Steaming Food: Rice Cooker Hack For Basket-Less Users

Steaming food is a simple and healthy way to cook, and you don't need a steamer basket to do it. If you have a rice cooker, you can steam vegetables and proteins without needing another appliance taking up space in your kitchen. Even if you don't have a steamer basket, you can still use your rice cooker to steam food. Here's how.

Use a microwave

Steaming food in the microwave is an easy way to cook without the need for any special equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam food in the microwave without a rice cooker basket:

Firstly, you will need a microwave-safe bowl and some plastic wrap that is also microwave-safe. It is important to check the label on the plastic wrap to ensure it is safe for microwave use. Place your chosen food in the bowl and add a few tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl tightly with the plastic wrap, ensuring that the plastic does not touch the food.

Then, place the bowl in the microwave and set the timer for 4-6 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the type of food you are steaming and the strength of your microwave, so it is a good idea to check on the food regularly to ensure it is cooked to your liking.

Once the food is fork-tender, it is ready to be served. You can finish your meal with a pinch of salt and pepper, a sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

This method is particularly suitable for steaming vegetables and is a quick and convenient way to prepare a healthy side dish.

Use an Instant Pot

Instant Pots are a great addition to any kitchen and can be used for steaming food without the need for a separate steamer basket. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam food using an Instant Pot:

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

Firstly, pour water into the Instant Pot. The amount of water required depends on the size of your Instant Pot and the quantity of food you plan to steam. As a general rule, use between 1 cup (240ml) and 2 cups (470ml) of water. Ensure that the water level is below the food you will be steaming, otherwise, the food will boil instead of steam.

Step 2: Prepare the Food

Place the trivet that comes with your Instant Pot at the bottom of the pot. This will hold the food up over the water. If you don't have a trivet, you can use a steamer basket, a small colander, or a plate/bowl placed on top of rolled-up balls of tin foil.

Next, add the food you wish to steam. Layer the food in the basket according to cooking time, with foods that take longer to cook at the bottom, and quicker-cooking foods on top. Avoid overfilling the basket, as this may cause the lid to fit improperly, leading to undercooked food.

Step 3: Secure the Lid and Set the Steam Function

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot by placing it over the top and turning it clockwise until it locks into place. Ensure that the arrows on the lid and the pot are aligned. Close the vent by shifting the vent switch on the top of the lid to the sealing position. This will trap the pressure and steam inside the pot.

Step 4: Set the Cooking Time and Wait for the Beep

Press the "Steam" button on your Instant Pot to activate the steam function. Adjust the cooking time using the plus or minus keys. Steaming times vary depending on the type of food you are cooking. For example, most vegetables steam in 1-5 minutes, while root vegetables may take longer. Refer to the Instant Pot's guide or your recipe for specific steaming times.

Once the cooking time is set, wait for the beep that signals the food is done. It is important to manually release the pressure as soon as you hear the beep to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Release Pressure and Serve

Cover your hand with an oven mitt or kitchen towel, then switch the vent to the venting position to release the pressure inside the Instant Pot. Open the lid and remove the steam basket. Your steamed food is now ready to be served!

Use a rice cooker

Rice cookers are a great way to cook rice and steam food without needing to use multiple appliances. Even the most basic rice cooker models can be used for steaming. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, check your rice cooker's manual for specific instructions and recommendations. If your rice cooker came with a steam basket accessory, you're good to go. If not, you can use a heat-proof plate or bowl that fits inside your rice cooker.

If you're steaming food while also cooking rice, start by measuring the rice and adding water to the pot. If you're steaming food without rice, simply add water to the pot instead.

Next, add your food to the steamer basket or heat-proof plate/bowl. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow steam to escape properly. Smaller pieces of food will steam faster than larger pieces, so cut your food into similar-sized pieces.

Place the steamer basket or plate/bowl on top of the cooking pot, close the lid, and start the cooking cycle. The more food you're steaming, the longer the steam time should be.

You can steam a variety of foods in your rice cooker, including vegetables and meats. Frozen foods, such as gyoza, can also be steamed. Steaming times will vary depending on the type of food and its toughness. For example, vegetables usually take around 5 to 15 minutes to steam, while rice takes around 35 minutes to cook.

You can also give your rice a flavour boost by substituting the water with chicken, beef, or vegetable broth.

Use a stove

Using a stove is a great way to steam food without a rice cooker basket. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Equipment

You will need a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, a heatproof plate, and some aluminium foil. Alternatively, you can use a heat-proof colander instead of a plate and foil.

Step 2: Set Up the Pot

Take three sheets of aluminium foil and roll them into balls about the size of baseballs. Place these balls in the bottom of your pot and pour in about an inch of water. The foil balls will elevate the plate and ensure that your food doesn't come into direct contact with the water.

Step 3: Prepare the Food

Wash and cut your chosen ingredients into similar-sized pieces. This will help ensure even cooking. If you are steaming vegetables, consider using broccoli, baby carrots, or cauliflower. You can also steam proteins such as chicken or fish.

Step 4: Start Steaming

Place your food on the heatproof plate and rest it on top of the foil balls inside the pot. Cover the pot with the lid and turn on the stove to a high heat setting. You may need to experiment with the temperature to find the ideal setting for steaming.

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust

Keep an eye on your food to ensure it doesn't overcook. Depending on the type of food and your desired level of doneness, the steaming process should take between 5 and 20 minutes. For example, vegetables will usually be done within 5 to 15 minutes, while rice may take up to 20 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Once your food has reached the desired level of doneness, turn off the heat and carefully remove the plate from the pot. Serve your freshly steamed food and enjoy!

Remember, steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook, as it preserves the true flavours and nutrients of your food. You can enhance the taste of your steamed dishes by adding a pinch of salt and pepper, a sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Happy cooking!

Use a bamboo steamer

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook food without losing flavour, shape, and nutrients. They are simple, effective, and easy to use, making them a wonderful addition to your kitchen. Here's a guide on how to use a bamboo steamer:

Step 1: Preparing the Bamboo Steamer

Before using a bamboo steamer, it is recommended to wash the rice by rinsing it in a sieve under cold running water to remove excess starch and reduce stickiness. Soaking the rice for about 10-12 hours can also help speed up the cooking process. Additionally, you can add whole spices to the water during soaking to infuse the rice with flavour and aroma. After soaking, drain the rice and place it in the bamboo steamer, lining it with muslin, a moist steaming cloth, or large vegetable leaves to prevent the rice from falling through and to retain moisture. Spread the rice grains out in a thin layer and cover with more leaves before placing the lid on the basket. You can also spray the sides of the basket with a vegetable spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Preparing the Pot or Wok

Place 2 to 3 inches of water in a pot or wok that is large enough to accommodate the bamboo steamer. Heat the water over a stove until it reaches a boil, then slightly reduce the heat to maintain the boil. Ensure that the water is still boiling when you place the bamboo steamer into the pot.

Step 3: Assembling the Bamboo Steamer

The bamboo steamer should fit tightly into the pot to prevent steam from escaping. Place the bamboo steamer into the pot, making sure that the rice is above the water line and not in the water. You may need to use two baskets, stacked on top of each other, to keep the rice out of the water.

Step 4: Steaming the Rice

Steam the rice for about 35 minutes, adding more water to the pot as needed. After 35 minutes, remove the steamer and use a wooden spoon to turn the rice over. Place the steamer back into the boiling pot and continue steaming for about 15 minutes, or until the rice reaches your desired softness. The rice should be tender but still firm.

Step 5: Serving the Rice

Remove the bamboo steamer from the pot and be cautious of the hot steam. Place the rice onto a counter or tray and use a long-handled wooden spoon to fluff it up. You can serve it warm with sausages or your choice of side dishes.

Tips for Using a Bamboo Steamer:

• To enhance the flavour of your rice, steam it with vegetable or meat broth instead of plain water.
• Line the bamboo steamer with banana leaves, grape leaves, or corn husks to infuse subtle flavours.
• Steam vegetables like corn, carrots, beans, asparagus, or peas in a separate basket below the rice to infuse the rice with vegetable flavours.
• Always use a pot holder to remove the lid and keep your face and hands away from the hot steam to avoid steam burns.

Frequently asked questions