Microwave Steamer Mastery: Quick, Easy, And Healthy Meals

Cooking with a microwave steamer is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy meal. You can steam a variety of foods, including vegetables, fish, and rice. The process is simple: place your food in a microwave-safe dish or bowl, add a small amount of water, cover with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, and heat in the microwave until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Steaming helps retain the colour, texture, flavour, and nutritional content of your food. It is also a healthy cooking option, as you don't need to add any fat or oil.

How to steam vegetables

Steaming vegetables in the microwave is a great way to cook them while retaining their colour, texture, flavour, and nutritional content. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables in the microwave.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

If you are using frozen vegetables, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw. This may take a few hours, depending on the density of the vegetables. To speed up the process, you can soak the bag or box in warm water for about 30 minutes. Fresh vegetables do not need to be thawed but should be rinsed with lukewarm water. Use a kitchen scrubbing brush if there is caked-on dirt.

Step 2: Cut the Vegetables

Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut the vegetables into serving-size chunks, ideally no more than 2 inches (5 cm) long. Cutting the vegetables into smaller pieces will help them steam more quickly and evenly. If you are steaming multiple types of vegetables, try to cut them so they are roughly the same size.

Step 3: Place Vegetables in a Microwave-Safe Bowl

Arrange the vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Spread them out into a single layer at the bottom of the bowl. If you have more vegetables than can fit in a single layer, plan to steam them in separate batches.

Step 4: Add Water

Add a small amount of water to the bowl, just enough so that the bottom of the bowl is covered. Leafy vegetables like spinach will need very little water, while thicker vegetables like carrots will need more.

Step 5: Cover the Bowl

Cover the bowl with a sheet of microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving one corner uncovered to allow steam to escape. Alternatively, you can use a large plate, lid, or microwave-safe bowl to cover the dish.

Step 6: Microwave the Vegetables

Place the covered dish of vegetables in the microwave and set it to "high." Start with a cooking time of two minutes and adjust as needed based on the type and thickness of the vegetables. Firmer vegetables like potatoes may take up to eight minutes, while softer vegetables like broccoli will take less time.

Step 7: Check and Adjust

Check the vegetables after the initial cooking time. If they are still firm, use a fork to turn them over and place them back in the microwave for a few more minutes. Repeat this process until the vegetables are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 8: Serve

Once the vegetables are tender, they are ready to be served! Season with salt and pepper, herbs, or your desired spices. Enjoy!

How to steam rice

Steaming rice in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to cook rice without the need for a stovetop or rice cooker. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam rice in the microwave:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Rinse 1-2 cups of rice with warm water. This will help remove any dirt or excess starch and ensure more even cooking. You can use short-, medium-, or long-grain white rice.

Step 2: Add Water and Microwave

Place the rice in a large microwave-safe bowl and add water. The ideal ratio is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water. You can also use chicken or beef broth instead of water for added flavour. Cover the bowl with a clean dish towel or paper towel. Do not use a tight-fitting lid as this may cause the rice to boil over.

Step 3: Microwave the Rice

Microwave the rice on high power for about 10 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on the strength of your microwave, so adjust accordingly.

Step 4: Check the Rice

After 10 minutes, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, keeping the lid or covering in place. Check the rice. If it is tender, it is ready to eat. If it is still a bit crunchy, return it to the microwave and cook in 30-second intervals until it is done to your liking.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is cooked to your desired texture, fluff it with a fork and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

How to steam fish

Steaming fish in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook fish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam fish using a microwave steamer:

Choosing the Fish

You can use any type of fish fillet for steaming, such as cod, haddock, hake, halibut, flounder, or sole. Oily fish like salmon also work well. Look for fillets that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. You can also cut the fillets into large chunks or keep them whole. If using frozen fillets, defrost them in the fridge for a few hours or immerse them in cold water for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Fish

Spread the fillets out in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. Glass, ceramic, and some plastic dishes are safe to use. Ensure the fish isn't overlapping. You can add seasonings or toppings of your choice to the fillets. Here are some suggestions:

• Soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, rice wine, and sesame seeds
• Freshly minced ginger and chopped scallions
• Butter or margarine
• Grated lemon zest, lemon juice, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper
• Ground cumin, crushed garlic, sweet onion, fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper

Steaming the Fish

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring the fish isn't touching it. The plastic wrap traps heat and creates steam. Place the plate in the microwave and cook on high for 3 minutes. Check the fillets, and if they aren't opaque, continue cooking in 20-second intervals.

Once done, remove the fillets and let them sit for 1 minute before serving. Be careful as the plastic wrap and fish will be very hot. Pour any liquid on the plate into the sink, and your steamed fish is ready to enjoy!

How to steam frozen vegetables

Steaming frozen vegetables is a great way to cook them without losing their flavour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it in the microwave.

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

First, check if your vegetables need to be defrosted. Vegetables with a high moisture content, like spinach, should be thawed before cooking. For frozen vegetables that don't need defrosting, simply place them in a microwave-safe bowl and spread them out evenly.

Step 2: Add Water

Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the bowl. The water will create steam and prevent the vegetables from drying out. Make sure the water only covers the bottom of the bowl.

Step 3: Cover the Bowl

Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. This will trap the steam and help cook the vegetables. Leave a small gap for the steam to escape so that pressure doesn't build up.

Step 4: Microwave

Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for 3-5 minutes. Firmer vegetables, like potatoes, may take a little longer. Check if the vegetables are tender with a fork, and if not, microwave for another minute.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Carefully drain any excess water, add your favourite seasonings, and serve!

How long to steam different vegetables

Steaming vegetables in the microwave is a great way to retain their nutrients, colour, texture, and flavour. It is also a healthy option as you don't need to add any oil or fat.

Asparagus

Steam asparagus for 4-6 minutes in the microwave. For thinner spears, 4 minutes should be enough, while thicker spears may need up to 6 minutes.

Broccoli

Broccoli florets should be steamed in the microwave for 3-5 minutes. You will know they are done when they turn a darker colour.

Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts will cook quickly in the microwave, taking about 7 minutes. Cut each sprout in half before steaming.

Carrots

Slice carrots about 1/4-inch thick and steam for 5-8 minutes in the microwave.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets will steam in the microwave in about 3-4 minutes.

Green beans

Steam green beans for 3-4 minutes in the microwave.

Peas

Peas only need about 1-2 minutes in the microwave.

Zucchini

Steam zucchini for 6-8 minutes in the microwave.

Corn

If steaming corn in the husk, microwave for about 1.5 minutes per ear. If using kernels, microwave uncovered in a bowl, stirring every 30 seconds, until hot.

Spinach and other leafy greens

Leafy greens like spinach require very little water and only need to be steamed for about 3 minutes.

Potatoes

Cut potatoes into equally-sized pieces (peeling is optional) and steam for 6-8 minutes.

Artichokes

Artichokes are a good option for steaming in the microwave. Peel the fibrous skin from the stalks and leave the stalks whole. These will take longer than other vegetables, about 25-35 minutes.

Turnips

Firmer vegetables like turnips may take 6-8 minutes in the microwave.

Bok Choy

Remove the core of bok choy and separate the leaves. Steam for 4-5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions