Steaming Veggies: Tupperware Stack Cooker Method

Steaming vegetables is a great way to retain their optimal texture and nutritional content. It is also a healthy cooking method as it does not require the use of oils and other fats. Tupperware offers an easy and mess-free way to steam vegetables in the microwave with their TupperWave® Stack Cooker and Tupperware® Smart Multi-Cooker. These products are compact, easy to use, and can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from starters to main courses and even desserts.

Preparing the Tupperware container

To prepare the Tupperware container for steaming vegetables, start by removing the slotted basket from the plastic container. Next, pour 2 cups of water into the plastic container. The amount of water you add will depend on the size of your container and the amount of vegetables you plan to steam. Ensure that the water level is just below the bottom edge of the basket when it is placed back into the container.

Now, it's time to prepare your vegetables. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows you to cook multiple types of vegetables together. Remember to keep the pieces as similar in size as possible to achieve the best results with the Tupperware® SmartSteamer.

Once your vegetables are prepared, place them into the basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket, as steam needs to be able to circulate around the food. Fill the basket while keeping in mind that denser foods may take longer to steam.

After filling the basket, place the lid on the container securely. It is now ready to be placed in the microwave for steaming.

Adding water

When using an Instant Pot or a rice cooker, adding an inch or two of water to the cooker before inserting the steamer basket is recommended. This amount of water is suitable for steaming most vegetables, including hardier ones like cabbage or carrots. If you're using a bamboo steamer, fill a wok or large pan with about 1 to 2 inches of water, ensuring that the water doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer.

It's important to monitor the water level during the steaming process. If the water dries out, simply pour a bit more down the side of the pan to maintain the necessary steam for cooking.

Additionally, when steaming vegetables, it's essential to cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking, as smaller pieces will cook faster than larger ones. By following these guidelines for adding water and preparing the vegetables, you can effectively steam vegetables in a Tupperware Stack Cooker.

Placing the basket

Firstly, ensure you have removed the slotted basket from the plastic Tupperware container. This is an important step as it allows you to fill the container with water and prepare the basket with the vegetables. The basket is where the magic happens, transforming your raw veggies into a delicious, healthy dish.

Once you have the basket, it's time to prepare your vegetables. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking or undercooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster than larger ones, so adjust the size according to the type of vegetable and your desired cooking time. For example, if you're cooking carrots and sweet potatoes together, cut the carrots into slightly smaller pieces than the sweet potatoes as they will take longer to cook.

Now, carefully arrange the vegetables in the basket. Place vegetables that require a longer cooking time at the bottom of the basket, and those that cook faster towards the top. This way, you can remove the top layers when they are done without overcooking them. Alternatively, you can start with an empty basket, add the first layer of vegetables, and then wait a few minutes before adding the second layer, ensuring that all the veggies finish cooking at the same time.

When your basket is filled with the perfectly cut and arranged vegetables, it's time to place it back into the Tupperware container. Ensure that the water level in the container reaches just below the bottom edge of the basket. This is crucial for effective steaming. The water should not touch the basket, as this can affect the cooking process and impact the final texture of your vegetables.

Finally, snap the lid onto the container securely. This step is important as it ensures that steam doesn't escape, creating a sealed environment for optimal cooking. The lid also helps to trap the heat, ensuring that your vegetables cook evenly and efficiently.

By following these detailed steps for placing the basket, you'll be well on your way to enjoying perfectly steamed vegetables. Remember to always use oven mitts and both hands when handling the hot container, and let it cool for a few minutes before removing the lid to prevent any steam-related injuries. Happy cooking!

Cooking time and temperature

The TupperWave® Stack Cooker can be used to cook a complete meal for four, including dessert, in less than 30 minutes. It is safe for microwave use and has a maximum wattage of 1200 watts. The maximum temperature it can withstand is 200°C/392°F.

When steaming vegetables in a Tupperware Stack Cooker, the timing depends on the type of vegetable, the size of the pieces, and the strength of the microwave. For example, asparagus and green beans will take 3-5 minutes to steam, while root vegetables will take 10-15 minutes. To steam vegetables, first add water to the Tupperware container. The water level should be just below the bottom edge of the basket. Then, place the vegetables in the basket and microwave on high for 4 minutes. The vegetables will be steamed but still have a slight crunch.

When using a Tupperware® SmartSteamer, it is important to keep the food items roughly the same size on each layer to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it is recommended to leave the SmartSteamer covered on the counter for a few minutes to gently finish cooking the food with residual steam if it is not perfectly cooked after being removed from the microwave.

When steaming vegetables in the microwave without a Tupperware steamer, lay the vegetables in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a couple of damp paper towels. Microwave on high heat until the vegetables are tender.

Cooling the container

After steaming your vegetables, it is important to let the Tupperware container cool down before attempting to remove the lid or handle the contents. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for cooling the container:

Allow the container to cool for at least five minutes before removing the lid. This will prevent the steam from burning your hands or face when you open it. It is important to be patient during this step, as the steam is very hot and can cause injury.

If you are in a hurry, you can speed up the cooling process by running cold water over the sealed container for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can place the sealed container in a larger container filled with ice water. These methods will help dissipate the heat more quickly.

Once the container has cooled down, you can safely remove the lid. It is a good idea to direct the steam away from your face and hands when doing so, as there may still be some residual heat. Open the lid slowly and carefully to avoid any burns.

After removing the lid, use oven mitts or kitchen towels to handle the container and its contents. The steam will have condensed on the inside of the container, making it hot to the touch. Use caution until the container has completely cooled.

If you are not planning to serve the vegetables immediately, you can transfer them to a different container and place them in the refrigerator to stop the cooking process and maintain their texture. This will also help to cool down the Tupperware container more quickly.

By following these steps, you can safely cool down your Tupperware stack cooker after steaming vegetables. Remember always to err on the side of caution when handling hot containers and steam to avoid any accidents or injuries.

Frequently asked questions