Steaming Simplified: Stovetop Techniques For Perfect Results

Steaming is a simple and effective way to cook food, and it doesn't require any fancy equipment. All you need is a pot with a tight-fitting lid, a steamer basket, and some water. The food is placed in the basket, which sits above an inch or so of boiling water in the pot, and the steam cooks the food. This method is particularly good for vegetables as it helps retain their nutrients, but it can also be used for meat and fish. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a heatproof plate and some aluminium foil, or even a microwave-safe bowl.

How to steam without a steamer basket

Steaming is a moist heat-cooking method where boiling water evaporates into steam. The steam, along with the food, is trapped in a pot with a tight-fitting lid, creating a hot environment to cook the food. Typically, an inch or so of water boils in the bottom of the pan, with a steamer basket resting above so that the food never touches the water.

If you don't have a steamer basket, there are several ways to steam food. Here are some methods to steam without a steamer basket:

Using a Plate and Foil

This method involves using a large pot, a heatproof plate, and some aluminum foil. First, roll three sheets of aluminum foil into balls about the size of a baseball or golf ball. Place them at the bottom of the pot and pour in about half an inch of water. Then, rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls and add the food you want to steam to the plate. Finally, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it steam.

Using a Wire Cooling Rack

If you have an elevated wire cooling rack, you can use it instead of a steamer basket. Add an inch of water to a pot with a tight-fitting lid, place the wire rack in the pan, and put the food on top of the rack. Close the lid and steam until your desired level of doneness is achieved.

Using a Disposable Aluminum Pie Pan

You can also use a disposable aluminum pie pan as a steamer basket substitute. Poke several holes into the bottom of the pan and place it upside down in a pot filled with about half an inch of water. Place the food on top of the inverted pan. The edges of the pan will keep the food from touching the water, and the food will rest comfortably on the flat surface.

Steaming in the Microwave

This method is especially suitable for steaming vegetables. Place your food in a microwave-safe bowl, add a few tablespoons of water, and cover the bowl tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring the plastic doesn't touch the food. Microwave for 4-6 minutes, or until the food is fork-tender.

Using a Strainer or Colander

Place a metal strainer or colander inside a pot, leaving enough room so that the boiling water won't touch it. If your strainer doesn't rest on the rim of the pot, you can hold it in place with a heat-proof handle or use oven mitts for protection. Place the food in a single layer in the strainer, bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the pot to prevent steam from escaping and check frequently to prevent overcooking.

With these methods, you can easily steam your favourite foods without needing a steamer basket!

How to steam in the microwave

Steaming in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook vegetables. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Choose a microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to hold the vegetables you want to steam.
• Place the vegetables in the bowl. You can steam almost any type of vegetable, such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, or leafy greens.
• Add a small amount of water to the bowl. A few tablespoons should be enough.
• Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap does not touch the food. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe plate to cover the bowl.
• Pierce the plastic wrap or plate with a fork a few times to create ventilation and allow some steam to escape.
• Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high power for 2 to 3 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the type and amount of vegetables you are steaming. Broccoli, for example, might take around 2 to 2.5 minutes, while potatoes can take up to 5 minutes.
• Remove the bowl from the microwave and carefully take off the plastic wrap or plate. Be cautious of the escaping steam to avoid burns.
• Use a fork to check if the vegetables are tender and cooked to your desired doneness. If they need more time, put them back in the microwave for another minute or so.
• Season the vegetables as desired and serve.

Microwaving is a convenient and quick way to steam vegetables, especially when appearance is not a concern, and the vegetables will be incorporated into other dishes like curries or casseroles.

How to steam in a covered pan

Steaming is a moist heat cooking method. It involves boiling water evaporating into steam, which, along with the food being cooked, is trapped in a pot with a tight-fitting lid. This creates the perfect hot environment to cook the food. Typically, an inch or so of water boils in the bottom of the pan, with a steamer basket or plate holding the food above, so that the food never touches the water.

To steam in a covered pan, first, choose a pan/skillet that is large and deep enough to hold the food with a matching lid. Fill the pan with a small amount of water—about a quarter full or less. The water should be shallow, just enough to create steam and prevent the food from boiling. Place the food in the pan, starting with the items that take the longest to cook, such as root vegetables. Place the lid on the pan and heat to a medium or high setting. Steam the food until it is tender (use a fork to test). Once the food is cooked, remove it from the pan, season, and serve.

You can also steam food in a microwave. Place the food in a microwave-safe bowl with a few tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring the plastic wrap doesn't touch the food. Microwave for 4-6 minutes until tender.

How to steam with a disposable aluminium pie pan

Steaming is a moist heat cooking method that uses steam to cook food. Typically, an inch or so of water is boiled in the bottom of a pan, with a steamer basket or plate holding the food just above the water level.

Disposable aluminium pie pans can be used as a steamer basket substitute. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam with a disposable aluminium pie pan:

Step 1: Prepare the disposable aluminium pie pan

Take a disposable aluminium pie pan. Poke several holes into the bottom of the pan. This will allow the steam to circulate and cook the food more evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the pot and water

Take a pot that is large enough to comfortably fit the pie pan. Fill the pot with about an inch of water. Make sure the water level is below the holes in the pie pan to ensure that the water does not touch the food.

Step 3: Set up the steaming apparatus

Place the disposable aluminium pie pan upside down in the pot. The edges of the pan will create a platform for the food to rest on, ensuring that the food does not touch the water.

Step 4: Add the food

Place the food you wish to steam on top of the inverted pie pan. Make sure the food is in a heat-proof dish or container.

Step 5: Cover and steam

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Turn the heat to medium and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, steam the food according to your recipe or desired doneness.

Tips:

• Use a pot holder or oven mitts to handle the hot pot and lid to avoid burns.
• You can use a hot dish clip to retrieve the dish from the pot.
• Make sure to preheat the oven properly before steaming to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the food, as this can make it tough and chewy.
• Disposable aluminium pie pans are lightweight and easy to clean, making them a convenient option for steaming.

By following these steps, you can effectively steam food using a disposable aluminium pie pan, without the need for a steamer basket.

How to steam with a wok setup

Steaming is a traditional Asian cooking technique that is nutritious and tasty. It's also a lighter cooking option as it requires little to no oil. Here is how you can steam with a wok setup:

Steamer Setup #1: A Pot (or Wok) with a Lid and Heat-proof Dish

You will need a pot or wok with a lid, a heat-proof dish that can fit inside the wok or pot, and something to prop up the dish above the water, like a metal steam rack or a clean, empty metal can.

• Fill a pot with 2 inches of water. (Add more water for longer steaming times, but make sure the water level is at least 1 inch below the rack.)
• Put a steaming rack or empty can in the centre of the pot to set your heatproof bowl, plate, or shallow dish of food on.
• Make sure any plate or dish you are using is heatproof. Oven-safe dishes and glass pie plates work great.
• Once the dish of food is on the rack, cover the wok or pot with the lid.
• Turn on the heat to medium or high to bring the water to a simmer, and your food will steam!

Steamer Setup #2: A Stainless Steel Steamer

• Place a few inches of water in the bottom of the steamer.
• Set up as many tiers as you like.
• Place heat-proof dishes of food on the tiers, or if steaming buns or dumplings, line the tiers with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper, and place the buns or dumplings directly on top.
• Bring the water to a simmer, cover, and steam.
• To prevent condensation from dripping onto the food, tie a thin kitchen towel around the lid, with the cloth on the inside to catch any condensation.

Steamer Setup #3: A Bamboo Steamer

• Place the bamboo steamer in your wok with enough water to come up to the bottom rim of the steamer by 1/2 inch.
• Place shallow heatproof dishes inside the steamer racks, or line the racks with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners to steam buns or dumplings.
• Bring the water to a simmer, and cover the bamboo steamer with its bamboo lid.
• Keep an eye on the water level, and add boiling water as needed.

General Tips:

• When steaming, make sure the food is raised enough so that bubbling water cannot touch it.
• When adding water during steaming, use boiling water to keep the temperature consistent.
• Be careful when opening the lid of any steamer, as the hot steam escaping can burn your skin.
• Use long-handled tongs for adding and removing food to avoid steam burns.
• If you don't have a steamer, you can use a colander instead, as long as it fits inside the pot with the lid closed.
• Grease the steamer with non-stick spray or butter spray to prevent sticking, or line the bottom of the steamer with cabbage leaves.
• If you have a bamboo steamer, a wok or pan may be a better fit than a pot.
• Don't take the lid off the pot while food is steaming, as this will increase cooking time.
• Always heat the wok before adding any oil.
• Use oils with a high smoke point that can take high heat without burning, such as safflower, light refined olive oil, or peanut oil.
• Cut all ingredients into pieces of the same size for even cooking.
• Pat vegetables, scallops, shrimp, etc. dry with a paper towel before adding to the wok, so they sear instead of steam.
• Use a thin metal spatula or chuan for stir-frying, to get under the ingredients for the tossing motion.

Frequently asked questions