Steam cooking is a popular method of preparing food, especially in Eastern countries. It is considered a healthy alternative to boiling, as it helps retain the nutrients and flavour of the food being cooked. Steaming uses vapours and hot air to cook food, which is placed in a basket above simmering liquid. This technique is particularly suitable for cooking vegetables, seafood, and chicken, and can be done using a variety of equipment, from pots with steamer baskets to electric steamers and microwave-safe steaming baskets.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Nutrients | Locked in |
Flavour | Retained |
Fat | None added |
Calories | None added |
Vitamins and mineral salts | Retained |
Speed | Fast |
Ease | Easy |
Convenience | Convenient |
What You'll Learn
Steaming food is a healthy alternative to boiling
Steaming is widely considered one of the healthiest cooking methods as it helps to lock in nutrients and flavour, reducing the need to add oil or other fats and seasonings. It is also a gentle cooking method that better preserves the colour and flavour of the food. For example, boiled dishes disperse most of their nutrients in the water, whereas steaming keeps the amount of vitamins and mineral salts in food almost unchanged.
Steaming is a versatile cooking method that can be used for a variety of foods, including vegetables, fish, chicken, eggs, and dumplings. It is also a quick and convenient way to cook, as it does not require constant attention, and it can be done in a microwave or with a variety of steaming equipment.
Additionally, steaming food is a safe option as it does not involve intense heat that can cause burns, and it is also easy to clean up. Overall, steaming is a healthy, tasty, and convenient alternative to boiling.
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Steaming is a quick and convenient cooking method
Steaming is a healthy cooking option as it adds no fat or calories and helps to lock in nutrients and flavour. It is also a quick and convenient method as you don't need to stand over the stove, and you can use a pressure cooker to speed up the process. Additionally, steaming requires minimal equipment and can be done using a pot with a steamer basket, an Instant Pot, a rice cooker, or even a microwave-safe steaming basket.
There are many delicious recipes that can be made using steaming as a cooking method. For example, steamed trout with mint and dill dressing, steamed salmon and vegetable rice bowl, steamed cabbage, and steamed lobster tail.
Overall, steaming is a quick, convenient, and healthy cooking method that can be used to create nutritious and tasty dishes.
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Steam cooking preserves nutrients and flavour
Steaming is widely recognised as one of the healthiest ways to cook food. The process involves cooking food in a sealed environment, which helps to lock in nutrients and flavour, reducing the need to add oil or other seasonings.
Steaming is particularly good at preserving nutrients. Boiling food causes the dispersal of nutrients and aromatic compounds into the water, altering the consistency, flavours and aromas. In contrast, steaming keeps the amount of vitamins and mineral salts in food almost unchanged.
Steaming is also a great way to cook food without adding extra fat or calories. The process uses just vapours and hot air to cook, and because the food is suspended above the liquid, it doesn't sit in the cooking liquid and so nutrients don't leach out.
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the flavour and colour of food. It is particularly good for cooking vegetables, fish and chicken. It is also a convenient way to cook, as it is fast, easy and doesn't require constant attention.
There are many ways to steam food, from using a simple pot with a small amount of simmering liquid and a strainer, to using a bamboo steamer, electric steamer, or even a microwave.
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Steamers are affordable and easy to use
Steaming is a healthy, affordable, and easy way to cook. It is a simple process that involves cooking food in a sealed environment, which helps to lock in nutrients and flavour. This reduces the need to add oil or other seasonings, making it a healthier option.
Steaming is also a very convenient way to cook. You can use a conventional basket steamer, an electric steamer, or even a pressure cooker to speed up the process. Additionally, steaming is a foolproof method that requires very little equipment. All you need is a pot with simmering liquid, something to suspend the food above the liquid, such as a steamer basket or strainer, and a lid to hold in the steam. These steamer baskets are affordable and can be purchased for less than ten dollars.
Steaming is also versatile, as it works well with a variety of foods, including vegetables, fish, chicken, eggs, and dumplings. It is a gentle cooking method that preserves the flavour, colour, and nutrients of the food. For example, steamed cabbage is a surprising delicacy, with a delicate and buttery taste that goes well with many main dishes.
Overall, steaming is a healthy, affordable, and easy-to-use cooking method that can help you create delicious and nutritious meals with minimal effort and equipment.
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Steam cooking is versatile
Steam cooking is a versatile and healthy way to prepare your food. It is widely considered one of the healthiest cooking methods as it helps to lock in nutrients and flavour, reducing the need to add oil or fat.
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that preserves the flavour, colour, and texture of food. It is suitable for a wide range of ingredients, including vegetables, fish, meat, shellfish, eggs, and rice.
For example, you can steam trout fillets and green vegetables for a nutritious dinner packed with omega-3 fats, calcium, folate, fibre, vitamin C, and iron. Or, for a low-calorie option, try steamed salmon and vegetables. You can also steam cabbage with butter, garlic, and seasoning for a surprising delicacy that goes well with many main dishes.
Steaming is also a convenient cooking method. You can use a conventional basket steamer, an electric steamer, or even a microwave to prepare your food. Additionally, steaming food is often faster and easier than boiling, as it requires less time and no direct contact with the cooking liquid.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, steaming is widely considered one of the healthiest ways to cook as it helps lock in nutrients and flavour, reducing the need to add oil or seasoning.
Steaming is a simple, foolproof, and healthy cooking method. It requires no added fat and helps retain moisture and nutrients in the food.
Steaming works well with vegetables, seafood, chicken, eggs, and certain types of protein.
Basic equipment includes a pot with simmering liquid, a strainer or basket to hold the food above the liquid, and a lid to trap the steam. There are also specialised steamers available, such as bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone steamers.
Bring the cooking liquid to a boil, then place the food in the steamer basket and cover the pot. Reduce the heat and steam until the food is cooked. Be sure to check on the food to avoid overcooking.