Steaming Veggies: Using A Pot Steamer The Right Way

Using a pot steamer is a great way to cook food in a nutritious and healthy manner. It is simple to use, quick to prepare, and can be stored efficiently in your kitchen pantry.

To use a pot steamer, first, turn your stove top to high heat. Fill the steamer pot halfway up with water and place the lid on top. Once the water begins to boil, add your food, replace the lid, and wait for the water to boil again. Turn the heat down to medium-high and let the food cook for at least 5 minutes (for vegetables) and 10 to 15 minutes (for most meats).

When steaming food, it is important to ensure that the seal is airtight so that the steam touches the food. You should also make sure not to add too much water – the water level should not be above the steamer basket.

How to prepare your steamer

The first step in preparing your steamer is to decide which type of steamer you will be using. There are three main types of steamers: a steamer basket, an electric steamer, and a bamboo steamer. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but all three are effective tools for steaming food.

Steamer Basket

The steamer basket is the most common way to steam vegetables. It is a simple houseware that is inserted directly into a pot or pan and used on the stove or in the microwave. The concept is simple: you add a little bit of water to the pot, place your vegetables in the basket, and close the lid. As the water boils, the steam will cook your veggies.

Electric Steamer

The electric steamer is a standalone appliance that does the work for you. You add water and the vegetables you plan to steam, close and lock the lid, and select the appropriate setting. Electric steamers often have multiple tiers, allowing you to cook your entire meal at the same time.

Bamboo Steamer

The bamboo steamer is a traditional option that is favoured for its ability to prevent condensation from dripping onto your food. To use a bamboo steamer, place it in a wok with enough water to come up the bottom rim by about half an inch. The bamboo steamer must always sit in water to prevent the bottom rim from getting scorched, so you will need to keep an eye on the water level and add more boiling water as needed.

General Tips for Preparing Your Steamer

• Don't add too much water: When using a steamer basket on the stove, add about one to two inches of water to the pot. Make sure the water does not go above the steamer basket once it is placed in the pot, as this can ruin your meal.
• Boil the water first: Bring the water to a boil before adding your vegetables or other food items. This will help ensure that your final dish turns out well.
• Don't steam for too long: Steamed vegetables only take a few minutes to cook, so they should be one of the last items on your to-do list. If they are done before you are ready to serve them, place them in a bowl of ice water to keep them crisp.
• Enhance the steam with stock and herbs: Instead of using plain water, try using chicken or vegetable broth, or add salt, lemon, or herbs to the water before boiling. This will infuse your food with a hint of flavour.
• Make sure the seal is airtight: For your food to cook properly, the steam must touch the food. If you have a loose-fitting lid, try adding a tea towel between the top of the steamer and the lid.
• Prepare the food before steaming: Add herbs, spices, or garlic to your vegetables before steaming, or marinate your meat for a short period of time.

How to fill your steamer with water

Filling your steamer with water is the first step to steaming your food. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to fill your steamer with water and other helpful tips to get the best results.

• Select the right steamer for you: Depending on your needs, you can choose between an electric steamer or a stove-top steamer. An electric steamer is a standalone appliance that does the work for you, whereas a stove-top steamer is a basket that is inserted into a pot or pan and placed on the stove.
• Fill the steamer with the appropriate amount of water: When using a stove-top steamer, fill the pot with about a half-inch to one inch (approximately 1.25 centimetres) of water for firmer vegetables or a smaller batch. For softer vegetables or a larger batch, fill the pot about halfway. Ensure that the bottom of the steamer basket does not touch the water, as this will boil your food instead of steaming it. For electric steamers, refer to the instructions provided with your steamer for the recommended water level.
• Bring the water to a boil: It is generally recommended to wait until the water has started boiling before adding your food to the steamer. However, this is a matter of preference, as some people add their food to the steamer before the water boils.
• Place your food in the steamer: Whether you choose to add your food before or after the water boils, ensure that it is in a single layer for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the steamer, as this will affect the cooking time and steam circulation.
• Cover the pot and let the food steam: Depending on the type of food and your desired doneness, steaming time can vary from 3 to 10 minutes for most vegetables. Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed to prevent the pot from scorching or burning.
• Turn off the heat and serve: Once your food is steamed to your desired doneness, turn off the heat and carefully remove the steamer basket or turn off your electric steamer. Serve your food while it is still warm.

Additional Tips:

• Don't add too much water: When using a stove-top steamer, ensure that the water level is below the steamer basket. Adding too much water can ruin your meal, while adding too little water may cause the pan to burn if the water boils off before your food is cooked.
• Use an airtight lid: For effective steaming, ensure that the lid of your pot or steamer fits snugly to prevent steam from escaping. If using a loose-fitting lid, consider adding a tea towel between the steamer and the lid to improve the seal.
• Enhance the steam with herbs and stock: Instead of plain water, try using chicken or vegetable broth, or add herbs like rosemary, garlic, dill, or lemongrass to infuse your food with flavour.
• Prepare your food before steaming: Consider adding herbs, spices, or garlic to your food before steaming to enhance the flavour. You can also marinate meat before steaming to add extra flavour.
• Avoid overcooking: Steamed vegetables should be bright in colour and slightly tender, easily pierced with a fork or knife. Remove them from the steamer when they are done to prevent overcooking and becoming soggy.

By following these steps and tips, you will be well on your way to becoming a pro at using a pot steamer and creating delicious and healthy steamed meals!

How to fill your steamer with food

Now that you've assembled your steamer and filled the base unit with water, it's time to add your food. Here are some tips on how to fill your steamer with food, depending on the type of steamer you have.

Electric Steamer

For an electric steamer, cut your food into equal-sized pieces and place them loosely in the steamer basket. Make sure the food is in a single layer so that the steam can reach all parts of the food. You can fill multiple baskets if your steamer has more than one. Once your baskets are filled, close the lid and turn on the steamer.

Stovetop Steamer

For a stovetop steamer, fill your steamer basket with food after the water has started boiling. Place the basket of food in the pot, making sure that the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. Cover the pot and let the food steam. Check on your food occasionally to make sure it doesn't overcook.

Microwave Steamer

If you're using a microwave steamer, arrange your food in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small amount of water. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate, leaving one corner slightly open for ventilation. Cook your food in the microwave until it is tender.

Bamboo Steamer

For a bamboo steamer, you can place shallow heat-proof dishes inside the steamer racks, or line the racks with cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or paper steamer liners if you're steaming buns or dumplings. Make sure the bamboo steamer is placed in a wok or pot with enough water to come up to the bottom rim of the steamer. Keep an eye on the water level and add boiling water as needed.

How to cook your food

Steaming is a great way to cook food, allowing it to retain its nutrients and taste without the need for oil. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook your food using a pot steamer:

Step 1: Prepare Your Steamer Setup

You can use a designated steamer basket or create a simple DIY setup. For the latter, you'll need a deep vessel like a wok, pot, or deep pan; a lid that doesn't touch the food when closed; and something to keep the food from touching the water, such as a heat-proof dish, a metal steam rack, or even aluminium foil balls. Ensure there's enough space between the water and the steamer basket or food.

Step 2: Add Water and Bring to a Boil

Fill the pot with about one to two inches of water, making sure it doesn't touch the highest part of the rack or steamer basket. Place your steamer basket or DIY setup into the pot and bring the water to a boil.

Step 3: Prepare and Add Your Food

Cut your food into evenly-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking. Add longer-cooking items like carrots and sweet potatoes first. Place the food into the steamer basket or onto the heat-proof dish in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Steam Your Food

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Avoid opening the lid frequently, as this releases steam and affects cooking. Refer to steaming guides for various foods to determine cooking times.

Step 5: Remove and Serve

Use oven mitts or a hot dish clip to handle the hot dishes and avoid steam burns. Remove the food from the steamer and serve. You can finish your steamed food with salt, pepper, sauces, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips for Effective Steaming:

• Don't add too much water to avoid boiling over or burning the pan.
• Boil the water first before adding your food.
• Don't steam for too long to prevent overcooking.
• Enhance the steam flavour by using stock, herbs, salt, or lemon in the water.
• Ensure an airtight seal to contain the steam effectively.
• Prepare your food with herbs, spices, or garlic before steaming for added flavour.

How to clean your steamer

The cleaning frequency of your steamer depends on how often you use it. If you use it daily, clean your steamer monthly. If you only use it occasionally, clean it thoroughly after each use so it's ready to use next time.

• Unplug and empty the water tank: Unplug your steamer and allow it to cool. Then, empty the water tank into a sink or bucket.
• Fill the tank with vinegar: Fill the tank with distilled white vinegar or cleaning vinegar. Avoid other types of vinegar as they may contain sediment that interferes with the cleaning process.
• Soak the vinegar: If your steamer has considerable buildup, allow the vinegar to sit in the tank for 2 hours or at least 30 minutes to help break down limescale and mineral deposits.
• Expel the vinegar: Plug in the steamer and set it to the highest setting. Point the nozzle into a sink or bucket and press the ON button until all the vinegar is expelled.
• Rinse the tank with distilled water: Refill the tank with distilled water and expel all the water in the tank. This will remove any traces of vinegar and help blast out loose mineral deposits.
• Cool and dry the steamer: Allow the steamer to cool completely and check that the water tank is empty. Dry with a clean lint-free cloth or air-dry.
• Disassemble and inspect the components: If your steamer is a standing model, disconnect the nozzle and hoses and dry them with a microfiber towel or allow them to air-dry. Look for cracks in the gaskets or hoses that may be interfering with steam production.
• Clean the nozzle: If you see white, chalky residue on the nozzle, pour distilled white vinegar into a small bowl and warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Submerge the nozzle in the warm vinegar and soak for at least 8 hours to remove calcium and mineral deposits. Then, rinse the nozzle well with warm water.
• Reassemble the steamer: Once all components are dry, reassemble the steamer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips for Maintaining Your Steamer

• Always use distilled water to fill your steamer and don't overfill the tank. Tap water contains minerals that can clog the steamer.
• Empty the water reservoir between steaming sessions, especially for travel and handheld steamers.
• Keep water in the tank during use. Don't let the tank run dry as this can scorch or burn any remaining mineral deposits, making them harder to remove.
• Always store the steamer upright and ensure there is no water in the reservoir.
• Clean the steamer at the first sign of sputtering or diminished steam output.

Alternative Cleaning Method

If you have a stained aluminum steamer with grey or brown spots, you can use lemons to remove the stains. Cut a small lemon into wedges, squeeze the juice into the steamer basin filled two-thirds with water, and add the lemon rinds. Cover the basin, boil on high heat for 10 minutes, pour out the hot water, and discard the lemons. Wash and rinse the steamer basin with a small amount of soap.

You can also use distilled white vinegar by adding 2 tablespoons to the steamer basin and boiling on high for 10 minutes. Wash and rinse well afterward.

Frequently asked questions