Steam Cooking Simplified: Diy Steam Cooker Guide

Steam cookers are a great way to prepare a variety of dishes, from vegetables and proteins to buns, dumplings, and desserts. They are considered a basic piece of cooking equipment in many parts of the world, especially in Asian households. Steam cooking is a simple, quick, and healthy method that helps preserve the nutritional value of the food being cooked. It is also a gentle cooking technique that is suitable for delicate foods. While there are various types of steamers available in the market, such as collapsible metal baskets, steamer pots, and bamboo steamers, it is also possible to make a simple DIY steamer at home using household items.

Using a wok or pot with a lid

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Items

Firstly, you will need a deep vessel such as a wok or a pot with a lid. The size of the vessel will depend on the size of the food you plan to steam. If you intend to steam food in a bowl or on a plate, ensure that it fits completely inside the vessel. Additionally, you will need a lid that can trap the steam without touching the food. A dome-shaped lid is preferable as it provides more space for steam to collect and prevents the food from being smashed.

Step 2: Prepare the Vessel

Place a metal steam rack or a similar heat-proof item inside the wok or pot. The steam rack should be elevated at least 2 inches above the water level. If you don't have a steam rack, you can use a clean metal can, a heat-proof bowl, or even create aluminium foil balls to act as a stand. Ensure that the item you choose can withstand the heat and elevate the food above the water level.

Step 3: Add Water and Heat

Add about an inch or two of water to the pot. The water level should not touch the highest part of the rack or the stand. Place the wok or pot on the stove and turn on the heat to medium or medium-high. Allow the water to reach a simmer, ensuring that it does not completely evaporate.

Step 4: Prepare the Food

Once the water is simmering, carefully place your food inside the vessel. If using a bowl or plate, balance it evenly on the stand. Ensure that there is enough space between the edges of the bowl or plate and the sides of the pot for the steam to circulate effectively. Cover the pot with the lid.

Step 5: Steam the Food

With the lid in place, your food will start steaming. Follow the recipe instructions or your desired cooking time. Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed to ensure it doesn't completely evaporate.

Tips and Variations:

• When steaming for longer periods, you may need to use more water. However, ensure that the water level is not too high, as it should not come closer than 1 inch below the rack to prevent the bubbling water from touching the food.
• When using a wok, its larger diameter and concave lid provide more space for steam circulation, making it ideal for steaming larger items.
• To prevent condensation from dripping onto your food, especially when steaming buns, breads, or cakes, tie a thin kitchen towel or tea towel around the lid, ensuring that the loose ends are securely tied.
• To safely handle hot dishes and avoid steam burns, use a hot dish clip or tongs to retrieve the dish from the pot.

By following these steps and variations, you can effectively use a wok or pot with a lid to steam various foods, from vegetables and proteins to buns, dumplings, and more.

Using a stainless steel steamer

Firstly, you will need to put a few inches of water—typically between one and two—in the bottom of the steamer. The water level should not go above the steamer basket once it is placed in the pot, as this can ruin the meal. However, you should also avoid putting in too little water, as this could lead to the pan burning if the water boils off before your food is cooked.

Next, set up however many tiers you would like to use. You can place heat-proof dishes of food on the tiers, or, if you are steaming buns or dumplings, you can line the tiers with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper, and place the food directly on top.

Then, bring the water to a simmer, cover, and steam. To prevent condensation from dripping onto the food, you can tie a thin kitchen towel around the lid, ensuring that any loose ends are tied securely and not in contact with the heat source.

Finally, keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed. It is best to fill the bottom of the steamer with as much water as you will need for the whole cooking process.

Some additional tips for using a stainless steel steamer include:

• Using stock or herbs to infuse your food with flavour
• Ensuring that the seal is airtight so that the steam touches the food
• Preparing your food before steaming by adding herbs, spices or garlic

Using a bamboo steamer

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook food without the use of oil or butter, and they are simple to use, easy to clean, and affordable. They are also naturally antibacterial, eco-friendly, and kind to your wallet.

Step 1: Gather your ingredients

Choose the ingredients you want to steam. This could include vegetables, rice, seafood, dumplings, buns, or any other food that benefits from gentle and moist cooking.

Step 2: Line the bamboo steamer (optional)

To prevent food from sticking to the bamboo base, you can line it with a layer of parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or bamboo leaves. This step is optional but can make cleaning easier and enhance the presentation of the food.

Step 3: Boil water in a pot or wok

Select a pot or wok that is large enough to accommodate the bamboo steamer. Fill it with water, ensuring that the water level is below the bottom tier of the steamer when it is placed on top. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Arrange the food

While the water is boiling, place the food you want to steam onto the bamboo base (or whatever you’ve used to line the base), making sure there is enough space between each piece for steam to circulate. Keep in mind that different ingredients may require different cooking times, so consider their individual needs when arranging them in the steamer.

Step 5: Stack the tiers

If you have multiple tiers in your bamboo steamer, stack them on top of each other, ensuring the lid fits securely on the top tier.

Step 6: Place the bamboo steamer on the pot or wok

Carefully place the bamboo steamer on top of the pot or wok, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer. The steam will cook the food without direct contact with the water.

Step 7: Cover with the lid

Place the fitted lid on top of the bamboo steamer, ensuring it fits snugly. The lid helps trap the steam within the tiers, ensuring even cooking.

Step 8: Steam the food

Allow the food to steam for the recommended cooking time. The cooking time can vary depending on the ingredients and how well-done you’d like them. Check the food periodically to avoid overcooking.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy

Once the food is cooked to your liking, carefully remove the bamboo steamer from the pot or wok using oven mitts or kitchen tongs. Be cautious of the hot steam when removing the lid. Transfer the steamed food to a serving platter and enjoy it while it’s hot and flavourful.

Using a microwave

Step 1: Prepare your food

Firstly, wash your vegetables thoroughly with water to remove any dirt and debris. You can steam a variety of vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, leafy greens, cauliflower, asparagus, and carrots. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If you are steaming fish, choose fillets that are about 1 inch thick and defrost them if they are frozen.

Step 2: Choose the right container

Select a microwave-safe container, such as a glass, ceramic, or plastic bowl or dish. Avoid using flimsy plastic containers, takeout containers, plastic bags, or aluminum foil. Make sure the container is large enough to avoid overcrowding the food.

Step 3: Add water

Add a small amount of water to the container, usually around 1-2 tablespoons per serving. The water will create steam when heated. You may not need to add water if you are steaming leafy greens.

Step 4: Cover the container

Cover the container with a lid, plate, or microwave-safe plastic wrap to trap the heat and create steam. If using plastic wrap, ensure it is labelled microwave-safe and does not touch the food. You can also use wax paper, parchment paper, or paper towels, but ensure one corner is folded up to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Microwave

Place the covered container in the microwave and set the power level and time according to the type of food you are steaming. For most vegetables, microwave on high for 3-5 minutes. Firmer vegetables like potatoes may take longer, around 6-8 minutes. Fish fillets typically take about 3 minutes on high power.

Step 6: Check for doneness

Remove the container from the microwave and carefully lift the lid or covering, being cautious of the hot steam. Use a fork to pierce the food to check if it is tender. If it is not fully cooked, return it to the microwave in short intervals until it is done to your liking.

Step 7: Serve

Once your food is tender, carefully remove it from the container and season to taste. Serve your steamed vegetables or fish as a healthy and delicious side dish or main course.

Using a disposable aluminium pie pan

To use a disposable aluminium pie pan as a steamer, poke several holes into the bottom of the pan using a knife or a pair of scissors. The holes should be large enough for steam to pass through. Next, fill a pot with around an inch of water and place the pan upside down inside the pot. The edges of the pan will naturally create a small distance between the water and the food, preventing the food from touching the water. Place your food on top of the inverted pan and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

If you are steaming dumplings, you can place a circle of hole-punched parchment paper on top of the pie pan to prevent the dumplings from sticking.

Disposable aluminium pie pans are not as sturdy as other types of pie pans, so be sure to handle them with care. Always hold the pan with your hand centred on the bottom. When removing the pan from the pot, do so together with the pot to keep your food intact. Let the pie cool on the pot.

Frequently asked questions