Steam Basket Cooking: A Beginner's Guide To Steaming

Steaming is a healthy and convenient way to cook a variety of foods, from vegetables to meat and fish. Using a steamer basket is simple and requires no special tools or utensils. The first step is to find a pot or saucepan that fits your steamer basket. For metal or silicone steamer baskets, a deeper pot is fine, but for bamboo steamer baskets, a shallow pot is better. Next, pour in about an inch of water – enough that the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. Then, place your food in the basket. With metal or silicone baskets, put the food on top and cover with a lid. For bamboo baskets, you can use multiple layers, placing food that takes longer to cook, such as meat, in the bottom basket. Turn on the heat and let the water boil. The food is ready when it is tender and cooked through.

How to prepare your vegetables for steaming

Preparing your vegetables for steaming is a simple process. First, rinse your chosen vegetables in cool water. Next, cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster and are easier to eat, but remember that if you are mixing vegetables, denser vegetables like carrots will take longer to cook than more tender vegetables like broccoli. Therefore, you may want to cut your denser vegetables slightly smaller so that they cook at the same rate.

Some vegetables can be kept whole, such as artichokes (remember to trim them) and leafy greens like spinach and chard. Cauliflower and broccoli should be broken into florets.

Once your vegetables are prepared, you are ready to start steaming!

How to boil water for a steam basket

To boil water for a steam basket, fill a medium-sized pot with water to about 30% of its capacity. Place the pot on a stove burner and turn it on to high heat. As the water heats up, you will see small bubbles form at the bottom—this is the poaching temperature. The bubbles will then start to move upward, indicating the water is nearing a simmer. Once the water reaches a rolling boil—where large bubbles cover the surface and steam is profuse—it is ready for steaming. At this point, turn the heat down to low or medium, ensuring a constant boil, and place the steam basket with the food inside the pot. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the steam inside.

The amount of water you use is important. You want enough water to keep the pot from boiling out and burning, but not so much that the water touches the food in the basket. The legs of a steamer basket are typically 1 to 2 inches high, so some baskets allow for more water than others. If you are using a wok, its curved sides mean you can put the steamer on a trivet, allowing for more water.

If you are steaming vegetables, the ideal cooking time is until they develop a rich hue but before they start to lose colour and vitality. If you are not serving the vegetables immediately, remember that they may continue to cook, especially if the lid is on, so account for this extra cooking time and turn off the heat while they are still slightly underdone.

How to cook with a metal or silicone basket

Steaming is a healthy way to cook a wide variety of foods, from vegetables to fish to dumplings. Metal or silicone steamer baskets are amazing little devices that can be used to steam food. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a metal or silicone steamer basket:

Step 1: Boil Water in a Saucepan

Pour water into the bottom of a small saucepan that your steamer will fit inside. Place the pan on the stove and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Wait until the water is vigorously bubbling, which means it has started to boil.

Step 2: Set the Steamer Basket in the Saucepan

Once the water is boiling, rest the metal or silicone steamer basket in the saucepan, ensuring that the water stays below the basket. If the water comes up into the basket, pour some of it out before adding your food.

Step 3: Add Food to the Basket

Add the food that you want to steam to the bottom of the basket. For faster cooking times, cut your ingredients into small, even pieces. For example, cubed chicken will steam faster than a whole chicken breast. You can also add seasoning to your food at this stage.

Step 4: Cover the Saucepan and Reduce the Heat

Place a lid on top of the saucepan with the steamer inside, ensuring that it fits snugly and no steam escapes. Then, turn the heat down to medium on the stove.

Step 5: Steam the Food

Let the food steam until it's cooked to your liking. The cooking time will depend on the type of food you are steaming. Most vegetables will steam in 5 to 7 minutes, whereas fish takes 10 to 15 minutes, and meat will take 25 to 30 minutes on average.

Step 6: Check the Food

To check if your food is done, poke it with a fork or knife to see if it is tender. If it is, then your food is ready to be served!

Tips:

• For a “one-pot meal”, add foods that take longer to cook to the bottom of the basket and foods that cook faster to the top.
• Avoid removing the lid while steaming, as this can increase the cooking time.
• Use a lid that fits snugly over the pan to prevent steam from escaping and ensure even cooking.
• Most metal and silicone steamer baskets are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy.

How to steam with a bamboo basket

Steaming is a great way to cook food, and bamboo steamers are an excellent tool for this. They are lightweight, beautifully crafted, and gentle on food. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam with a bamboo basket:

Step 1: Prepare the Bamboo Steamer

Before using a new bamboo steamer, it is recommended to soak the bottom rim in lukewarm water for about 20-30 minutes to prevent scorching. This step is especially important if you are using a wok, as the high heat can cause charring.

Step 2: Fill Your Pot/Pan/Wok with Water

Place your bamboo steamer into a pot, pan, or wok and 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 level should be high enough to submerge the bottom rim of the steamer, but not so high that the food touches the water or that the bubbling water touches the bottom of the steamer.

Step 3: Line the Bamboo Steamer Baskets (Optional)

If you are placing food directly on the steamer, you may want to line it with something to prevent sticking. You can use parchment paper, napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, cheesecloth, or silicone liners. The liner should be porous to allow steam to circulate.

Step 4: Place Food in the Steamer

Place your food in the bamboo steamer. If you are steaming dumplings, buns, or other items that expand during cooking, leave enough space between them for this expansion. If you are steaming something in a bowl or plate, there is no need to line the steamer, but ensure the lid still fits on top.

Step 5: Place the Bamboo Steamer in the Pot/Pan/Wok

You can either preheat the water so it is simmering when you place the steamer in, or place the steamer in when the water is cold and then turn on the heat.

Step 6: 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 this will interrupt the cooking process.

Step 7: Remove the Bamboo Steamer and Serve

When your food is cooked, use tongs to remove the steamer baskets safely. Leave the food to sit in the steamer for a little while to drain off any excess water, then serve.

Tips for Using a Bamboo Steamer:

• Bamboo steamers are stackable, allowing you to cook multiple items at once. Place food that takes the longest to cook in the bottom basket and work your way up.
• Before using a bamboo steamer for the first time, wash and clean it with hot, soapy water, then treat it with oil to make it more durable.
• To clean your bamboo steamer after use, wash it with a sponge and mild dish soap, then rinse thoroughly. Let it air dry completely before storing to prevent mould.
• Do not put your bamboo steamer in the dishwasher or soak it in water for extended periods.

How to clean your steam basket

To keep your bamboo steamer in good condition, it's important to clean it after every use. Here's a detailed guide on how to clean your bamboo steamer:

Rinsing and Soaking:

Start by rinsing your bamboo steamer with clean water. Use warm or hot water and ensure that you rinse all the inner and outer surfaces. If your steamer basket is particularly dirty, fill a large pot with warm water and add a small amount of liquid soap. Rinse the steamer basket in this soapy water, then remove it and allow it to air dry. However, before using soap, check your manufacturer's instructions, as bamboo is porous and may absorb the detergent, leading to a soapy smell during the next use.

For a deeper clean, fill a pot with hot water and place your bamboo steamer in it to soak. Leave it overnight or for at least eight hours. After soaking, remove the steamer and let it air dry. Not all bamboo steamers can withstand hot water, so consult the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding.

Removing Tough Grime and Odors:

If your bamboo steamer has caked-on food or stubborn odors, there are a few natural methods you can try. One option is to use a black tea bag. Soak the tea bag in hot water, then gently rub it on the steamer. This will help remove food residue and bacteria. Rinse the steamer with warm water afterward to remove any remaining tea.

Another natural cleaning method is to use a lemon. Cut a slice of lemon and rub it on the steamer basket. Lemon is a natural disinfectant and will leave a pleasant smell. Rinse the steamer after using lemon to remove any residue.

For more stubborn grime, you can use a soft nylon brush and some soapy hot water to gently scrub the bamboo steamer. Again, be sure to rinse the steamer with cold water afterward to remove any soap residue.

Caring for Your Steamer:

To keep your bamboo steamer in good condition, there are a few extra care tips to follow. After each washing, coat the steamer with a light layer of cooking oil, such as vegetable or olive oil. This will help prevent the bamboo from drying out. Simply dab a paper towel with oil and rub it on the inner and outer surfaces of the steamer.

Additionally, always remember to soak your steamer before use. Soaking for about 20 minutes will help prevent the bamboo from burning during cooking. Also, avoid placing food directly on the bamboo. Instead, use parchment paper or a heatproof plate to place the food on before putting it in the steamer. This will reduce the amount of cleaning required afterward.

Finally, always ensure your bamboo steamer is completely dry before storing it. If it remains damp, it may develop mold.

Frequently asked questions