Steaming In A Slow Cooker: The Ultimate Guide

Slow cookers are a handy appliance to have in the kitchen, and they can be used for steaming food as well as slow cooking. To steam in a slow cooker, you can use a steaming basket, or simply add water to the bottom of the crock. If using a steaming basket, add your chosen food and enough water to keep it above the water level, then turn the slow cooker on high for 2-4 hours. If you don't have a steaming basket, wrap your food in foil, place it in the cooker, and add half a cup of water before turning on the heat.

How to steam dumplings in a slow cooker

Steaming dumplings in a slow cooker is a great way to cook them, and it's easier than you might think! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare your slow cooker

First, find a colander that fits inside your slow cooker. It can be a conventional colander, a mesh strainer, or even a pliable silicon vegetable steamer. You want something dome-shaped with holes in it. Place the colander inside your slow cooker and fill the cooker with around 2 cups of water. Turn it on high so the water simmers while you prepare your dumplings.

Step 2: Make the dumpling dough

In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and salt. You can also add sugar and butter/margarine to taste. Cut in the butter until it forms small pea-sized bits in the dry mixture. Then, add milk and mix well to form a thick batter.

Step 3: Form the dumplings

Drop the batter by large spoonfuls onto your stew or soup in the slow cooker. If you're making plain dumplings, you can drop them directly into the colander. For filled dumplings, prepare your filling and wrap the dough around it, sealing it tight.

Step 4: Steam the dumplings

Place the dumplings in the colander over the simmering water, ensuring the water level is at least half an inch below the colander so the wrappers don't break down. Cover the slow cooker with a lid or a bamboo placemat to allow some steam to escape. You can also place paper towels over the top of the cooker before placing the lid down to absorb excess moisture.

Step 5: Enjoy your dumplings!

Depending on the type of dumplings you're making, they should be ready in around 8-30 minutes. Remove one dumpling to check if it's cooked through, and if so, enjoy your freshly steamed dumplings!

This method is a great way to cook dumplings without needing a bamboo steamer, and it's a handy trick to have up your sleeve for quick and easy meals.

How to steam buns in a slow cooker

Steaming buns in a slow cooker is a convenient and efficient way to achieve soft, fluffy buns. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Firstly, you will need to fill your slow cooker with water. Ensure that the water level is about an inch high or just enough to generate steam without coming into direct contact with the buns. If your slow cooker has stackable layers, arrange them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Preparing the Buns

If you are using frozen buns, it is best to let them thaw partially at room temperature before steaming. This helps ensure even cooking. You can also experiment with different fillings for your buns, such as sweet options like custard or savoury choices like minced meat or vegetables.

Lining the Steamer Basket

To prevent the buns from sticking, consider lining the steamer basket with parchment paper or cabbage leaves. Place the buns on the lining, making sure they are evenly spaced apart for uniform steaming.

Cooking the Buns

Place the steamer basket inside the slow cooker. Set the cooker to a high setting and let the water get really hot before adding the buns. The cooking time can vary depending on the type and size of the buns, but a good guideline is around 10 to 15 minutes for fully cooked buns.

Checking for Doneness

To check if the buns are ready, insert a toothpick or fork into the centre of a bun. If it comes out clean without any dough sticking to it, your buns are done. You can also lightly press on a bun to ensure it feels soft and springy, indicating it is fully cooked.

Enhancing the Flavour

To add flavour to your buns, you can place a small bowl of water with aromatics like ginger or garlic in the slow cooker while steaming. This will infuse the buns with subtle flavours. You can also brush the buns with a mixture of honey or sugar water before steaming for a touch of sweetness and shine.

Tips for Best Results

• For extra soft and moist buns, consider steaming them twice. Steam the buns initially, then remove them, let them rest, and steam again for a few more minutes.
• Fine-tune the steaming time based on your preferred texture. Longer steaming will result in softer buns, while shorter steaming yields firmer buns.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top of the buns before serving for added flavour and visual appeal.
• Experiment with different bun shapes like twists or knots to add visual interest to your steamed buns.

How to steam fish in a slow cooker

Slow cookers are a great way to cook fish, retaining moisture and enhancing flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming fish in a slow cooker:

Preparation

Before you start, decide on the type and amount of fish you want to cook. Most types of fish can be cooked in a slow cooker, but delicate fish like sole or flounder may not hold up well. Fresh fish is always preferable, but frozen fish can be used if thawed beforehand. For steaming, it is best to use a single layer of fish, or two layers at most, as this will ensure even cooking.

Getting Started

First, line the bottom of your slow cooker with parchment paper or foil. This will make it easier to lift the fish out later and prevent it from falling apart. If cooking two layers, place a layer of parchment paper or foil between the layers of fish.

Seasoning

Place your fish on the parchment paper or foil. You can season the fish with salt, pepper, chilli powder, paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. You can also add slices of lemon and spray the fish lightly with extra virgin olive oil.

Cooking Liquid

Add your chosen cooking liquid to the slow cooker. This can be water, broth, wine, beer, cider, or a combination. You can also add a few tablespoons of soy sauce, miso, or lemon juice for extra flavour. The liquid should come partway up the side of the fish. For two layers of fish, ensure the liquid comes partway up the side of the top fillet, submerging the layer beneath.

Cooking Time

Cover the slow cooker and cook on a low setting for 1-2 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the type and amount of fish, as well as your individual slow cooker. Start checking the fish after about an hour, and continue cooking until it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The fish is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part.

Serving

Once the fish is cooked, lift it out of the slow cooker by grasping the parchment paper or foil. Tilt slightly to drain off the liquid, then serve immediately. Steamed fish can be paired with a variety of sides, such as creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes.

Tips

• If you want to brown the top of the fish, you can place the slow cooker bowl in the oven for a few minutes after cooking.
• Leftover fish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• You can also add vegetables or other ingredients to your slow cooker to create a fish stew.

How to steam vegetables in a slow cooker

Steaming vegetables in a slow cooker is a convenient way to prepare a healthy and tasty side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and cut your chosen vegetables into uniform sizes. Most vegetables work well for steaming, such as broccoli, carrots, asparagus, potatoes, and green beans. However, avoid large chunks of hard vegetables like squash or celeriac.

Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker

There are two main methods for steaming in a slow cooker:

Method 1: Using a Steaming Basket

Place a steaming basket at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add just enough water to the bottom of the crock to ensure the vegetables remain above the water level. You can also add aromatics like ginger or citrus slices to the water for extra flavor.

Method 2: Wrapping Vegetables in Foil

If you don't have a steaming basket, you can add half a cup of water directly to the slow cooker. Then, wrap your vegetables in foil before placing them inside. This method helps to retain steam and keep the vegetables moist.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Place the lid on the slow cooker and turn it on. For most vegetables, steaming will take around 2 to 4 hours on high heat or until they are tender. Root vegetables like potatoes may take longer, up to 6 hours, depending on their size.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove them from the slow cooker and season to taste. You can finish them with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, pesto, or herb butter. Serve them as a tasty and nutritious side dish.

Using a slow cooker to steam vegetables is a convenient and hands-off approach to preparing healthy meals. Experiment with different vegetables, seasonings, and cooking times to find your perfect steamed vegetable dish.

How to steam Christmas pudding in a slow cooker

Steaming Christmas pudding in a slow cooker is a straightforward process. First, select a pudding basin that fits comfortably inside the slow cooker without touching the lid. You can use a plastic or ceramic bowl, but some recommend plastic as it is more convenient and less likely to break. If using a plastic bowl, ensure it has a tight-fitting lid, and if using ceramic, cover it with greaseproof paper and foil.

Next, prepare your pudding mixture and fill the bowl, leaving about 2 cm of space at the top. Press the mixture down to remove any gaps, then cover the bowl. Some recipes suggest lining the base of the bowl with a circle of baking parchment and making a gap in the middle of the pudding using the back of a spoon.

Now, fill the slow cooker pot with just-boiled water to about halfway up the outside of the pudding bowl. Carefully lower the bowl into the slow cooker, ensuring the water doesn't come into contact with the pudding.

Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to Low for 10-12 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking, as this will release the steam and increase the cooking time.

Once cooked, remove the pudding bowl from the slow cooker and leave it to cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.

On the day you want to serve the pudding, return it to the slow cooker and fill with water as before. Reheat for about 4-5 hours on Low. Then, turn the pudding out onto a serving plate and enjoy!

Some people like to light their Christmas pudding with warmed brandy or triple sec. To do this, warm the alcohol in a small pan, then carefully light it and pour over the pudding.

So there you have it—a delicious, steam-cooked Christmas pudding made in a slow cooker!

Frequently asked questions