Steaming Without A Steamer: Simple Hacks For Great Results

Steamers can be bulky and expensive, and they take up a lot of space. Luckily, there are many ways to steam vegetables without a traditional steamer. All you need are some common kitchen tools and a bit of creativity. Here are some methods to try: using a plate and aluminium foil, microwaving vegetables, steaming in a colander and a pot, using a wire cooling rack, a splatter screen, a foil pie tin, or a strainer.

Use a plate and some foil

Using a plate and some foil is a fun way to steam your vegetables without a steamer. It's also a convenient method as you can serve the food on the plate, making cleaning up a breeze. Here's how to do it:

First, find a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. You'll also need some aluminium foil. Next, make three large, solid balls out of the foil and place them in the bottom of your pot. The balls should be roughly the same size and about the size of a golf ball. Now, add water to the pot—pour in about half an inch of water, or enough so that the plate will be held above the water level when placed on the foil balls.

Place the plate on top of the foil balls. The plate should be elevated by the foil balls, with the water underneath but not touching the plate. If the plate is too close to the water, simply make new, bigger foil balls. Once the plate is in place, you can put your vegetables on the plate. Cover the pot and heat the water until it simmers. In just a few minutes, your vegetables will be tender and perfectly steamed.

When the vegetables are ready, use a spoon or tongs to carefully remove them from the plate. Be careful, as steam will have built up inside the pot. Now you're ready to serve and enjoy your freshly steamed veggies!

Microwave your veg

Microwaving vegetables is a quick and easy way to cook them while retaining their nutrients. It's also a great option if you're short on time or don't want to deal with the hassle of boiling or frying. Here are some detailed instructions on how to microwave your vegetables to perfection:

Preparation:

Start by rinsing your chosen vegetables with cool water and scrubbing off any dirt. Chop the veggies into bite-sized or uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also trim the ends or cut them into specific shapes, depending on the vegetable. For example, carrots can be cut into 1/4" thick slices, while broccoli can be separated into bite-sized florets.

Cooking Process:

Place the prepared vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Add a small amount of water, usually around 1/4 cup or a few tablespoons. Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving one corner slightly open for ventilation. Alternatively, you can use a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Avoid using plastic bags or plastic wrap from the vegetable packaging, as microwaving plastic can be questionable and potentially harmful.

Microwave the vegetables on high power for 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the type and quantity of vegetables. For example, broccoli and carrots typically take around 3 minutes, while potatoes may need up to 5 minutes. Check your vegetables periodically to ensure they don't overcook and become soggy. Stir and rotate them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Once the vegetables are tender, carefully remove the cover, being cautious of the hot steam that will escape. Drain any excess water, season with salt and pepper, or fresh herbs, and serve immediately.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Combine vegetables with similar textures and cooking times.
• Avoid overcrowding the bowl to ensure even cooking.
• Poke holes in the plastic wrap or lid to release steam.
• Halt the cooking process before the vegetables become overcooked and mushy.
• For whole vegetables like potatoes or squash, prick the skin with a fork to prevent bursting.
• Use glass or ceramic dishes to minimise potential risks associated with microwaving.

Benefits of Microwaving Vegetables:

Microwaving is a convenient and time-saving method for cooking vegetables. It also helps retain more nutrients compared to boiling or stir-frying. The shorter cooking time and reduced exposure to heat minimise nutrient loss. Additionally, microwaving can minimise the creation of dangerous compounds that may form during high-heat cooking methods like stir-frying.

Use a colander and a pot

Steaming food is a great way to cook without losing nutrients, colour, and crispness. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a colander and a pot to achieve the same effect. Here's how:

First, choose a pot that is deep enough to hold a colander or strainer without it touching the bottom. You will also need to ensure that the colander or strainer is metal, as plastic will not be heat-resistant. The pot should also have a lid that fits securely to prevent steam from escaping.

Next, fill the pot with approximately half an inch of water. Place the metal colander or strainer inside the pot, ensuring that it does not touch the water. If your colander or strainer does not rest on the rim of the pot, you may need to hold it in place with an oven mitt or pot holder to protect your hand from the steam.

Now, add your food to the colander or strainer. It is best to place the food in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your strainer and the amount of food, you may need to cook in batches. 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. Check on your food regularly to prevent over-cooking, as steaming times will vary depending on what you are cooking.

Using a colander and pot is a simple and effective way to steam food without a steamer. With this method, you can easily prepare healthy and delicious meals without investing in any specialized equipment.

Make a pie tin steamer

If you're looking to make a pie tin steamer, you'll need two reusable aluminium pie tins. First, poke 12-16 holes in the base of both pie tins, then use a rolling pin to flatten one of them out—don't worry about getting it perfectly flat, just run the rolling pin over it a few times. Place the structurally sound tin upside down in a pot with a little water. Rest the flattened tin on top of the first, and place whatever you're steaming on top of it. Turn on the heat, and you've got a steamer!

If you're steaming vegetables, it's recommended that you coat them with a small amount of cooking oil before steaming. For extra flavour, add a small amount of sesame oil for a nutty, toasted taste. Once you've arranged your veggies, add the pot lid back on and steam until they reach your desired level of softness.

You can also use this method to steam dumplings. Make sure your water is steaming before you add the dumplings to ensure they cook evenly. Spread them evenly across the pie pan so they each have ample access to the steam. Before you start cooking, double-check that your dumplings are sealed to your standards—you don't want to lose any filling during the cooking process! Dumplings with a meat filling will need to cook for at least ten minutes. Keep an eye on them as they cook, and be prepared to add more boiling water as needed. You're looking for a light boil, which is enough to produce steam. You can tell your dumplings are cooked when they are firm to the touch and slightly translucent.

Repurpose a cooling rack

If you don't have a steamer, you can repurpose a cooling rack to steam food. Here's how:

Firstly, choose a saucepan that's wide enough to fit the cooling rack. Add about an inch of water to the pan. Then, place the cooling rack over the pan, ensuring that the rack doesn't have spaces larger than the food you're steaming. If it does, you might end up boiling your food instead! Next, place your ingredients on top of the rack and cover them with aluminium foil. Finally, turn on the heat and let your food steam.

You can also use a cooling rack to steam food in the oven. Simply heat the oven to a low temperature (around 200ºF) and boil a teapot of water. Then, pour about half an inch of water into a large pot and place a cooling rack over the top. Arrange your food in a single layer on the rack and cover the whole thing with aluminium foil. Place the pot in the oven until your food is steamed.

There are several other ways to steam food without a steamer, including using a strainer, colander, splatter screen, pie tin, or plate and foil.

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