Steam Cooking With Whirlpool Microwave Ovens: A Guide

Steam cooking in a Whirlpool microwave is a convenient and healthy way to prepare meals. With the right settings and accessories, you can steam everything from rice and vegetables to fish. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started with steam cooking in your Whirlpool microwave.

First, prepare your ingredients. For vegetables, wash them thoroughly and cut them into smaller pieces. For rice, rinsing the grains before cooking is recommended to prevent clumping. Next, place your ingredients in a microwave-safe dish and add water. The amount of water depends on the portion size; larger portions require more water. Cover the dish with a loose-fitting lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap with holes for ventilation.

If you own a Whirlpool microwave with the Steam Cooking feature, follow these specific steps: add 1/2 cup of water to the Steam Vessel base and place your ingredients in the vessel insert. Close the lid and select the steam cook setting on the control panel. Choose the Fresh Vegetables option when prompted and press start. Once the timer goes off, use oven mitts to carefully remove the steam vessel from the microwave. It's important to avoid lifting or removing the lid while the vessel is still inside the microwave to prevent any interference with the steam sensor.

For standard microwaves without the Steam Cooking feature, simply select the appropriate cook time based on the type of ingredient and press start. After the timer goes off, let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before removing it from the microwave using oven mitts.

With your Whirlpool microwave, you can steam a variety of foods, including sturdy vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and green beans, as well as rice, fish, and even corn on the cob.

How to steam vegetables

Steaming vegetables in a microwave is a quick and easy way to cook healthy food. This method of cooking is also great for retaining a vegetable's colour, texture, flavour, and nutritional content. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables in a microwave, specifically a Whirlpool model with Steam Cooking:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

If you are using frozen vegetables, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw. Fresh vegetables can be washed under lukewarm water, and a kitchen scrubbing brush can be used to remove any dirt. Cut the vegetables into serving sizes, with pieces not exceeding 2 inches (5 cm) in length.

Step 2: Place Vegetables in a Microwave-Safe Bowl

Spread the vegetables in a single layer at the bottom of a microwave-safe bowl or dish. If you are using a Whirlpool microwave with the Steam Cooking feature, place the vegetables in the Steam Vessel.

Step 3: Add Water

Add a thin layer of water to the bowl, just enough so that the bottom of the bowl is covered. For the Whirlpool Steam Vessel, add 1/2 cup of water to the Steam Vessel base.

Step 4: Cover the Bowl

Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring one corner is left open for ventilation. Alternatively, use a loose-fitting lid. If using the Whirlpool Steam Vessel, close the lid over the vessel.

Step 5: Microwave

For a standard microwave, set the timer according to the type of vegetable you are cooking. For a Whirlpool microwave with Steam Cooking, place the steam vessel on the turntable and select the steam cook setting on the control panel. Choose the fresh vegetables option and press start.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Once the timer goes off, remove the bowl or vessel from the microwave using oven mitts. Serve the vegetables once they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Cooking Times for Common Vegetables:

• Asparagus: 3-6 minutes
• Broccoli: 3-5 minutes
• Brussels sprouts: 6-8 minutes
• Carrots: 5-8 minutes
• Cauliflower: 3-6 minutes
• Green beans: 3-7 minutes
• Peas: 1-3 minutes
• Zucchini: 6-8 minutes

How to steam rice

Steaming rice in a microwave is a convenient and quick way to cook rice. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it using a Whirlpool microwave oven:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

• Rinsing the rice is an important step to remove any dirt, dust, or excess starch. Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for a few seconds. Repeat this process 3-4 times until the water runs clear.
• For 4 servings, you will need 1.5 cups of raw rice.

Step 2: Add Water and Microwave

• Place the rinsed rice in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. For every 1.5 cups of rice, add 2.25 cups of water.
• Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, puncture a few holes for ventilation.
• Microwave the rice on high power for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Adjust Power and Continue Cooking

• After 5 minutes, reduce the microwave power to 50% and cook for another 15 minutes.
• Check the rice after 15 minutes. If the rice is still crunchy, continue cooking in 1-minute increments until it reaches the desired texture.

Step 4: Let the Rice Rest

• Once the rice is cooked to your liking, remove it from the microwave and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and become fluffy.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and serve!

Tips:

• The cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so adjust the timing as needed.
• You can also add a pinch of salt to the rice before cooking for extra flavor.
• For variety, try using chicken or vegetable stock instead of water.

How to use the Steam Cooking feature

To use the Steam Cooking feature on your Whirlpool microwave oven, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the food

Wash your chosen food with warm water and cut it into small pieces. The type of food and how much you cut off will depend on what you're cooking. For example, if you're steaming broccoli or cauliflower, you'll want to cut off florets in 1-inch pieces. If you're steaming asparagus, you can leave it whole and just remove the stems.

Step 2: Place the food in the microwave

Place your food in a microwave-safe dish and add water. The amount of water you add will depend on the portion size—larger portions will require more water. Cover the bowl with a loose-fitting lid or some microwave-safe plastic wrap with holes for ventilation.

If you're using a Whirlpool microwave with the Steam Cooking feature, add 1/2 cup of water to the Steam Vessel base and place your food in the vessel insert. Close the lid and put the vessel on the turntable.

Step 3: Microwave your food

If you're using a standard microwave, select the appropriate cook time for your food and press start. Once the timer goes off, let the food rest for 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the microwave using oven mitts.

If you're using a Whirlpool microwave with the Steam Cooking feature, select the steam cook setting on the control panel. Choose the "fresh vegetables" option when prompted, then press start. When the timer goes off, use oven mitts to remove the steam vessel from the microwave. Do not lift or remove the lid while the vessel is inside the microwave, as this can impact the steam sensor.

How to cook fish

Firstly, select your fish. Thick-cut fish like salmon, halibut, snapper, and bass are ideal for steaming. Avoid fish with oily or firm textures, such as bluefish, swordfish, and mackerel.

Next, prepare your fish. If you are cooking a whole fish or a large skin-on portion, cut 2-3 shallow slits on each side to allow for even cooking. Sprinkle salt all over the fish, rubbing it into the slits. Then, rinse the fish and pat it dry.

Place the fish in a microwave-safe dish. Add butter, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want to add extra flavor, you can also add seasonings or spices like dill, garlic, lemon, or cumin. You can also use sauces such as soy sauce or pesto. For a more substantial meal, you can add vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots to the dish.

Now, add water to the dish. This step is crucial, as it helps to mimic the steaming process and ensures your fish doesn't dry out. Add about 1/2 cup of water to the dish and cover it with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a lid.

It's time to cook! Place the dish in your Whirlpool microwave and set the power level to low. Cook the fish for up to 5 minutes, depending on its thickness. Use a fork to check if the fish is cooked; if it flakes easily, it's ready to eat.

Finally, remove the dish from the microwave carefully, as it will be hot. Serve your steamed fish with your favorite sides and enjoy!

How to steam other foods like corn on the cob or s'mores

To steam corn on the cob in a Whirlpool microwave oven, you can follow these steps:

• Place the corn in the microwave, keeping the husk on.
• Microwave on a high setting for 4 minutes. Note that cooking time may vary depending on the power of your microwave and the size of the corn, so you may need to experiment.
• Remove the corn from the microwave using a kitchen towel or pot holder as it will be hot.
• Cut off the bottom of the stem, and then slip off the husk and silk.

Alternatively, you can cook corn on the cob without the husk. First, remove the husk and silk. Then, wrap a moist paper towel around the corn and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave until the kernels are tender but still crisp, which usually takes 3-5 minutes.

You can also steam other vegetables in a Whirlpool microwave. First, wash and cut your chosen vegetables into small pieces. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and add 2-4 tablespoons of water, depending on the portion size. Cover the bowl with a loose-fitting lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap with holes for ventilation.

Place the bowl in the microwave and select the appropriate cooking time for your chosen vegetable. Once the timer goes off, let the vegetables rest for 2-3 minutes before removing them from the microwave.

Now, for a sweet treat, you can even make s'mores in the microwave! Here's how:

• Place a graham cracker on a plate lined with a paper towel to prevent it from getting soggy.
• Break off a piece of chocolate and place it on the graham cracker.
• Stand a marshmallow up on the chocolate.
• Microwave on high for about 15 seconds, or until the marshmallow puffs up.
• Remove from the microwave and place another graham cracker half on top, pressing down gently.
• Let the s'more cool for a few minutes before enjoying.

There are also variations you can try, such as using different types of cookies, chocolate, or adding fruit or sprinkles. Get creative and enjoy your sweet treat!

Frequently asked questions