Steam Cooking Mastery: The Ultimate Guide To Steaming Everything

Steaming is a versatile cooking technique that can be applied to almost any cuisine. It is a gentle and soft cooking method that uses hot steam to cook food evenly from all sides, helping to retain its nutrition, colour, and texture.

Steaming is a moist heat cooking method where boiling water evaporates into steam. The food is placed in a steamer basket or pot with holes in it, which is then placed above or in the water so that the food never touches the water. The steam cooks the food from all sides at a constant temperature of 212°F.

There are several ways to steam food, from using a simple pot with a lid and a heat-proof dish to using a bamboo or metal steamer basket. Steaming is a healthy cooking method that preserves the nutritional content of food and can aid in digestion and weight management. It is also a low-fat cooking option as it requires little to no oil.

So, whether you're looking to cook vegetables, fish, dumplings, rice, or eggs, steaming is a great option to consider.

How to steam vegetables

Steaming is a healthy and versatile way to cook vegetables, helping them retain their nutrients, colour and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables:

Step 1: Choose your steaming equipment

There are several ways to steam vegetables, and you can choose from a variety of equipment depending on what you have available. Here are some options:

• A pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish that can fit inside
• A steamer pan insert or a collapsible steamer basket that fits into a saucepan
• An electric steamer
• A microwave
• A bamboo steamer

Step 2: Prepare your vegetables

Different vegetables have different steaming times, so it is important to cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Here are some guidelines for specific vegetables:

• Thick and hard vegetables like carrots should be sliced into smaller pieces
• Artichokes should be trimmed but can be kept whole
• Green leafy vegetables like spinach and chard can be steamed whole
• Cauliflower and broccoli should be broken into florets

Step 3: Set up your steamer

The setup will depend on the equipment you have chosen. Here are some general guidelines:

• If using a pot or wok, fill it with around 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a boil
• If using a steamer insert or basket, place it over the pan so that it doesn't touch the bottom
• If using an electric steamer, follow the manufacturer's instructions
• If using a microwave, put your vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl, add a small amount of water, and cover with a plate or lid
• If using a bamboo steamer, place it in a wok with enough water to reach the bottom rim of the steamer

Step 4: Steam your vegetables

Once your steamer is set up, it's time to add your vegetables and start steaming! Here are some tips:

• Cover your pot or pan to trap the steam and cook the vegetables until tender
• Follow the steaming times for specific vegetables (see the chart below)
• Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as this can make them soggy and bland
• If using a microwave, cook on high according to the steaming times
• If steaming frozen vegetables, add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time

Vegetable Steaming Times

• Asparagus: 2 to 5 minutes
• Broccoli: 3 to 5 minutes
• Green Beans: 4 to 5 minutes
• Carrots: 4 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness
• Brussels sprouts: 6 to 10 minutes
• Cabbage: 7 to 10 minutes
• Cauliflower: 5 to 12 minutes
• Baby potatoes: 10 to 15 minutes
• Sweet potatoes: 25 to 35 minutes (halved)

Step 5: Season and serve

Once your vegetables are steamed to your desired tenderness, carefully remove them from the steamer and place them in a bowl. You can then season them with olive oil, butter, salt, fresh herbs, lemon juice, or your choice of spices. Enjoy your perfectly steamed vegetables!

How to steam fish

Steaming is a great way to cook fish, retaining its moisture, nutrition, colour and texture.

Step 1: Prepare your steamer

First, decide on your steaming setup. You can use a simple pot or wok with a lid, a bamboo steamer, a stainless steel steamer, or even a plate suspended over a pot of boiling water.

For a basic pot or wok setup, you will need a heat-proof dish that fits inside, and something to prop up the dish, like a metal steam rack or an empty metal can. For a bamboo or stainless steel steamer, you will need a wok or large pot to place it in, and a heat-proof dish or platter to place the fish on.

Step 2: Prepare the water

Fill the bottom of your pot, wok, or steamer with at least 1 inch of water. The water level should not touch the food or the dish you will be steaming the fish on. For longer steaming times, use more water, but make sure it is at least 1 inch below the rack or dish.

Step 3: Prepare the fish

For steaming, choose a mild, delicate white fish like cod, haddock, perch, or sea bass. The fillets should be about 5/8-inch thick for even and fast cooking. Pat the fish dry and season with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice.

Step 4: Start steaming

Place the fish on the steaming rack or dish, ensuring it is elevated above the water. Cover and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, steam the fish for 4-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is done when it is opaque and flakes apart easily with a fork.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the fish from the steamer and place it on a warm platter. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, or a sauce of your choice, and sprinkle with coarse salt or other seasonings. Serve immediately with steamed rice and vegetables, or a simple salad.

And there you have it—a perfectly steamed fish, moist, flaky, and full of flavour!

How to steam dumplings

Steaming is a versatile cooking method that can be applied to almost any cuisine. It is an old and very common technique, especially in East Asia, where it is used to make Chinese dumplings, dim sum, and steamed buns and breads.

Prepare the dumplings

First, make the dumpling filling. Steam and crumble tempeh, then sauté it with shiitake mushrooms and tamari. Remove from the heat and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the remaining filling ingredients, such as scallions, ginger, sesame oil, and sriracha.

Next, assemble the dumplings. Place a heaping teaspoon of the filling in the center of a dumpling wrapper. Dab the edges of the wrapper with cold water, then fold it in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use your fingers to press the edges together and create 3-4 pleats to seal the dumpling. Repeat this process until you have assembled all your dumplings.

Set up your steamer

You can use a bamboo steamer, a metal steamer, or a simple pot with a lid and a heat-proof dish to steam your dumplings.

For the bamboo or metal steamer, line the steaming vessel with parchment paper or Napa cabbage leaves. Poke a few holes in the parchment paper to allow steam to pass through.

For the pot with a lid method, you will need a pot or wok with a lid, a heat-proof dish that fits inside, and something to prop up the dish above the water, such as a metal steam rack or a clean metal can.

Start steaming

Fill your chosen steamer setup with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place your dumplings in the steamer, making sure they don't touch each other, as they will expand during cooking. Cover and steam for 8-15 minutes, depending on the ingredients inside.

For bamboo and metal steamers, place the dumplings in the steamer basket and cover with the lid. For the pot with a lid method, place the assembled heat-proof dish with the dumplings inside the pot, ensuring there is enough space for steam to circulate and cook the food.

Serve and enjoy

Dumplings are best enjoyed straight out of the steamer when the wrappers are tender and the filling is hot. Serve with a dipping sauce like tamari or chili oil for extra flavor.

There you have it—delicious steamed dumplings made right at home!

How to steam rice

Steaming is a versatile cooking technique that can be applied to almost any cuisine. It is an old and very common technique, and when done right, it helps food retain its nutrition, colour, and texture.

Washing the Rice

This step is crucial as it removes the excess starch that can make the rice sticky. Place the rice in a covered saucepan and add water to about half an inch above the rice. Swish the rice around with your hands, and slowly pour out the water, making sure the rice doesn't fall out of the pan. Repeat this process 2-3 more times until the water runs clear, then drain the rice well.

Preparing the Steamer

There are several ways to set up a steamer. One way is to use a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish that can fit inside. You will also need something to prop up the dish, such as a metal steam rack or a clean metal can. Fill the pot with about 2 inches of water, ensuring the water level is not too close to the rack to avoid bubbling water touching the dish. Place the steaming rack or empty can in the centre, and then put your heatproof dish of rice on top.

Another option is to use a bamboo steamer, which is a more traditional method. Place the bamboo steamer in a wok with enough water to reach about half an inch up the bottom rim of the steamer.

Cooking the Rice

Place the rice and water in the steamer. The rice to water ratio should be 1:1.3 for firmer rice, or 1:1.5 for softer rice. Turn the heat to high, cover the steamer, and cook for 20 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let the rice sit in the covered steamer for at least another 5 minutes. You can also keep it in the steamer until you are ready to serve to keep it warm.

And that's it! You now have perfectly steamed rice to enjoy with your favourite dishes.

How to steam eggs

Steaming is a great way to cook eggs, and it's super easy! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam eggs:

What You'll Need:

• A pot or wok with a lid
• A steamer basket or a heat-proof dish
• Eggs
• Water
• Ice cubes (optional)

Step 1: Prepare Your Steamer

If you have a steamer basket, place it inside your pot or wok. If you don't have a steamer basket, that's okay! You can use a heat-proof dish instead. Just make sure you have something to prop up the dish above the water, like a metal steam rack or even a clean, empty metal can. Fill your pot or wok with about an inch of water. You want to make sure that the water level is below the steamer basket or heat-proof dish.

Step 2: Heat the Water

Place your pot or wok on the stove and turn the heat to high. Heat the water until it reaches a boil and starts producing steam. This is important because you want to make sure the water is hot enough to cook the eggs thoroughly.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Once the water is boiling, it's time to add the eggs. Gently place them at the bottom of your steamer basket or directly into the pot if you're using a heat-proof dish. It's best to arrange the eggs in a single layer if possible, but you can stack them if needed. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 4: Cover and Steam

Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat down to medium-high. Set a timer and let the eggs steam. The steaming time will depend on how you like your eggs cooked:

• For soft-boiled eggs, steam for 6 minutes.
• For hard-boiled eggs with a translucent and bright yolk, steam for 10 minutes.
• For fully cooked hard-boiled eggs, steam for 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Cool the Eggs

When the timer goes off, carefully remove the eggs from the pot using a spoon or tongs. Transfer them to a bowl of icy cold water or run cold water directly into the pan to quickly cool them down. This helps stop the cooking process and ensures the eggs don't overcook.

Step 6: Peel and Enjoy

If you're serving the eggs cold, you can peel them after they've cooled down. Gently tap the shell all over to crack it, then remove it under a thin stream of running water. If you're serving the eggs hot, you can peel them before serving or provide a bowl of cold water for guests to use when peeling their own eggs.

And that's it! You now know how to steam eggs. This method produces easy-to-peel eggs with tender whites, and it's a gentle cooking method that reduces the risk of cracking compared to boiling. Enjoy your perfectly steamed eggs!

Frequently asked questions