Steaming Veggies: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Guide

Steaming is a great way to cook vegetables without sacrificing their nutritional quality or taste. It's also one of the simplest ways to prepare veggies. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a steamer for veggies:

Select Your Steamer: You can choose between an electric steamer or a stove-top steamer. Electric steamers are standalone appliances with multiple tiers, while stove-top steamers are simple baskets inserted into a pot or pan.

Fill the Reservoir/Pot with Water: For electric steamers, fill the reservoir with water as per the instructions. For stove-top steamers, fill the pot with about half an inch to an inch of water, ensuring the bottom of the steamer basket doesn't touch the water.

Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster. You can also add herbs, spices, or garlic to the mix.

Assemble and Cook: For electric steamers, assemble the parts, fill the basket with vegetables, cover with a lid, and set the timer. For stove-top steamers, bring the water to a boil, place the basket with vegetables inside, cover with a lid, and steam for 3-10 minutes, depending on the vegetable.

Season and Serve: Once the vegetables are steamed, remove them from the steamer and season with olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, herbs, or spices. Serve while warm.

Electric steamer setup

Before using an electric steamer, always read the instructions that came with your steamer. This will help you take the proper safety precautions to prevent injuries, fires, or burns. Never submerge the cord, plug, or base unit in water, and only use your steamer indoors on a stable surface, like a kitchen counter.

Now, let's get into the step-by-step setup process:

Step 1: Assemble the Parts

Your electric steamer likely consists of several components, so make sure you have them all before you begin. These typically include:

• The base unit, which contains the water reservoir
• One to three baskets for arranging your vegetables
• A lid with vents and a handle

Step 2: Fill the Reservoir

Once your steamer is assembled, it's time to add water to the reservoir. Refer to the instructions that came with your steamer for specific guidance on water levels. If no instructions are provided, fill the reservoir up to the maximum fill line but never exceed it. Ensure the diffuser tray is properly in place if your steamer includes one.

Step 3: Prepare and Fill the Basket(s)

Cut your vegetables into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Then, arrange them loosely in the basket(s), aiming for a single layer of vegetables to allow optimal steam contact. Cover the steamer with the lid once your veggies are in place.

Step 4: Turn on the Steamer and Set the Timer

Plug in your steamer and refer to the instructions for setting the timer based on the type and quantity of vegetables you're steaming. Press the "cook" button or its equivalent, and let your steamer work its magic!

Remember to unplug the steamer when not in use, and always let it cool off before handling or cleaning any parts.

Stovetop steaming

Step 1: Prepare the Stovetop Steamer

Fill a pot with about half an inch to an inch of water for firmer veggies or fill it about halfway for softer veggies. The amount of water depends on the quantity of vegetables and their desired texture. Ensure the water level is below the steamer basket. You can also add salt, a slice of lemon, or chicken stock to the water for extra flavour.

Step 2: Bring the Water to a Boil

It is generally recommended to wait until the water is boiling before adding the vegetables. However, some people put the vegetables in before boiling, which is a matter of preference. Once the water is boiling, lower the heat to a gentle boil or simmer.

Step 3: Place Vegetables in the Basket and Cover the Pot

Place the vegetables in the steamer basket. Try to limit the number of vegetables to a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cover the pot with a loose-fitting lid to retain the steam.

Step 4: Check on the Vegetables

The steaming time varies depending on the type of vegetable and the desired texture. Most vegetables will be ready in 3 to 10 minutes. Check if the vegetables are bright in colour and slightly tender, and can be easily pierced with a fork or knife.

Step 5: Turn Off the Stove and Serve

Once the vegetables are ready, turn off the stove and remove the basket. Serve the vegetables while they are still warm.

Tips:

• Cut the vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces before steaming to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the vegetables, as they can quickly turn soggy.
• You can enhance the flavour by using stock, salt, lemon, or herbs in the water.

Microwave steaming

To steam vegetables in the microwave, start by washing your veggies. If you're using larger vegetables or a mixture of different types, cut them into pieces of roughly the same size. Place the vegetables in a microwave-safe dish or bowl. Add a small amount of water—about 1-2 tablespoons. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving one corner open to allow steam to escape.

The cooking time will depend on the type of vegetable and your desired level of doneness. Firmer vegetables like potatoes or turnips may take 6-8 minutes, while softer, moister vegetables like broccoli will take less time, around 4 minutes. Leafy greens like spinach may only need 3 minutes. Check your vegetables regularly to avoid overcooking. They should be tender but still crisp, not soggy.

Once they're done, remove the dish from the microwave and let it stand for a minute to let the flavours infuse. Season to taste and serve.

Water amount

The amount of water you use will depend on the type of steamer and the quantity of vegetables you're cooking.

For a stovetop steamer, you'll want to fill the pot with about a half-inch to an inch of water for a smaller batch or firmer veggies. If you're cooking a larger batch or want softer veggies, fill the pot about halfway. Make sure the bottom of your steamer isn't touching the water, or your veggies will boil instead.

For an electric steamer, follow the instructions that came with your steamer. If there are none, fill the reservoir up to the maximum fill line.

If you're steaming veggies in the microwave, you won't need much water at all—start with about two to three tablespoons and adjust as needed.

Steamer types

There are several types of steamers available for steaming vegetables. The type of steamer you use will determine the steps you need to take to steam your veggies. Here are some of the most common types of steamers:

Electric Steamer

Electric steamers are standalone appliances designed to cook your vegetables without the need for a stove or microwave. They typically consist of a base unit with a water reservoir, one to three baskets for arranging your vegetables, and a lid with vents. To use an electric steamer, simply fill the reservoir with water, add your vegetables to the basket(s), cover with the lid, and set the timer according to the type and quantity of vegetables you're steaming.

Stove-top Steamer Basket

A stove-top steamer basket is a simple and common way to steam vegetables. It is a houseware item that can be inserted directly into a pot or pan and placed on the stove or in the microwave. To use a stove-top steamer basket, add a small amount of water to the pot (enough to cover the bottom but not touch the basket), bring the water to a boil, place your vegetables in the basket, cover the pot, and let the vegetables steam until they are tender.

Microwave Steamer

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to steam your vegetables, you can use a microwave-safe bowl, some water, and a microwave-safe cover. Simply arrange your vegetables in the bowl, add a small amount of water, cover the bowl, leaving a small opening for venting, and cook in the microwave for a few minutes until your vegetables are tender.

Stainless Steel Steamer Basket

A stainless steel steamer basket is a classic and affordable option that can fit into most pots or even deep-frying pans. It has adjustable "wings" that allow you to customise the fit, and retractable handles for easy removal. To use this type of steamer, fill your pot with water until it just hits the base of the steamer, add your vegetables, and place the lid on. Your vegetables should be cooked in under 5 minutes.

Silicone Steamer

A silicone steamer is similar to a stainless steel steamer basket, but it doesn't have a handle poking through the middle, which makes it ideal for steaming larger items such as fish or big vegetables. It fits into pots as small as 7 inches wide and can also be used with an Instant Pot.

Bamboo Steamer

Bamboo steamers are traditional steamers that have been used in Asia for a long time. They work well with wide-bottomed pans and can be stacked to steam multiple items at once. Bamboo steamers typically come with reusable cotton liners, which are useful for preventing sticking when steaming dumplings or buns.

Frequently asked questions