Steam Cooking Without A Steamer: Simple Hacks For Perfect Results

Steaming is a great way to cook food, but what if you don't have a steamer? Well, there are a few simple workarounds you can use to achieve the perfect steam without one. Whether you're steaming veggies, proteins, or even dumplings, these methods will ensure your food is cooked to perfection. So, read on to discover how to steam food without a steamer.

Use a plate and some foil

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that is simple, quick, and lets the true flavours of the food shine through. If you don't have a steamer, you can still achieve the perfect steam with a few simple kitchen hacks. One of the most effective methods is to use a plate and some foil.

First, find a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. Then, take three sheets of aluminium foil and roll them into baseball-sized balls. Place the foil balls in the bottom of your pot and add water—just enough so that it doesn't touch the plate when it's placed on top of the foil balls. Place your chosen food on the plate, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and steam to your desired doneness.

This method is not only effective but also fun to make and makes cleaning easier, as you can keep the food on the plate when serving it. It's a great way to steam your favourite dishes without the need for a steamer.

You can also use a disposable aluminium pie pan with holes poked in the bottom, an elevated wire cooling rack, or even try steaming in the microwave with a bowl and some microwave-safe plastic wrap. However, the plate and foil method is a simple and creative way to steam your food to perfection.

Steam in the microwave

Steaming food in the microwave is a convenient way to cook a healthy meal without needing a lot of equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming in the microwave:

Step 1: Choose Your Food

While you can steam a variety of foods in the microwave, vegetables are particularly well-suited to this method. Good options include broccoli, spinach, kale, collards, Swiss chard, cauliflower, asparagus, corn, peppers, carrots, green beans, small potatoes, Brussels sprouts, peas, zucchini, and artichokes.

Step 2: Prepare the Food

Rinse your chosen vegetables thoroughly with water to remove any dirt and debris. You can also trim off any hard ends, fibrous bits, or damaged parts of the vegetables. Cut larger vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Arrange in a Microwave-Safe Container

Spread the vegetables out evenly in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Avoid piling the vegetables on top of each other. Glass, ceramic, and plastic bowls and dishes are generally safe to use in the microwave.

Step 4: Add Water and Cover

Add a small amount of water to the container, usually around 2-4 tablespoons, depending on the portion size. The water will create the steam needed to cook the food. Cover the container loosely with a plate, lid, microwave-safe plastic wrap, wax paper, parchment paper, or paper towels. If using plastic wrap, ensure it is labelled as microwave-safe and doesn't touch the food.

Step 5: Microwave

Place the covered dish in the microwave and set the timer according to the type of vegetable and your microwave's power. Most vegetables will take around 3-5 minutes to steam on high power. For example, sliced carrots may need 6-8 minutes, while broccoli florets or spinach will take around 5 minutes.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

After microwaving, carefully remove the container and place it on a heat-safe surface. Leave the lid or covering in place for a few minutes to finish the steaming process. Then, carefully remove the cover, being cautious of the hot steam, and check if the vegetables are tender by piercing them with a fork. If they are still crisp, return them to the microwave in 30-second intervals until they are cooked to your liking.

Tips:

• You can also steam fish fillets and rice in the microwave, following similar steps of preparation, covering, and cooking.
• Steaming in the microwave is a great option when appearance isn't a concern, such as for curries or casseroles, as microwaved vegetables may have a slightly shrivelled look.

Steam in water

If you don't have a steamer basket, one option is to simply cook the food in a small amount of boiling water in a covered pot. This method works best with firmer vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. It is not recommended for potatoes, as they tend to end up tasting watery.

To use this method, fill a pot with about half an inch of water and add the vegetables. Cover the pot, bring the water to a boil, and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Then, drain the water and serve.

Compared to other steaming methods, this technique is not the fastest or easiest. However, it can be a good option for certain types of vegetables, especially if you don't have access to a steamer basket or other equipment.

It's important to note that steaming times may vary depending on the type of vegetable you are cooking. Broccoli, for example, cooks faster than cauliflower.

Use a splatter screen and bowl

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method that is simple, quick, and lets the true flavours of the food shine through. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a splatter screen and bowl to steam your food. Here's how:

First, you'll need a splatter screen that fits securely on top of your pot. Place the splatter screen on top of the pot, and lay your vegetables or other food items on it. Then, cover the splatter screen and food with a large bowl. This method works great for sticky rice.

If you don't have a splatter screen, you can use tin foil instead. Just make sure it fits tightly around the pot so that it doesn't collapse under the weight of the food.

Using a splatter screen and bowl to steam your food is a convenient and effective way to cook without a steamer. It's a simple setup that utilises common kitchen equipment, and it gives you the ability to steam a variety of dishes without needing a special machine.

You can also try other methods to steam food without a steamer. One way is to use a plate and some foil. Take a plate that is oven-safe and slightly smaller than your pot. Make three large, solid balls out of aluminium foil and place them in the bottom of your pot. Add water, and then place the plate with your ingredients on top of the aluminium foil balls. This setup creates a DIY steamer that is also convenient for serving, as you can keep the food on the plate.

Another method is to use a disposable aluminium pie pan. Poke several holes into the bottom of the pan, place it upside down in a pot filled with about an inch of water, and put your food on top of the inverted pan. The edges of the pan will keep the food from touching the water, ensuring steaming instead of boiling.

With these methods, you can easily steam your food without needing a steamer.

Build a pie tin steamer

Building a pie tin steamer is an effective way to steam food without a traditional steamer. You will need two reusablesection endopenly reusable aluminium pie tins, a rolling pin, a pot, and some water.

First, poke 12-16 holes in the base of both pie tins. This will allow the steam to vent through the tin. Next, use a rolling pin to flatten one of the pie tins. Place the structurally intact tin upside down in a pot with a small amount of water. The water level should reach about halfway up the pie tin. Rest the flattened tin on top of the first, and place the food you plan to steam on top of it.

If you are steaming dumplings, you will only need one pie tin. Ensure your water is steaming before adding the dumplings to cook evenly. Spread them evenly across the pie tin and check that they are sealed to avoid losing any filling during the cooking process. Dumplings with a meat filling should cook for at least ten minutes.

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.

Frequently asked questions