Steaming Stories: Creative Cooking With A 3-Tier Steamer

A 3-tier steamer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses and even desserts. With its multiple tiers, you can simultaneously cook different types of food, making it a time-saving and convenient option for busy cooks. So, what can you cook in a 3-tier steamer? The possibilities are endless, but here are some mouth-watering ideas to get you started: steamed vegetables, seafood, dumplings, tamales, cakes, and even desserts like chocolate pudding and cinnamon apples.

Seafood

Ideas for Seafood Dishes

• Mediterranean Steamed Salmon: This dish includes salmon, lemons, garlic, white wine, salt, pepper, coriander, cumin, and Aleppo pepper. It also includes a bed of parsley, green onions, and yellow onions.
• Steamed Mussels: Prepare a base of white wine, garlic, chicken stock, and shallots, and then steam the mussels.
• Steamed Clams: Clams are just as easy to make as mussels and can be cooked in garlic butter sauce.
• Steamed Fish with Ginger and Spring Onion: Steam fish with pak choi, mirin, garlic, and soy, and serve topped with coriander.
• Steamed Bass with Garlic and Chilli: This is a flavour-packed, low-fat fish dish that is perfect for a mid-week meal.
• Steamed Salmon and Veg Rice Bowl: This is a speedy fish supper and the perfect low-calorie, low-hassle weeknight meal.
• Steamed Trout with Mint and Dill Dressing: Steam trout fillets and green vegetables for a delicious and nutritious dinner.
• Thai-Style Steamed Fish: Serve this with Thai jasmine rice for a flavour-packed low-fat meal.
• Steamed Fish and Pak Choi Parcels: Just add steamed rice for a flavour-packed, low-calorie meal.
• Steamed Cod and Vegetables: This healthy steamed fish dish is ready in minutes and makes a light and lovely meal for two.
• Steamed Scallops: Scallops are perfect for the top tier of a 3-tier steamer, as they need less steam and can be cooked in a short time.
• Steamed Oysters and Prawns: These can be cooked on the middle layer of a 3-tier steamer, which is best suited for seafood with a medium to long cooking time.

Tips for Using a 3-Tier Steamer

• Different foods cook at different rates, so it is important to know how to use the pot effectively.
• You can either use only the bottom tier for cooking a particular food item or use different levels at once to steam various parts of your meal simultaneously.
• Fill the bottom of the pot with water and place it on the stove on high heat. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the ingredients that will go into each tier.
• Once the water has boiled, place the chambers over it loaded with your ingredients. Make sure not to overcrowd the layers, so the food cooks evenly.
• Place the lid on top of the steamer pot and wait until your food is cooked. Remember that different types of food require varying cooking times.
• After the required cooking time has passed, carefully remove the lid from the top tier, as steam may cause injury. Then, remove each tier and use a utensil to take the food out.

Vegetables

A 3-tier steamer is a great way to cook vegetables without losing nutrients and flavour. Here are some tips and tricks for steaming vegetables in a 3-tier steamer:

Preparing the Vegetables

Before steaming, you should prepare your vegetables. Any large vegetables need to be cut into smaller chunks or bite-sized pieces. Root vegetables like carrots should be sliced, unless they are small, baby carrots. Some vegetables can be kept whole, such as artichokes (trim them first) and spinach or chard, which can be steamed in whole pieces. Vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli should be broken into florets.

Steamer Equipment

You can steam vegetables in a 3-tier steamer, but you can also use a steamer pan insert, a collapsible steamer basket, or an electric steamer. If you are using a steamer pan insert, place it over a pan of water, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom. If you are using a collapsible steamer basket, fill a medium pan with around 2 inches of water and bring it to the boil before adding the basket. An electric steamer is great for cooking large batches of vegetables.

Timing

Different vegetables steam at different rates, so it's important to keep an eye on them. Here are some approximate timings for different vegetables:

• Sliced carrots: 6-8 minutes
• Cauliflower florets: 5-6 minutes
• Asparagus (thick spears): 5-6 minutes
• Broccoli florets: 5 minutes
• Brussels sprouts: 8-10 minutes
• Green beans: 4-5 minutes
• Spinach and leafy greens: 5 minutes
• Whole artichoke: 25-35 minutes
• Small potatoes: 15-20 minutes
• Larger chopped potatoes: 25-30 minutes

Seasoning

Steaming is a simple way to cook, but you can add flavour by seasoning your vegetables before steaming. Roll your vegetables in a bowl with some olive oil and herbs, or sauté garlic and olive oil and add it to the vegetables after steaming.

Mistakes to Avoid

Don't add too much water to your steamer—you don't want the water to go above the steamer basket. Also, don't steam your vegetables for too long, or they will become soggy. Finally, make sure the seal on your steamer is airtight so that the steam actually touches the food.

Rice and grains

Rice is a staple food for many cultures and a versatile grain that can be cooked in various ways, including steaming. Steaming rice is a popular method as it ensures perfectly fluffy grains every time.

Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Rice (any variety)
• Water
• Rice steamer or a bamboo steamer
• Measuring cup
• Strainer or colander
• Spoon or spatula

The first step to achieving perfectly cooked rice is to choose the right variety. There are numerous types of rice available, each with its own texture and flavour. For steaming, it is best to opt for long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine. These varieties tend to cook up fluffy and separate, perfect for various rice dishes.

Now it’s time to measure and wash the rice. The general rule of thumb is to use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. For example, if you’re cooking one cup of rice, you’ll need two cups of water. Adjust the quantity based on your desired servings.

After measuring the rice, place it in a strainer or colander and rinse it under cold water. Gently stir the rice while rinsing to remove any excess starch. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, indicating that the rice is clean.

Soaking the rice before steaming is an optional step but can improve the texture and ensure even cooking. If you choose to soak, place the rinsed rice in a bowl and add enough water to cover it entirely. Allow the rice to soak for about 30 minutes before proceeding with the next step.

Cooking

Now it’s time to prepare the steamer. Fill the steamer’s water reservoir or pot with the appropriate amount of water. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to understand the right water level for your specific steamer model. Generally, aim to fill it up halfway or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Once the water is in the steamer, it’s time to transfer the rice. Take the washed or soaked rice and add it to the steamer basket. Spread the rice out evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly. Avoid overcrowding the steamer as it can lead to uneven cooking.

With the rice in the steamer, it’s time to start the cooking process. Place the steamer basket on top of the water-filled reservoir or pot, ensuring a tight seal. Turn on the steamer and set it to the appropriate cooking time, which can vary depending on the type of rice and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the rice to rest in the steamer for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to distribute evenly throughout the rice, resulting in fluffy grains.

Finally, it’s time to fluff the rice and serve it. Use a fork or spoon to gently stir and separate the grains. This fluffing technique helps release excess moisture, further enhancing the texture of the rice. Serve hot alongside your favourite dishes, such as stir-fries, curries, or grilled meats.

Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Rice

• Use the appropriate ratio of rice to water for optimal results. The general guideline is 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water.
• Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffier grains.
• Soaking the rice before steaming is optional but can help improve texture and even cooking.
• Avoid opening the steamer during the cooking process as it can cause uneven cooking and affect the final result.
• Let the rice rest in the steamer after cooking to allow the steam to distribute and make the grains fluffier.
• Use a fork or spoon to fluff the cooked rice gently before serving.
• Experiment with different rice varieties to find your personal preference and match it with various dishes.

Alternative Method

If you don’t have a rice cooker but do have an electric vegetable steamer, you can use that instead to prepare fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. Some appliance models even include a rice-cooking bowl to make cooking rice in a steamer easier.

Vegetable steamers have a mesh or grid-style bottom, which holds vegetables in place but lets hot steam pass freely. The openings in the mesh are usually large enough that rice would fall into your steamer's reservoir, so pouring rice into the steamer basket isn't an option.

Many steamers include a rice-cooking bowl. The bowl is solid to hold the rice, but it's open at the top so that hot steam cooks the rice like a sealed saucepan. To use this method:

• Measure rice and water into the steamer's rice bowl with a pinch of salt. Check the rice instructions. The usual measurement is two parts water to one part rice.
• Fill the steamer's reservoir to its maximum level, and assemble the steamer compartments and drip tray as usual. Position the rice bowl inside the steamer compartment, and cover it with the lid or another steamer compartment containing other foods.
• Set the timer to 45 or 50 minutes for brown or red rice, or 25 to 30 minutes for white rice. If your steamer has a specific push-button setting for cooking rice, use that instead.
• Open the steamer carefully, watching for hot steam, and test the rice. If it's not evenly cooked, replace the lid and leave it for another 5 to 10 minutes.
• Remove the rice from the steamer once it's fully cooked, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

You can also steam your rice directly in a steamer compartment. This method eliminates the question of how much liquid to use. The rice absorbs as much moisture as it needs from the steam while it cooks.

Unroll cheesecloth and fold it so it lines the compartment with three or four layers. Lift and dampen the cloth, then press it back into the steamer.

Measure and pour the rice into the steamer compartment. Spread it around to make an even layer.

Fill the reservoir to the maximum level. Set the timer and turn it on. Steam plain white rice for roughly 25 minutes, and brown or black rice for 45 minutes to an hour, or until it's tender.

Lift the cooked rice, using the corners of the cheesecloth as a handle. Tip it into a serving bowl. Cover loosely and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

If you don't have an electric steamer, you can use a metal or Chinese bamboo steamer using the same technique. Keep the water level below the steamer and use a tight-fitting lid for the pot or steamer basket.

Meat

A 3-tier steamer can be used to cook a variety of meats, including chicken, fish, and pork. Here are some ideas and instructions for cooking meat in your 3-tier steamer:

Chicken

Chicken breasts can be cooked in a 3-tier steamer and will take around 25 minutes for an average-sized breast. For a more precise cooking time, refer to the instructions provided with your steamer, as different models may vary slightly. One way to prepare chicken in the steamer is to wrap the breasts in lightly buttered foil with a slug of wine, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also cook boiled eggs in the steamer, though the timing may be difficult to get right.

Fish

Steaming is a great way to cook fish, and there are many types of fish that can be prepared in a 3-tier steamer. Some options include trout, salmon, tilapia, bass, and cod. For a simple and healthy dish, you can steam fish fillets with green vegetables like pak choi, broccoli, or asparagus. Season with herbs and spices like mint, dill, garlic, and chilli for added flavour.

Pork

Pork is another meat that can be cooked in a 3-tier steamer. One option is to make Chinese steamed pork buns. These buns are filled with a juicy and flavourful pork filling and are perfect as a tasty snack or appetizer. You can also steam baby-sized potatoes with herbs, which can be a great side dish to serve with grilled pork or other meats.

Desserts

A 3-tier steamer is an excellent option for cooking desserts, as it allows you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously without having them touch the water. This setup helps retain moisture and lock in flavour, resulting in juicy and delicious treats.

Jam and Coconut Sponge Puddings

This dessert is a great make-ahead option that is both comforting and perfect for serving after a hearty Sunday lunch. The raspberry and coconut flavours combine for a delightful treat.

Chocolate and Marmalade Steamed Pudding with Marmalade Cream

This dessert pairs chocolate and marmalade for a heavenly match. The accompanying marmalade cream takes it up a notch and works well with many other desserts.

Steamed Chocolate, Stout and Prune Pudding

This simple steamed pudding by Diana Henry combines dark chocolate with a fruity stout for a rich flavour. Drizzle with decadent chocolate sauce for an indulgent experience.

Chocolate-Orange Steamed Pudding with Chocolate Sauce

A classic combination of chocolate and orange, this dessert is rich and squidgy, yet surprisingly low in sugar. It's a tasty treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.

As-You-Like-It Steamed Pudding

This versatile steamed basin sponge can be served with custard and is a great way to use up half-full jars of marmalade, syrup or jam.

Steamed Cranberry Roly-Poly

A classic dessert that is sure to impress, this steamed cranberry roly-poly is a beautiful addition to any dinner party. It is a delicious treat that your guests will surely enjoy.

Frequently asked questions