Steam Cooking: How Does It Work?

Steam cooking is a method of cooking that uses moist heat. The heat is created by boiling water, which turns into steam and cooks the food. This technique is considered healthy as it helps retain the natural texture, colour, flavour, and nutrients of the food. Steam cooking is faster and more energy-efficient than boiling as it requires less water. Steamers have been used since 5000 BCE, and modern steam ovens are now available for home cooks. Steam cooking can be done using a variety of kitchen cookware, such as steamer pots, stacked steamers, bamboo steamers, steamer inserts, and steamer baskets.

Steaming is a moist-heat cooking method

Steaming is considered a healthy cooking technique, as it helps retain the natural texture, colour, flavour, and nutrients of the food. It is faster and more energy-efficient than boiling, as it requires less water and takes advantage of steam's excellent thermodynamic heat transfer properties. Steam cooking is also a gentle process, making it suitable for cooking delicate foods like fish, vegetables, and meat without losing valuable nutrients.

There are different types of steamers available, including bamboo steamers, metal steamers made of aluminium or stainless steel, and modern steam ovens. Bamboo steamers are traditional in Asian cuisine and are known for absorbing excess moisture and allowing heat to condense over the food. Metal steamers, on the other hand, are more modern and can be made of aluminium or stainless steel. They feature a chimney in the centre that distributes steam among the tiers. Steam ovens, on the other hand, are a more recent innovation that combines baking and steaming in one appliance. These ovens have built-in water tanks that continuously add steam, ensuring food remains moist and nutritious.

Steaming is a versatile cooking method that can be used for various dishes, including vegetables, meats, seafood, poultry, rice, pasta, bread, and desserts. It is an excellent option for those seeking a healthy and convenient way to prepare their meals while preserving the natural qualities of their ingredients.

Steam ovens vs. steamers

Steam ovens and steamers are both used to cook food in a gentle, flavoursome, and healthy way. Steamers are kitchen appliances with several levels that use steam to cook food. Steam ovens, on the other hand, are combination appliances that can be used for steaming and baking.

Steamers

Steamers are a great option for those looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle. They are available in plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel, and are generally very easy to use. You simply put your food in, add water, adjust the steaming time, and you're good to go. Steamers are also compact and affordable. However, they can only be used for steaming and not for baking or roasting. Additionally, cleaning a steamer without a mains water connection can be time-consuming.

Steam Ovens

Steam ovens, on the other hand, offer more functionality as they can be used for both steaming and baking. They are a great option for those who want to save space in their kitchen. High-quality steam ovens offer additional functions such as sous-vide cooking, regeneration, and sterilization. Steam ovens also allow you to cook different dishes at the same time without worrying about the flavors mixing. However, steam ovens are generally more expensive than steamers and require regular cleaning due to condensation.

Whether you choose a steamer or a steam oven depends on your cooking habits, kitchen space, and personal preferences. If you often prepare multiple courses simultaneously or cook for a large number of people, a steamer might be a good option. On the other hand, if you want an appliance that can do it all and save space, a steam oven might be the better choice.

The benefits of steaming

Steam cooking is a gentle and healthy way to prepare food. This method of cooking has been passed down from generation to generation since its origins in the Far East in the Yellow River Valley of China around 5000 BC.

Retains Nutrients and Enhances Flavour

Steam cooking helps retain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It also allows food to retain its natural flavour and colour. For example, broccoli will remain bright green and carrots will remain orange after being steamed. The food's natural flavour can be enhanced with light seasoning.

Reduces Cholesterol and Fat Content

Steaming helps eliminate fat from proteins such as chicken and fish, reducing cholesterol and making dishes lower in calories. It also dissolves fat in foods like fish and chicken, making them more easily digestible.

Faster and More Energy-Efficient

Steam cooking is faster and more energy-efficient than traditional cooking methods like boiling and broiling. This is because steam transfers energy more efficiently than water, resulting in quicker cooking times and reduced energy usage.

Easy to Cook Multiple Dishes

Steaming allows you to cook different ingredients at the same time in the same pan, as there is minimal flavour transfer. This makes it convenient to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously without worrying about flavour contamination.

Simple to Clean

Steam cooking does not leave behind burnt or boiled-over residue, making it easier to clean than traditional frying or boiling. There are also fewer unpleasant cooking smells, and the absence of oils and fats means less greasy residue to clean up.

How to steam without a steamer

Steaming is a cooking method that uses moist heat. Water is boiled and vaporises into steam, which then cooks the food. The food is kept separate from the boiling water but has direct contact with the steam, resulting in a moist texture.

Steaming is considered a healthy cooking technique and is most often used to cook vegetables, although it can be used for many kinds of foods. It is also faster and more energy-efficient than boiling.

If you don't have a steamer, there are several ways to steam food. Here are some methods:

• Using a plate and tinfoil: Place three golf ball-sized balls of tinfoil at the bottom of a medium pot. Then, add half an inch of water and place a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Add your vegetables to the plate, cover, and steam until they reach the desired texture.
• Using a wire cooling rack: Add an inch of water to a pot with a tight-fitting lid. Place the wire cooling rack in the pan and place your food on top of the rack. Close the lid and steam until your food is cooked to your liking.
• Using a disposable aluminium pie pan: Poke several holes into the bottom of the pan and place it upside down into a pot filled with an inch of water. Place your food on top of the inverted pan. The edges of the pan will prevent the food from touching the water, and the food will rest on the flat surface.
• Using a microwave: Place your food in a microwave-safe bowl and add a few tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap, ensuring that the plastic does not touch the food. Microwave for 4-6 minutes, or until your food is fork-tender.

With these methods, you can easily steam your food without a steamer.

Foods that can be steamed

Steaming is a versatile cooking technique that can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. It is particularly popular in East Asian cuisines, but it has also been used in other parts of the world for thousands of years. Here is a list of foods that can be steamed:

Vegetables

Vegetables are one of the most commonly steamed foods. Almost any vegetable can be steamed, but some of the most popular options include broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, leafy greens, peas, squash, and potatoes. Steaming is a healthy way to cook vegetables, as it helps retain nutrients and can be done without added fat or sodium.

Seafood

Seafood, especially delicate fish and shellfish, is also commonly steamed. Steaming seafood helps retain moisture and can be a simple and healthy way to prepare dishes like salmon, crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and scallops.

Meat

Meat can also be steamed, although this is less common in Western cuisines. In Chinese cuisine, it is common to steam meat dishes like whole fish, crab, pork spare ribs, ground pork or beef, chicken, and goose. Steaming is a gentle cooking method that can help retain moisture in meats, making them tender and juicy.

Eggs

Steaming is also a great way to cook eggs. You can make perfect hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs by steaming them in their shells.

Rice and Grains

Rice is often steamed, especially in Asian cuisines. In fact, in Chinese cooking, "cooking" rice typically refers to steaming it. Other grains like quinoa and pasta can also be steamed.

Desserts

Steaming is not just for savoury dishes; it can also be used to make desserts! Steamed cakes, puddings, and dumplings are popular in various cultures. For example, Chinese steamed cakes, Japanese mochi, and English-style steamed sponge cakes and chocolate puddings are all delicious treats that can be made by steaming.

Frequently asked questions