protect your hands from the steam and heat.

And that's it! You've now successfully steamed your vegetables without a steamer. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, nutritious veggies.

Use a splatter screen

Using a splatter screen is an effective way to steam vegetables without a steamer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, grab a wide saucepan and fill it with water. The amount of water you need depends on the quantity of vegetables you plan to cook. As a general rule, fill the saucepan with water about halfway or add about an inch of water. If you're cooking a larger amount of vegetables, you may need to add a bit more water to ensure efficient steaming.

Next, place the splatter screen over the top of the saucepan. This will act as a makeshift steaming platform for your vegetables.

Now, add your chosen vegetables to the splatter screen. It's important to cut your vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces before steaming to ensure even cooking. Layer the vegetables in a single layer, and don't overcrowd the splatter screen to allow for even steaming. If you have a large quantity of vegetables, you may need to cook in batches.

Once your vegetables are on the splatter screen, it's time to start cooking. Cover the saucepan with a lid to trap the steam and prevent it from escaping. The lid should fit securely to create a tight seal, allowing moisture to build up inside the saucepan. This steam will cook your vegetables.

Keep an eye on your vegetables while they're cooking to prevent overcooking. Steaming times will vary depending on the type of vegetable and the amount you're cooking. Use a spoon or tongs to carefully remove the vegetables from the splatter screen when they're tender to your liking.

And that's it! You've successfully steamed your vegetables using a splatter screen. This method is a simple and effective way to cook vegetables without the need for a steamer. Enjoy your freshly cooked veggies!

Try a foil pie tin

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to steam your veggies without a steamer, grab a foil pie tin! This method is simple and only requires a few household items. Here's what you need to do:

First, get a saucepan that is wide enough to fit the pie tin inside. Fill the pan with a thin layer of water, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Take your foil pie tin and poke holes in the bottom—the holes will allow the steam to rise and cook your veggies. Place the pie tin upside down in the saucepan. Now, add your veggies to the top of the tin and you're ready to steam!

This method is a creative way to use those foil pie tins for something other than dessert. It's important to note that the size of your saucepan and the amount of water you use are crucial to this method's success. The saucepan should be wide enough to fit the pie tin comfortably, and the water should be shallow, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. This ensures that your veggies are steamed, not boiled.

Additionally, the holes in the pie tin are essential to allow the steam to rise and cook your veggies. Be sure to poke enough holes in the tin to allow for adequate steam circulation. This method is a fun and resourceful way to steam your veggies without a steamer.

If you're looking for other ways to steam veggies without a steamer, there are a few alternative methods you can try. One way is to use a metal strainer or colander placed inside a saucepan. Another method involves using a wire cooling rack over a saucepan of water. You can also try the microwave method for a quick and easy steaming option.

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