Ella Walter
Steamer pots are a great way to cook a variety of dishes, from vegetables and proteins to buns, dumplings, and desserts. It is a simple and healthy cooking method that does not require any special equipment. With a basic setup of a deep vessel like a wok or pot, a lid, and a metal steam rack, you can steam almost anything. The process involves placing a heatproof dish with food on the rack, covering it, and steaming it over simmering water. Steaming is a gentle cooking technique that preserves the nutrients and moisture of ingredients, making it ideal for delicate foods like seafood and vegetables. It is also a versatile method, allowing you to cook a complete dinner in a single pot. Additionally, steamer pots are excellent for reheating leftovers and cooking rice or buns.
How to cook with a steamer pot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food to cook | Vegetables, proteins, rice, buns, dumplings, desserts |
| Advantages | Faster than roasting, low-fat, gentle cooking, efficient |
| Equipment | Wok, pot, deep pan, steamer basket, colander, bamboo steamer, metal steamer |
| Setup | Fill the bottom of the steamer with 2-4 inches of water, place food in a heatproof dish or on a rack, cover and steam |
| Tips | Use cabbage leaves/cheesecloth/paper liners to prevent sticking, season the water, don't let the water evaporate completely |
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What You'll Learn
How to steam vegetables
Steaming is a quick and easy way to cook vegetables, preserving their flavour, nutrients and colour. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming vegetables:
Firstly, prepare your steamer. You can use a metal steamer, a bamboo steamer, a steamer pot, or a steamer insert/basket that fits into a saucepan. If using a steamer basket, fill the bottom of the pan with around 1-2 inches of water. The water level should be just under the basket. If steaming buns or dumplings, line the racks with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners.
Next, prepare your vegetables. Cut the vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If steaming mixed vegetables with different cooking times, cut denser vegetables slightly smaller so that they cook more quickly.
Now you are ready to steam. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. When you see steam emerging from the pot, add the vegetables to the basket and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium.
Check the vegetables after a few minutes. Tender vegetables like broccoli and asparagus will cook in just a few minutes, while harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes will take longer. The vegetables are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife. Be careful not to over-steam the vegetables, as this can make them mushy. Remove the vegetables from the steamer when they still have a slight bite, as they will continue to cook in the residual heat.
Finally, serve the vegetables. Toss them with a little olive oil or butter, and season with salt and a squeeze of lemon.
You can also steam vegetables in the microwave. Put the vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of water, cover with a plate or lid, and cook on high for around 5 minutes. Check the vegetables and continue to microwave in 1-minute bursts until they are cooked through but not mushy.
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How to steam rice and other grains
Steaming is an essential cooking technique in Asian cuisine, and a steamer pot can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes, from vegetables and proteins to buns, dumplings, and even desserts. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam rice and other grains using a steamer pot:
Preparing the Steamer Pot:
Start by finding a pot with a lid that can accommodate the steaming rack and the heatproof dish or bowl you plan to use. A wok with a lid is ideal because it provides more room for steam to circulate. Place a metal steaming rack at the bottom of the pot or wok, ensuring it is at least 2 inches above the water level (you may need more water for longer steaming times). You can use a round cooking rack or even create a makeshift rack with aluminium foil balls to keep the food from touching the water.
Preparing the Rice or Grains:
Wash and drain the desired amount of rice or other grains (such as quinoa or farro) in a bowl. For rice, a good ratio is 1/2 cup of rice to 3/4 cup of water for a single serving. After washing, fill the bowl with water and let the rice or grains soak for about 10 minutes. Do not over-soak, as this can cause the grains to break.
Steaming the Rice or Grains:
After soaking, discard the water and add fresh water to the rice or grains in the bowl. The water level should reach just below the top of the bowl. Place the bowl on the steaming rack in the pot, ensuring the water in the pot is boiling over medium-high heat. Cover the pot and steam for approximately 20 minutes.
Final Steps:
After 20 minutes, turn off the stove and let the cooked rice or grains sit in the steamer for an additional 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bowl from the steamer using a hot dish clip or tongs to avoid steam burns. Serve the fluffy rice or grains immediately.
You can also steam other foods, like vegetables, proteins, and even desserts, by placing them in heatproof dishes or bowls and arranging them on the steaming rack. Be mindful of the water level in the pot and ensure the food is raised enough so that the bubbling water does not touch it.
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How to steam meat and fish
Steaming is a great way to cook meat and fish, and it can be done with a simple setup. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam meat and fish using a steamer pot:
Preparing the Steamer Pot:
Firstly, you will need a pot with a lid that can accommodate a heatproof dish or a metal steam rack. If using a metal steam rack, ensure it is placed at least 2 inches above the water level, with more water added for longer steaming times. If you don't have a metal steam rack, you can use an empty can with both ends removed.
Preparing the Meat or Fish:
For meat, start by washing the raw meat and cutting it into smaller pieces. You can then place the meat directly into the steamer basket or a heatproof dish. Add any desired seasonings, vegetables, or sauces to the steamer basket as well. If steaming fish, it is recommended to use a lean, mild-flavoured, delicate white fish. You can season the fish with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and onions, either before or after steaming.
Steaming Process:
Before adding the food, ensure that the water is simmering. Place the heatproof dish of food on the rack, cover the pot, and steam. Make sure the food is raised enough so that the bubbling water cannot touch it. Adjust the water level as needed, being careful not to use too little water, as it can evaporate before the food is done steaming. For meat, steaming time is generally about 20 minutes, depending on the type and thickness of the cut. For fish, steaming time is typically around 10-12 minutes.
Serving:
Once the meat or fish is cooked, you can serve it with the accumulated broth or sauce. Always ensure that meat and fish are fully cooked to prevent any foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your delicious and healthy steamed dish!
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How to steam dumplings and buns
Steaming is a great way to cook dumplings and buns, and it's super easy to do with a steamer pot. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam dumplings and buns to perfection:
Prepare the Steamer Pot:
First, find a pot with a lid that can accommodate a metal steam rack and a heatproof dish or basket. Place the metal steam rack at the bottom of the pot, ensuring it's at least 2 inches above the water level. You can use an empty can with both ends removed as a substitute for a metal steam rack. If you're using a bamboo steamer, fill the pot with water until it reaches about half an inch up the steamer's rim.
Prepare the Dumplings or Buns:
While the water is heating up, it's time to prepare your dumplings or buns. If you're making dumplings from scratch, you'll need to prepare the filling and the dough for the wrappers. For the filling, you can try a combination of tempeh, mushrooms, and tamari, or kimchi, ginger, and mushrooms for a spicy kick. For the dough, you can make regular wrappers with flour and water or crystal wrappers with wheat starch, tapioca starch, and oil. If using store-bought dumpling wrappers, simply prepare the filling and assemble the dumplings.
Steam the Dumplings or Buns:
Once your dumplings or buns are ready, it's time to steam them. If steaming buns, line the racks with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners to prevent sticking. Place the dumplings or buns in the steamer basket or heatproof dish, ensuring they don't touch each other to avoid sticking together. Cover the pot and steam for about 10 minutes. For soup dumplings, place a steamer liner from the dumpling bag on the rack before adding the dumplings to prevent the soup from spilling into the water.
Serve and Enjoy:
After steaming, let the dumplings or buns rest in the steamer for a minute to prevent them from tearing. Serve them warm, as the wrappers tend to harden as they cool. Enjoy your freshly steamed dumplings or buns with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tamari or chili oil.
With these simple steps, you'll be able to create delicious steamed dumplings and buns right at home using your steamer pot!
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How to steam without a steamer
Steaming is a moist heat-cooking method where boiling water evaporates into steam, which, along with the food being cooked, is trapped in a pot with a tight-fitting lid. This creates the perfect hot environment to cook the food. Typically, an inch or so of water boils in the bottom of the pan, with a steamer basket or pot placed above, so that the food never touches the water.
If you don't have a steamer, there are several ways to steam food. Here are some methods:
- Microwave steaming: Place the food in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water and cover with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate. Cook until crisp, checking frequently. This method works best with vegetables.
- Stovetop steaming with a plate: Take three sheets of aluminum foil and roll them into balls the size of baseballs. Place them in the bottom of a large pot and pour in about an inch of water. Place a heatproof plate on top of the foil balls, add the food, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and steam.
- Stovetop steaming with a strainer: Choose a saucepan that is wide enough to hold a metal strainer or colander around the rim and deep enough that the strainer doesn't touch the bottom. Add about an inch of water to the bottom of the pan, place the strainer over the pan, fill with food, and cook.
- Stovetop steaming with a bowl: Place a clean kitchen towel tightly around a pot, add water, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, put the food on the towel and cover with a metal bowl or another pot or pan to trap the steam.
- Stovetop steaming with a pie tin: Poke holes in the bottom of a disposable aluminum pie tin and place it upside down in a saucepan filled with a thin layer of water. Place the food on top of the tin and cover the pan.
Remember, when steaming, it's important to ensure that the lid doesn't touch the food, as this can cause issues like dumplings sticking to the lid and breaking.
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Frequently asked questions
You can steam a wide variety of foods with a steamer pot, including vegetables, seafood, meat, eggs, and dumplings.
First, find a pot with a lid that will accommodate the heatproof dish you plan to steam your food in. Place a metal steam rack at the bottom of the pot so that it's at least 2 inches above the water. Fill the bottom of the metal steamer with at least 2 inches of water, or more if you plan on steaming for longer. Place your food in a heatproof dish, cover the pot, and steam.
Steaming is a healthy way to cook foods without adding any extra fat. It's also a straightforward cooking method that can help you prepare perfectly cooked meals in less than half an hour.
