Steam Pot Cooking: A Simple Guide To Deliciousness

Steam pots are a great way to cook a variety of dishes, from vegetables to seafood. They are especially useful for cooking delicate foods that may overcook easily, as the steam provides a gentle and even heat source. Making a steam pot at home is simple and can be done with household objects. All you need is a pot, some water, and a way to elevate your food above the water level. Here are a few methods to create a steam pot at home.

Use a plate and some foil

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a plate and some foil to steam food. This method is fun to make and makes cleaning easier as you can keep the food on the plate when you serve it.

Firstly, find a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. Then, make three large, solid balls out of aluminium foil and place them in the bottom of your pot. You can also use a beer can instead of foil balls, which will need to be cut with sharp scissors or a knife to remove the bottom inch of the can. The can should be placed in the pot, jagged-side down, and weighed down with the plate.

Next, add water to the pot. The amount of water will vary depending on the size of your pot, but it need not be more than one or two inches deep.

Place your plate (with the food you wish to steam on top) on the aluminium foil balls or beer can. Ensure that the plate is balanced and will not fall over when the water begins to boil. Make sure there is at least half an inch of space between the rim of the plate and the inside of the pot, as this is the space through which the steam will rise and cook the food.

Finally, place a lid on the pot and turn on the stove. You can add a small amount of salt to the water to get it to boil quicker.

Build a pie tin steamer

Building a pie tin steamer is a simple and effective way to steam food without a steamer basket. All you need are two reusable aluminium pie tins and a pot.

First, poke 12-16 holes in the base of both pie tins. This will allow the steam to vent through. Then, using a rolling pin, flatten one of the pie tins. Don't worry about getting it perfectly flat, just run over it with the rolling pin a few times for convenience.

Now you can assemble your steamer. Place the structurally intact tin upside down in the pot with a little water. The water level should reach about halfway up the pie tin. Then, place the flattened tin on top of the first. You can now place your chosen food on top of the flattened tin and cover the pot with a lid to start steaming.

If you're steaming dumplings, it's important to ensure your water is steaming before adding them to the pot, to ensure even cooking. For meat dumplings, the CDC recommends ensuring a minimum internal temperature of 160°F. For vegetables, it is recommended to coat them with a small amount of cooking oil before steaming, and you can add sesame oil for a nuttier flavour.

Use a strainer or colander

Using a strainer or colander is a simple and effective way to steam food without a steamer basket. All you need is a large kitchen strainer or colander and a pot of water. Place your food in the strainer or colander and position it on top of the pot. The steam will rise up and cook your food. This method is a great alternative to using a steamer basket, which can be large, clunky, and seldom used. It's also a good option if you're looking for a quick and easy way to steam a small amount of food.

When using a strainer or colander, it's important to ensure that the pot has enough water and that the strainer or colander fits properly on top. The steam needs to be contained for this method to work effectively. You can also try using a fine-mesh sieve, but it can be challenging to capture enough steam unless you have a large pot and a deep sieve with a lip.

Additionally, when steaming food, it's important to consider the type of food you're cooking. For example, firmer vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots tend to work better with steaming than potatoes, which can end up tasting watery.

Overall, using a strainer or colander is a convenient and straightforward way to steam food without a steamer basket. It's a useful technique to have in your culinary toolbox, especially when you need to steam a small amount of food or don't have a steamer basket readily available.

Repurpose a cooling rack

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can repurpose a cooling rack to steam your food. This method is quick and easy to set up. First, fill a pot with water and place it on your stove. Then, place a cooling rack across the top of the pot. Next, add the ingredients you want to steam on top of the rack. Finally, cover the pot and rack with aluminium foil.

Make sure to use a cooling rack with spaces that are smaller than the food you're steaming. Otherwise, your food may fall through the rack and into the water, resulting in boiled vegetables instead of steamed ones.

Use a splatter screen and bowl

Using a splatter screen and bowl is an effective way to create a steamer pot without having to buy a steamer set. This method is ideal if you're on a budget or just want to use items you already have in your kitchen.

To get started, you'll need a few household items: an empty 20 oz. aluminum can, a medium to large-sized pot, and a ceramic or metal plate that's smaller in diameter than the pot. You'll also need a pair of sharp scissors or a knife to cut the aluminum can.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a splatter screen and bowl to make a steamer pot:

• Cut at least an inch off the bottom of the aluminum can using sharp scissors or a knife. Be careful when handling the cut can, as the edges may be sharp.
• Rinse the can thoroughly to remove any residue.
• Fill the pot with clean water. The water level should be one to two inches deep.
• Place the aluminum can in the center of the pot, jagged side down. Ensure it sits steadily without floating. If it floats, remove some water from the pot.
• Place the plate on top of the can, making sure it's balanced evenly. Check that the plate is smaller than the pot to allow for steam to escape.
• Put the lid on the pot. Your homemade steamer set is now ready!
• Set the pot on the stove and turn on the burner.
• When the water boils, remove the lid and place your food on the plate. Replace the lid.
• Cook your food according to the desired cooking time. Ensure the lid is secure to prevent steam from escaping.
• Once your food is cooked, turn off the stove and remove the plate and can from the pot.
• Clean the pot and dispose of the water after each use. You can reuse the can, but be sure to wash it after each use.

By using a splatter screen (the plate) and a bowl (the pot), you can effectively steam vegetables or other foods without having to invest in a separate steamer pot. This method is simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for those who want to make the most of their existing kitchenware.

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