Steam Cooking Simplified: Two-Pot Technique For Delicious Meals

Steaming is a great way to cook food that retains nutrients and flavour. It is a common cooking technique in Asian cuisine and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, from vegetables and proteins to buns, dumplings, and even desserts.

Steaming can be done using two pots, or a pot and a wok, that you may already have in your kitchen. Here is a simple setup guide:

- Find a pot with a lid that will fit the food you plan to steam. A wok with a lid is ideal, as it has a larger diameter and a concave lid that allows more room for steam to circulate.

- Place a metal steam rack or a clean, empty metal can in the bottom of the pot or wok to prop up the dish above the water. The food should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) above the water, and the water level should not touch the highest part of the rack.

- Fill the pot or wok with about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of water. For longer steaming times, you may need to add more water, but be careful not to let the water touch the food, as it will boil instead of steam.

- Put the dish of food on the rack and cover the pot or wok with the lid. Make sure there is enough space between the lid and the food for steam to circulate.

- Turn on the heat to medium or high and bring the water to a simmer. Your food will now steam!

This setup can be used to steam a variety of foods, from vegetables and proteins to buns and dumplings. Just be sure to adjust the steaming time and water level as needed.

Steaming with an Instant Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Firstly, pour 1 to 2 cups (240 to 470 mL) of water into the Instant Pot. This will vary depending on the size of your Instant Pot and the quantity of food you are steaming. Ensure that the water level is below the food to create steam rather than boil your meal.

Step 2: Prepare the Food

Place a trivet at the bottom of the Instant Pot. If you don't have a trivet, you can use a steamer basket, a metal rack, or even a heat-proof bowl or plate. If using a steamer basket, ensure it has legs that can rest on the bottom of the pot. If not, place the steamer basket on top of the trivet.

When steaming multiple foods, layer them in the basket according to their cooking time. Place the foods that take longer to cook at the bottom, and the quickest-cooking foods at the top. Avoid overfilling the basket, leaving a little space at the top to fit the lid securely.

Step 3: Steam the Food

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot by turning it clockwise until you hear a click. Ensure the lid is sealed by checking that the arrows on the lid and pot are aligned. Set the vent to the sealing position to trap the pressure and steam inside.

Press the "Steam" button on your Instant Pot, or use the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button if your model does not have a steam button. Adjust the cooking time using the plus or minus keys. Refer to a cooking guide or recipe for the appropriate steaming time for your food.

Once the timer goes off, manually release the pressure by switching the vent to the venting position. Be cautious when performing this step, as the steam escaping from the vent can burn your skin.

Open the lid and remove your steam basket. Your food is now ready to be served!

Steaming with two pots

What You'll Need:

• Two pots (a large pot and a smaller, heat-proof pot or bowl that can fit inside the larger pot)
• A lid for the large pot
• Something to prop up the smaller pot, such as a metal steam rack, a heat-proof bowl, or clean metal cans
• Water
• Food to be steamed

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Fill the large pot with 1-2 inches of water. The amount of water will depend on how long you need to steam your food. Make sure the water level is below the rack or propping item you'll be using.
• Place the metal steam rack, heat-proof bowl, or metal cans in the center of the large pot. This will act as a stand to hold the smaller pot above the water.
• Place the smaller pot on top of the rack or stand. Make sure there is enough space between the pots for steam to circulate.
• Add water to the smaller pot and bring it to a boil. You can also add your food to the smaller pot at this point if you want to start building up steam before adding your food.
• Once the water is boiling, carefully place your food in the smaller pot. You can steam vegetables, proteins, dumplings, buns, and more.
• Cover the large pot with the lid. Make sure the lid does not touch the food in the smaller pot. A dome-shaped lid is ideal as it provides more room for steam to collect.
• Turn the heat to medium or medium-high. You want the water to simmer, creating steam.
• Let your food steam according to your recipe or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
• Carefully remove the lid and smaller pot from the large pot. Use oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands from the steam.
• Serve your freshly steamed food!

Tips:

• If you're steaming multiple types of food with different cooking times, place the food that takes longer to cook at the bottom of the smaller pot, closer to the water.
• To prevent condensation from dripping onto your food when using a metal lid, tie a thin kitchen towel or tea towel around the lid, with the cloth on the inside to catch any condensation.
• Always be careful when handling hot pots and steam. Use oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands.

Steaming with a wok

Steaming is one of the oldest and gentlest cooking methods in Chinese cooking. It is a great way to cook delicate foods without damaging them, and it is perfect for preparing dumplings, buns, sticky rice, and dim sum dishes.

A wok is an ideal vessel for steaming as its wide shape means you can fit almost anything inside. Here is a guide to steaming with a wok:

What You Need

• A wok with a lid
• A heat-proof dish that fits inside the wok
• Something to prop up the dish, such as a metal steam rack or a clean, empty metal can

Step-by-Step Guide

• Fill the wok with 2 inches of water. For longer steaming times, you may need to add more water, but make sure the water level is never closer than 1 inch below the rack.
• Place the steaming rack or empty can in the centre of the wok.
• Put the heat-proof dish of food on the rack.
• Cover the wok with its lid. Make sure there is enough space between the outer edges of the dish and the sides of the wok for the steam to circulate.
• Turn the heat on to medium-high and bring the water to a simmer. Your food will now steam gently.

Tips

• If you are steaming for a long time and need to use more water, you can raise the dish higher above the water by placing it on a can as well as a rack.
• If you are steaming proteins like chicken, use a dish with a rim to keep the cooking liquid in.
• Always make sure your food is raised enough above the water that the bubbling water cannot touch it.
• Be careful not to use too little water, as it may evaporate before your food is cooked.
• When adding water during steaming, use boiling water to maintain a consistent temperature.
• Hot steam is extremely hot and can be dangerous, so be very careful when opening the lid of the wok or removing food from it.

Steaming with a bamboo steamer

• Layer the bottom of the basket: Line the bottom tray with parchment paper, lettuce or cabbage leaves, or perforated parchment paper. This prevents food from sticking to the basket and makes cleaning easier. If you are cooking marinated meat or vegetables, use a heatproof bowl to collect the juices instead.
• Add water to your wok: The wok is the ideal vessel to use with a bamboo steamer due to its broad base and thin design, which makes it easier to boil and regulate water temperature. Place the basket in the wok and fill it with enough water to submerge the bottom tray of the steamer. Ensure the water level is not too high, so that bubbling water does not reach the food.
• Add food to the bamboo steamer: Place your chosen food in the basket, leaving enough space for items to expand, especially if cooking dumplings, cookies, or buns.
• Place the steamer basket on the wok: You can either bring the water in the wok to a simmer first and then place the basket with food on top, or put the bamboo steamer directly into the wok with cold water and heat it up.
• Let the food steam: Keep an eye on the water level and add more hot water if needed. Do not add cold water, as this will interrupt the steaming process. Check your food regularly until it is ready.

Some tips for using a bamboo steamer:

• Use parchment paper, lettuce, or cabbage leaves to line the steamer tiers to prevent food from sticking and make cleaning easier.
• Always use hot water, as cold water will interrupt the steaming process.
• Bamboo steamers are relatively lightweight and can be used for serving, reducing the number of dishes to wash.
• Covering the bamboo steamer with parchment paper reduces its susceptibility to dirt and protects the tiers from damage.
• Bamboo steamers absorb excess steam, ensuring vegetables do not become soggy.
• Clean your bamboo steamer immediately after use by scrubbing it gently with hot water, mild dish soap, and a sponge. Rinse with hot water and air-dry for at least two days before storing. Do not wash in the dishwasher or soak for more than 5 minutes.

Some recipes that can be made using a bamboo steamer include:

• Steamed chicken sticky rice
• Chinese-style steamed chicken
• Steamed chicken buns
• Easy vegan chicken bao
• Juicy steamed chicken dumplings
• Asian steamed chicken with greens
• Steamed herbal chicken
• Steamed chicken with black bean sauce
• Asian steamed fish
• 15-minute ginger soy Asian steamed fish
• Steamed fish with ginger
• Thai steamed fish with garlic sauce
• Steamed fish with shiitake mushrooms
• Chinese steamed fish
• Jamaican steamed fish
• Thai steamed fish with lime and garlic
• Chinese steamed fish with ginger and shallot
• Steamed fish with couscous parcels

Steaming with a stainless steel steamer

Steaming food is a common cooking technique in Asian cuisine, and a stainless steel steamer is a great tool to have in your kitchen. Here's a guide on steaming with a stainless steel steamer:

Choosing a Stainless Steel Steamer

When choosing a stainless steel steamer, consider the size and capacity that best suit your needs. Some steamers have multiple tiers, allowing you to cook different foods simultaneously or in large batches. Additionally, check the material quality, ensuring it's made of durable stainless steel that's rust-resistant and has a sturdy construction. You may also want to look for features like a glass lid for monitoring the cooking process or handles for easy manoeuvring.

Setting Up Your Steamer

To set up your stainless steel steamer, start by filling the bottom section with water. The amount of water will depend on the duration of steaming and the design of your steamer. Place the tiers or racks inside the steamer, ensuring they are securely positioned. If using heat-proof dishes, place them on the tiers. You can line the tiers with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper if you plan to steam buns or dumplings directly on them.

Tips for Steaming

• To prevent condensation from dripping onto your food, especially when steaming baked goods, tie a thin kitchen towel or tea towel around the lid.
• Always ensure there is enough water in the steamer to avoid scorching the bottom of your pot. Refill with boiling water as needed to maintain the water level.
• Be cautious when opening the lid of the steamer, as the escaping steam is extremely hot and can cause burns.
• To clean your stainless steel steamer, wash it with regular dish soap and warm water. Avoid using harsh cleansers or abrasive tools that can scratch the surface. Dry it thoroughly with a towel after washing to prevent corrosion.

Foods to Steam

You can steam a wide variety of foods using your stainless steel steamer. Here are some ideas:

• Vegetables: Steam cooking is an excellent way to prepare vegetables, retaining their flavour and nutrients.
• Meat and Poultry: Lean meats like chicken breasts or fish fillets are ideal for steaming.
• Seafood: Steam seafood like shrimp, fish, or shellfish for delicate and moist results.
• Buns and Dumplings: Steam buns, dumplings, or dim sum to perfection without the need for a bamboo steamer.
• Rice: Steam rice to fluffy perfection.
• Eggs: Steam hard-boiled eggs with ease.
• Fruits: Steam fruits like apples or pears for compotes or homemade baby food.

Frequently asked questions