Steam-Free Cooking: Techniques For A Dry Kitchen

Steam cooking is a simple, quick, and healthy way to prepare food. It involves using the heat of steam generated by a small amount of simmering water to cook food suspended above the water's surface. This method helps retain the nutritional value of the food being cooked. While steamers are available in various shapes and sizes, they are not necessary to steam food. There are several hacks to create a steamy environment in your kitchen without a steamer, such as using a heat-safe colander, a disposable aluminium pie pan, or a microwave.

Use a microwave

Using a microwave is an effective way to cook without steam. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the vegetables with warm water to remove any dirt and debris. You can steam a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, green beans, and cauliflower. Cut the vegetables into smaller pieces, about 1-inch florets or pieces.

Step 2: Place in a Microwave-Safe Dish and Add Water

Place the prepared vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2-4 tablespoons of water, depending on the portion size. Larger portions will require more water. Cover the bowl with a loose-fitting lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring it has punctured holes for ventilation.

Step 3: Microwave the Vegetables

The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and the power of your microwave. As a guide, steamed vegetables typically take between 3-7 minutes in the microwave. Broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus will take around 3-5 minutes, while potatoes and carrots will need a little longer, around 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

After microwaving, allow the vegetables to rest for 2-3 minutes before removing them from the microwave with oven mitts. Serve and enjoy!

Using a microwave is a quick and convenient way to steam vegetables without creating excess steam in your kitchen. This method is ideal for busy individuals and families who want to enjoy healthy, tasty, and tender veggies with minimal effort and time.

Steam in water

Steam is produced by boiling water, which then vaporises into steam. The steam carries heat to the food, cooking it. When cooking with steam, the food is kept separate from the boiling water but comes into direct contact with the hot steam.

Steaming is a great way to cook food without the need for added fats, such as butter or oil, and it is a gentle way to cook delicate foods, such as seafood and shellfish. It is also a quick way to cook, so it is important to stay close to the food to ensure it does not overcook.

When steaming food, it is important to keep the lid on the pot to maintain the heat of the steam and keep the water level at the bottom of the pot. The lid should be tight-fitting, with some room between the lid and the food to allow the steam to circulate.

When steaming without a steamer basket, one method is to use a plate and tin foil. This involves filling a pot with about half an inch of water and placing three balls of tin foil in the bottom of the pot. A heat-proof plate is then rested on top of the foil balls, and the food is placed on the plate. The pot is then covered, and the food is steamed until it is cooked to the desired level.

Another method is to steam the food directly in the water. This method involves filling a pot with about half an inch of water, adding the food, covering the pot, and bringing it to a boil. This method works well for firm vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, but may not be suitable for starchy vegetables like potatoes, as they may become watery.

Use a disposable aluminium pan

Using a disposable aluminium pan is a great, cost-effective alternative to traditional cake pans. They are also ideal for transporting and storing your baked goods. Here are some tips for using a disposable aluminium pan:

Preparing the Pan

Before you start baking, it's important to grease the pan with oil, cooking spray, or clarified butter. This will ensure that your cake doesn't stick to the pan once it's cooked. You can also use parchment paper as an alternative. Make sure to pay extra attention to the corners of the pan. Another thing to keep in mind is to not overfill the pan. Fill the pan only three-quarters of the way, as most cakes need space to rise.

Placing the Pan in the Oven

When placing the pan in the oven, use both hands to handle it carefully, especially when it's full. Disposable aluminium pans are not as sturdy as traditional cake pans and can bend or crack easily. Also, preheat your oven to the required temperature to maintain a consistent baking environment.

Baking Time and Temperature

Since disposable aluminium pans are thinner than regular cake pans, you might need to reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Keep an eye on your cake and adjust the time accordingly. Regarding temperature, there's no need to change it from what the recipe states. However, if the recipe suggests different temperatures for different types of pans, follow the instructions for "shiny metal" baking.

Removing the Cake from the Pan

Allow the cake to cool for 5-10 minutes before attempting to remove it from the pan. You can also cut the corners of the tray with scissors and fold down the sides for easy removal.

Use a heat-safe colander

If you have a heat-safe colander, you can use it to cook without steam. Place the colander inside a large pot with a lid to create a steamer. This method is ideal for small items, which can be placed in the perforated bowl of the colander. For larger foods, such as corn on the cob or lobsters, flip the colander over and arrange the food on top of it.

To use this method, start by filling a pot with approximately half an inch of water. Then, place the colander inside the pot, ensuring that there is enough space between the colander and the water. If your colander doesn't rest on the rim of the pot, you may need to hold it in place with an oven mitt or use a colander with a heat-proof handle.

Once the colander is in place, add your food to it in a single layer. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat so it is barely bubbling. Cover the pot as much as possible to prevent steam from escaping and check on your food frequently to prevent overcooking. Remember that steaming times will vary depending on what you are cooking.

Using a heat-safe colander is a simple and effective way to cook without steam. It allows you to suspend your food over simmering water, creating a steamy environment that cooks your food gently and efficiently. This method is particularly suitable for small or delicate items that you want to cook without submerging in liquid.

Use a wok setup

A wok is a great option for steaming food without creating excess steam. Here is a setup guide for using a wok to steam your food:

Wok Setup

The wok is a versatile cooking vessel that can be used for steaming, especially when paired with a bamboo steamer. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up your wok for steaming:

• Equipment: You will need a wok with a lid, a bamboo steamer that fits inside the wok, and a heat-proof dish or plate that can fit inside the bamboo steamer.
• Water Level: Fill the wok with enough water so that it reaches about halfway up the side of the bamboo steamer when placed inside. For longer steaming times, you may need more water, but be careful not to fill it too high, as you don't want the water touching the food.
• Steaming Rack: If you have a steaming rack, place it at the bottom of the wok before adding the water. This is especially useful if you plan to steam larger items like a whole fish or chicken.
• Preparing the Bamboo Steamer: Before using a new bamboo steamer, soak the bottom rim that will touch the wok in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to prevent charring. After the first use, let it dry completely before storing.
• Lining the Steamer: If you're steaming buns, baos, or dumplings, line the steamer baskets with perforated baking paper, napa cabbage leaves, or reusable silicone liners to prevent sticking.
• Arranging Food: Place your vegetables, proteins, or buns on plates or shallow dishes that fit inside the bamboo steamer. Make sure there is adequate circulation space around the food for the steam to cook it evenly.
• Covering the Wok: Place the lid on the wok to trap the steam and create the perfect cooking environment. For larger items, you may need a domed lid that provides ample circulation space.
• Regulating Heat: Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Then, regulate the heat to maintain a steady supply of steam. A higher heat will generate more steam, while a lower heat is suitable for delicate foods.
• Water Replenishment: Keep an eye on the water level and replenish it with boiling water as needed. Don't let the wok run dry, as this can scorch your bamboo steamer.
• Safety: Always exercise caution when working with hot steam. Be careful when opening the lid and removing food from the steamer to avoid burns.

Using a wok with a bamboo steamer is an effective way to steam various foods without creating excess steam in your kitchen. It's a gentle cooking method that preserves flavors and textures, making it ideal for delicate dishes like dumplings, buns, and even larger items like whole fish.

Frequently asked questions