The Ultimate Guide To Steaming With A Steamer

Steaming is a simple and healthy way to cook. It's a moist-heat cooking method that uses steam to cook food. While you can buy a steamer, it's also possible to steam food without one. All you need is a deep vessel, like a wok or pot, a lid, and something to keep the food from touching the water, such as a heat-proof dish or bowl. You can also use a microwave to steam food. Simply place your food in a bowl with a few tablespoons of water and cover it with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Then, microwave for 4-6 minutes until fork-tender.

How to Steam with a Steamer

Using a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish

Steaming is a moist heat cooking method that involves trapping food and steam in a pot with a tight-fitting lid. This technique is simple and lets the true flavours of the food shine through.

To steam with a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish, you will need:

• A pot or wok with a lid
• A heat-proof dish that fits inside the wok or pot
• Something to prop up the dish, like a metal steam rack or a clean metal can

First, fill the pot or wok with 2 inches of water. You can add more water if you are steaming for a long time, but make sure the water level is at least 1 inch below the rack. Place a steaming rack or empty can in the centre of the pot and put your heatproof dish of food on top. Make sure the dish has a rim if you want to save any liquid from steaming. Cover the pot and turn the heat to medium-high to bring the water to a simmer.

Woks with lids are ideal for this method as they have a larger diameter and can fit larger plates of food. The concave shape of wok lids also creates a dome inside with more room for steam to circulate.

Steaming in the microwave

Step 1: Prepare the Food

Firstly, rinse off the food with water to remove any dirt. For vegetables, trim off any hard ends and fibrous bits, and cut into bite-sized pieces. For fish, choose fillets that are about 1 inch thick, and cut into large chunks or leave whole. If frozen, defrost the fillets by putting them in the fridge for a few hours or immersing them in cold water for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Place in a Microwave-Safe Dish and Add Water

Place the food in a microwave-safe bowl or dish. Add 2-4 tablespoons of water, depending on the portion size. The water will create the steam to cook the food. Cover the bowl with a loose-fitting lid, microwave-safe plastic wrap, or paper towel. Ensure there is ventilation by puncturing holes in the plastic wrap or folding up a corner if using paper or plastic.

Step 3: Microwave the Food

The time and temperature settings will depend on the type of food and your microwave's strength. For example, in a standard microwave, vegetables like sliced carrots, cauliflower florets, and asparagus will take around 5-8 minutes, while a whole artichoke will take 25-35 minutes. Fish fillets will take around 3 minutes and should look opaque when cooked through. For rice, use a large microwave-safe bowl, add water, and cover with a clean dish or paper towel. Microwave on high for 10 minutes for white rice and 20 minutes for jasmine rice. For brown rice, start by cooking on high for 5-7 minutes, then reduce the power and cook for 45-55 minutes.

Using a disposable aluminium pie pan

Steaming is a healthy, quick, and versatile cooking method. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam food using a disposable aluminium pie pan:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Pan

Using a skewer or a knife, puncture several holes in the bottom of the disposable pie pan. These holes will allow the steam to rise and cook the food effectively. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the food is cooked evenly and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Pot

Place three to four balls of aluminium foil at the bottom of a pot. The foil balls should be big enough to support the pie pan and ensure it stays above the water level. This step creates a makeshift steamer rack, elevating the pie pan and allowing the steam to circulate.

Step 3: Set Up the Pie Pan

Rest the pie pan on top of the foil balls. Make sure the pie pan is stable and secure before adding your food. The pie pan essentially acts as a steamer basket, creating a barrier between the food and the water.

Step 4: Add Food and Water

Add your chosen food items to the pie pan. It is important to ensure that the food does not fill the pan to the brim, as you need to leave some space for the steam to circulate. After adding the food, carefully pour water into the pot until it reaches just below the level of the pie pan. Be careful not to let the water touch the pie pan, as this may affect the cooking process and the texture of your food.

Step 5: Cover and Steam

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let your food steam until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remember to keep an eye on the water level and add more boiling water if necessary. Steaming time will vary depending on the type and quantity of food you are cooking.

Step 6: Handle with Care

Once your food is cooked, turn off the heat and carefully remove the lid, being mindful of the escaping steam. Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to handle the pie pan, as it will be hot. Gently lift the pie pan out of the pot and serve your freshly steamed food.

Using a bamboo steamer

Bamboo steamers are a traditional cooking tool in East Asia, used for steaming everything from buns and dumplings to breads, vegetables, rice, proteins, and cakes. They are lightweight, beautifully crafted from woven bamboo, and are the gentlest way to steam food.

Step 1: Fill Your Wok (or Other Pan) with Water

Place the bamboo steamer into your wok or another wide-rimmed, shallow pan. Fill it with enough water to come up above the bottom rim of the steamer by about a quarter to half an inch. The water must be high enough to submerge the bottom rim to prevent it from scorching, but not so high that the bubbling water touches the food.

Step 2: Line the Bamboo Steamer

A bamboo steamer can have multiple levels, usually with stackable trays. Depending on how much food you have, you can use one or multiple levels at a time. If you're placing food directly on the steamer bed, such as buns or dumplings, you will need to line it with something to prevent sticking. You can use napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, cheesecloth, or parchment paper.

Step 3: Place Food in Your Bamboo Steamer

When placing dumplings, shumai, or buns in the steamer, do not overcrowd them as they will expand during steaming. Leave about one inch between dumplings and about one and a half inches between larger buns.

If you are steaming something in a bowl or on a plate, there is no need to line the steamer. Simply place the heat-proof shallow bowl or plate directly in the steamer basket, ensuring there is enough space for the steam to circulate. It is also a good idea for the plate to have a rim to collect any sauce or juices.

Step 4: Place the Bamboo Steamer in the Wok/Pot

You can preheat the water so it is simmering when you place the bamboo steamer into the wok, or you can place the steamer into the wok when the water is still cold and then turn on the heat.

Step 5: Allow Food to Steam and Check Water Level

Once the water is simmering, it will start to evaporate. Allow the food to steam according to your recipe, but keep an eye on it and add boiling water as needed. Do not add cold water, as it will interrupt the cooking process.

Caring for Your Bamboo Steamer

Before using a new steamer, it is recommended to soak the bottom rim that will come into contact with the wok in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to prevent scorching. After using it, make sure it is fully dried before storing to prevent mold.

To clean your bamboo steamer, wash it with a sponge and mild dish soap, then immediately rinse thoroughly. Let the steamer air dry for at least two days before storing. Do not put your bamboo steamer in the dishwasher or soak it in water for more than five minutes.

Using a stainless steel steamer

First, you need to bring 1-2 inches of water to a boil in a small saucepan. The amount of water you need depends on how long you plan to steam for. For longer steaming times, you will need more water.

Next, place the steamer basket into the saucepan, ensuring that the water level stays below the basket. If the water comes up into the basket, pour some out before adding your food.

Now it's time to add your ingredients. For faster cooking, cut your ingredients into small, even pieces. You can also layer ingredients, with those that take longer to cook at the bottom of the basket and quicker-cooking ingredients on top.

Cover the saucepan with a lid that fits snugly, then reduce the heat to medium. Avoid removing the lid while steaming, as this will affect the cooking time.

Finally, let the food steam until it is cooked to your liking. Most vegetables will take 5-7 minutes, while fish takes 10-15 minutes, and meat will take 25-30 minutes.

To clean your stainless steel steamer, simply place it in the dishwasher.

Frequently asked questions