Crafting A Food Steamer: Homemade, Healthy, And Easy

Steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook food. It is a moist heat cooking method that requires very few ingredients, allowing the true flavour of the food to shine. While there are several types of steamers available, such as collapsible metal baskets, steamer pots, and bamboo steamers, they are not necessary to steam food. With just a few simple items, you can make a homemade food steamer and enjoy perfectly steamed dishes.

Using a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish

Steaming food is a simple and healthy way to cook, and you don't need any special equipment to do it. Here's how to make a homemade food steamer using a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish:

First, find a pot or wok with a lid that will accommodate the heat-proof dish you plan to steam your food in. If you have a wok with a lid, that's ideal because woks have a larger diameter than regular pots, so they can fit larger plates of food. Plus, wok lids tend to be more concave, creating more room for steam to circulate above the food.

Next, you'll need something to prop up the dish above the water, such as a metal steam rack or a clean, empty metal can with both ends removed. Wider cans work better as they provide a more stable surface for your food. If you want something taller, try using a 28-ounce (794g) tomato can. You can also use a combination of a rack and a can to raise the food even higher above the water, which is especially useful if you're steaming for a long time and need to use more water.

Now, simply fill your pot or wok with about 2 inches of water (more or less, depending on how long you need to steam the food). Just make sure the water level is at least 1 inch below the rack or can to prevent the bubbling water from touching the bottom of the dish. Place the steaming rack or empty can in the centre of the pot or wok, and then put your heatproof dish of food on top. Make sure the dish has a rim if you want to save any liquid from steaming. Once the dish is in place, cover the pot or wok with the lid, leaving enough space between the edges of the dish and the sides of the pot for the steam to circulate and cook the food effectively.

Finally, turn on the heat to medium or high to bring the water to a simmer, and your food will steam! Just remember to keep an eye on the water level and add more boiling water as needed to prevent it from evaporating completely.

Building a pie tin steamer

Materials:

• Two reusable aluminium pie tins
• A rolling pin
• A pot
• Water
• Parchment paper (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Tins

Using a knife, scissors, or a skewer, poke 12-16 holes in the base of both pie tins. This will allow the steam to vent through the tins. If you want to prevent your food from sticking to the pan, cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the pie tin and poke a few holes in it as well.

Step 2: Flatten One Pie Tin

Use a rolling pin to flatten one of the pie tins. Don't worry about getting it perfectly flat; a few passes with the rolling pin should be enough. This flattened tin will serve as the base of your steamer.

Step 3: Assemble the Steamer

Place the structurally sound pie tin upside down in the pot with a little water. The water level should reach about halfway up the pie tin. Then, rest the flattened tin on top of the first tin. If you have parchment paper, place it on top of the flattened tin before adding your food.

Step 4: Add Food and Steam

Place your chosen food, such as vegetables, meat, or dumplings, on top of the flattened tin or parchment paper. Turn on the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let the food steam until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For dumplings with meat filling, steam for at least ten minutes to ensure they are cooked through.

With these simple steps, you can create a functional and effective steamer using pie tins!

Using a splatter screen and bowl

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to steam your food without a steamer, you can use a splatter screen and a bowl. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, get your hands on a splatter screen. These are typically used to prevent grease from splattering all over your stovetop and cookware when frying foods. They are usually made of metal or silicone and have small holes or mesh to allow steam to escape while blocking most of the droplets of fat or splashes of food.

Next, you'll need a large bowl that can fit over your pot or pan. Make sure the bowl is made of a heat-resistant material such as glass or ceramic.

Now, let's set up your homemade steamer. Place your splatter screen on top of the pot or pan, ensuring it covers the opening. Then, simply add your food to the splatter screen and place the heat-resistant bowl over it, creating a dome that traps the steam inside.

This method works best for steaming small to medium quantities of food, such as vegetables or sticky rice. For larger quantities, you may need a bigger splatter screen and bowl, or you might need to work in batches.

Keep in mind that you should always exercise caution when steaming food. The steam is extremely hot and can cause burns if you're not careful. Always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling the pot, splatter screen, and bowl to avoid accidental burns.

Additionally, be mindful of the material and design of your splatter screen. Some screens are not oven-safe or suitable for gas stovetops, so be sure to check the specifications before using them over an open flame or in the oven.

With this simple setup, you can now steam your food without needing a dedicated steamer!

Steaming food in the microwave

Materials

You will need a microwave-safe bowl or dish with a lid, plate, or plastic wrap, and something to act as a rack to prop up the dish, such as a metal steam rack, a clean metal can, or aluminium foil balls.

Preparation

Wash and trim your chosen vegetables, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Place them in the bowl or dish, spreading them out evenly. You can also add seasonings or toppings to your vegetables, fish, or rice.

Cooking

Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the bowl or dish, and cover with the lid, plate, or plastic wrap. Make sure any plastic wrap is labelled as microwave-safe. Place the bowl or dish in the microwave and set the power level and time depending on the food type and your microwave's strength.

After Cooking

Carefully remove the bowl or dish from the microwave, being mindful of escaping steam. Leave covered for a few minutes to finish steaming, then pierce the food with a fork to check if it is tender. If not, return to the microwave and cook in 30-second intervals until tender.

Tips and Tricks

• For rice, use a dish towel or paper towel to cover the bowl instead of a lid. This absorbs excess steam and prevents the rice from becoming soggy.
• For fish, choose fillets that are about 1 inch thick, and ensure they are defrosted if frozen.
• For vegetables, try to steam one type at a time as different vegetables require different steaming times.
• You can also steam rice and fish in the microwave, following similar steps to the vegetables.

Using a bamboo steamer

Bamboo steamers are a popular kitchen tool in Chinese cuisine, often used for steaming dumplings and buns. They are made up of interlocking baskets that stack on top of each other, with a lid on top. The entire setup is placed over a wok or pot of simmering water, and the steam rises through the open ridges at the bottom of each basket.

Step 1: Prepare Your Wok or Pan

Place the bamboo steamer into your wok or another wide-rimmed, shallow pan, and fill it with enough water to come up above the bottom rim of the steamer by about a quarter to half an inch. The water level should be high enough to submerge the bottom rim of the steamer to prevent scorching, but not so high that the bubbling water touches the food.

If your bamboo steamer is new, consider soaking the bottom rim that will come into contact with the pan for 30 minutes to prevent scorching.

Step 2: Line the Bamboo Steamer

Bamboo steamers can have multiple levels, depending on how much food you need to steam. If you are placing food directly on the steamer bed (for instance, buns or dumplings), use something to line it and prevent sticking. You can use napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, layers of cheesecloth, parchment paper, or reusable cloth or silicone liners.

If you are steaming marinated meats or vegetables, use a heatproof plate or bowl to collect any juices.

Step 3: Place Food in the Steamer

When placing dumplings, shumai, or buns in the steamer, do not overcrowd them. Leave about one inch between dumplings and about one and a half inches between larger buns, as they will expand during steaming.

If you are steaming something in a bowl or on a plate, there is no need to line the steamer. Place the heat-proof container directly in the steamer basket, ensuring there is enough space for the lid to fit and for steam to circulate.

Step 4: Place the Bamboo Steamer in the Wok or Pot

You can preheat the water so that it is simmering when you place the bamboo steamer into the wok, or you can place the steamer into the wok when the water is cold and then turn on the heat.

Step 5: Allow Food to Steam and Check Water Level

Once the water is simmering, it will start to evaporate. Allow the food to steam according to your recipe, but keep an eye on it and add boiling water as needed. Do not add cold water, as this will interrupt the cooking process.

Caring for Your Bamboo Steamer

Before initial use, you may want to soak the bottom layer of your bamboo steamer in water for 30 minutes to prevent scorching. After each use, ensure that your steamer is fully dried before storing to prevent mold.

To clean, wash with a sponge and mild dish soap, then immediately rinse thoroughly. Let the steamer air dry for at least two days before storing. Do not put your bamboo steamer in the dishwasher or soak it in water for extended periods.

Frequently asked questions