Steaming Without A Steamer: Microwave Magic Tricks

Steaming is a healthy and tasty way to cook food, and it can be done in a microwave without a steamer. All you need is a microwave-safe bowl or dish with a lid, and you're good to go. The lid traps the heat and creates steam, cooking your food. You can steam a variety of foods, including vegetables, fish, and rice. The key is to add a small amount of water to the bowl or dish, cover it, and microwave until the food is tender. This method is quick, easy, and preserves the nutrients in your food.

Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap

Using a microwave-safe bowl and covering it with plastic wrap is a convenient and quick way to steam food in the microwave without a steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, select a microwave-safe bowl. Glass, ceramic, and plastic bowls are safe to use in the microwave. It is important to avoid using flimsy plastic containers, take-out containers, plastic bags, or aluminum foil as they are not suitable for microwave use.

Next, add a small amount of water to the bowl, usually around 2-3 tablespoons. The water will create the steam needed to cook your food.

Then, place your chosen food in the bowl. This method works well for steaming vegetables, fish, and rice. If steaming vegetables, spread them out evenly, ensuring they are not piled on top of each other. For fish, spread the fillets in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. For rice, use a large bowl and follow the recommended rice-to-water ratio, usually 2:1.

After that, cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Ensure the plastic wrap is labelled as microwave-safe and does not touch the food. You can also use alternatives like a microwave-safe plate, wax paper, parchment paper, or paper towels to cover the bowl. If using paper towels, cover the bowl loosely to allow steam to escape.

Now, place the covered bowl in the microwave and set the desired cooking time based on the type of food and your microwave's strength. Steaming times vary depending on the food and microwave power. For example, sliced carrots may take 6-8 minutes, while broccoli florets take around 5 minutes.

Finally, once the microwave time is complete, carefully remove the bowl using oven mitts and place it on a heat-safe surface. Leave the lid or covering in place for a few minutes to finish the steaming process. Be cautious when removing the cover, as hot steam will escape.

This method offers a simple and efficient way to steam food in the microwave without a steamer, making it a convenient option for quick meals.

Try a disposable aluminium pie pan

If you don't have a steamer, a disposable aluminium pie pan can be used as a steamer in the microwave. This is one of the easiest workarounds for steaming food in the microwave. You can get these pie pans at most grocery stores at a cheap price.

To use a disposable aluminium pie pan as a steamer, poke several holes in the bottom of the pan. Then, place the pan upside down in a pot filled with an inch of water. The edges of the pan will ensure that there is some distance between the water and the food. The food will rest comfortably on the flat surface of the pan.

You can also use a microwave-safe bowl and some microwave-safe plastic wrap (look for a microwave-safe label on the plastic wrap box before using this method). Place your food in the bowl, add a few tablespoons of water, and cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, taking extra care to make sure the plastic wrap doesn't touch the food. Then, microwave for 4-6 minutes until the food is fork-tender.

Use an elevated wire cooling rack

If you have an elevated wire cooling rack, you can use it instead of a steamer basket. The process is simple and similar to using a steamer basket. First, add an inch of water to a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Then, place the wire cooling rack in the pan, ensuring that the rack is elevated and does not touch the water. Place the food on top of the rack and close the lid. Finally, turn on the microwave and steam the food to your desired level of doneness.

Using an elevated wire cooling rack is an effective way to steam food without a steamer. The rack acts as a DIY steamer basket, keeping the food elevated above the boiling water and allowing the steam to cook it thoroughly. This method is simple, quick, and produces similar results to using a steamer basket.

It is important to ensure that the rack is elevated and does not touch the water. This ensures that the food is cooked by the steam and not by direct contact with boiling water. Additionally, using a pot with a tight-fitting lid helps to trap the steam and create a hot environment for cooking.

You can use this method to steam various types of food, including vegetables, proteins, and dumplings. For vegetables, you can steam broccoli, spinach, leafy greens, cauliflower, asparagus, and more. For proteins, you can steam chicken, fish, and shellfish. And, of course, you can use this method to steam delicious dumplings at home.

So, if you don't have a steamer basket, don't fret! Simply grab your elevated wire cooling rack and follow the steps above to steam your favorite foods to perfection.

Steam in the microwave with plastic wrap

Steaming food in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook without needing any special equipment. All you need is a microwave-safe bowl and some plastic wrap. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming in the microwave with plastic wrap:

Step 1: Choose Your Food

Almost any food can be steamed, but sturdy vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and green beans are ideal for steaming as they maintain their structure. You can also steam fish fillets and rice.

Step 2: Prepare Your Food

Wash your chosen food and cut it into bite-sized pieces, if necessary. Different foods will require different levels of preparation, so be sure to check a recipe if you are unsure.

Step 3: Add Water

Place your food in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small amount of water. You only need enough water to rinse the food, and some foods, like freshly washed leafy greens, don't need any extra water at all.

Step 4: Cover with Plastic Wrap

Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring that the plastic does not touch the food. Leave one corner of the plastic wrap open to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Microwave

The time needed to cook your food will depend on what you are cooking and your microwave's strength. As a general guide, most vegetables will need 3-5 minutes in the microwave. Fish fillets will take around 3 minutes and will be cooked when they turn opaque.

Step 6: Remove and Serve

Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it will be hot. Leave the plastic wrap in place for a few minutes to finish steaming, then remove it, being careful not to burn yourself on the escaping steam. Your food is now ready to eat!

Tips and Tricks

• If you are unsure whether your plastic wrap is microwave-safe, use a plate or bowl lid instead.
• Avoid using flimsy plastic containers, takeaway containers, plastic bags, or aluminum foil in the microwave, as these are not safe.
• Always be cautious when removing the cover from microwaved food, as the hot steam can burn you.

Place veggies in a bowl with a bit of water, cover with a plate and microwave

To steam veggies in the microwave without a steamer, start by washing your vegetables. Cut the vegetables into serving sizes, ideally no more than 2 inches (5 cm) long. If you are steaming multiple types of vegetables, try to cut them so they are roughly the same size.

Next, place the veggies in a microwave-safe bowl or dish, arranging them in a single layer. Add a thin layer of water to the bowl, just enough so that the bottom is covered. You only need a small amount of water—about 1/8 inch—but thicker veggies like carrots will need a slightly more substantial layer of water.

Cover the bowl with a sheet of plastic wrap, leaving one corner of the dish uncovered so that the built-up steam doesn't pop the plastic. Alternatively, you can use a large porcelain, stoneware, or ceramic plate to cover the bowl.

Place the covered bowl of veggies in the microwave and cook on high for two minutes. The amount of time needed to fully steam the vegetables will depend on the quantity and the thickness of the individual pieces. After two minutes, test the veggies and steam for another four minutes if they are still firm or uncooked. Repeat this process until the veggies are tender. You'll know they're ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork.

• Potato chunks: about 8 minutes
• Broccoli florets: about 4 minutes
• Spinach: about 3 minutes per pound

Frequently asked questions