Steam Power: Energy Behind Cooking Perfection

Steamers are powered by boiling water, which evaporates into steam and cooks food in a closed vessel. This simple cooking method has been used for millennia and is particularly popular in Asian cuisines.

There are several types of steamers available, from electric appliances to clay pots, and they can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, meat, seafood, and starches like steamed buns.

Steaming is a healthy cooking option as it requires little to no oil, and it also preserves the nutrients in food. Additionally, food steamers release less heat into the kitchen environment, helping to keep the kitchen cool during hot summers.

Electric steamers vs stove-top steamers

Electric steamers and stove-top steamers are two types of steamers that can be used for cooking. They both use hot vapour to cook food in an enclosed environment without the need for added cooking fat. However, there are some key differences between the two:

Electric Steamers

Electric steamers are standalone appliances that have stackable, perforated trays. Water is added to a chamber and heated by an electric element until it turns to steam. Some electric steamers have multiple tiers, allowing you to cook different foods at the same time. They are easy to use, as you simply add water, put in your food, and turn on the steamer. Electric steamers are a good option if you plan to use them frequently, as they save time and free up hob space. They also tend to be more energy-efficient than using an oven and hob. However, they can be expensive and take up counter or storage space.

Stove-Top Steamers

Stove-top steamers are inserts that fit into or on top of a saucepan or pot filled with simmering water. The food is placed in the insert, and the perforated base allows the steam to cook the food. Stove-top steamers come in various forms, such as folding or collapsible platforms made of stainless steel or silicone, perforated metal pans that nest in a saucepan, and bamboo baskets that fit inside a wok. They are generally more affordable and don't require any additional counter or storage space. However, they may not be as convenient as electric steamers, as you need to monitor the water level and heat source during cooking.

Comparison

Both types of steamers have their advantages and considerations. Electric steamers offer convenience and the ability to cook larger batches, while stove-top steamers are more compact, affordable, and suitable for occasional use. Ultimately, the choice between an electric steamer and a stove-top steamer depends on your cooking needs, budget, and available space.

Bamboo steamers

• Prepare your bamboo steamer by ensuring it has been properly cleaned and dried before use.
• Place the bamboo steamer in a wok or a large pot. The steamer should be slightly smaller than the wok or pot to ensure a good fit.
• Add water to the wok or pot until it reaches the bottom rim of the steamer. The water should not touch the bottom of the inside bed of the steamer to prevent boiling the food.
• Line the tiers of the bamboo steamer with perforated parchment paper, cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, or banana leaves to prevent food from sticking.
• Place the food items in the steamer, ensuring they are not overcrowded and have enough space for the steam to circulate.
• Cover the bamboo steamer with its lid, which helps contain the steam and cook the food evenly.
• Turn on the heat source to bring the water to a simmer.
• Monitor the water level and add boiling water as needed to ensure the water doesn't completely evaporate, which could scorch the bottom of your steamer or pot.
• Steam your food according to the recipe instructions, ensuring that you follow food safety guidelines for minimum cooking temperatures.
• Once the food is cooked, carefully remove the lid, being cautious of the escaping hot steam.
• Serve the food immediately, or use the bamboo steamer to keep the food warm until ready to serve.

Some additional tips for using and maintaining bamboo steamers:

• Bamboo steamers are available in different sizes, with 10-inch steamers being the most common and practical for home use.
• You can stack multiple bamboo steamers on top of each other to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
• It is recommended to hand wash bamboo steamers with mild, fragrance-free detergent and ensure they are thoroughly dried before storage to prevent mould or mildew.
• To prevent scorching, some instructions suggest soaking a new bamboo steamer in water for 30 minutes before the first use, but this is not necessary if you ensure the bottom tier is not touching the water.
• Bamboo steamers should be handled with care as they can burn easily when placed directly on a heat source.

Metal steamers

Electric steamers are convenient as they only require you to add water, put in your food, and turn on the steamer. They are also useful when cooking multiple items with different cook times, as you can place items requiring longer cooking times on the bottom tier. Additionally, electric steamers with multiple tiers allow you to cook different foods simultaneously. However, they can be bulky and may not be ideal if you have limited counter space.

Stovetop steamers, on the other hand, are inserts that fit into or on top of a saucepan or pot filled with simmering water. They come in various forms, such as folding or collapsible raised platforms made of stainless steel or silicone, perforated metal pans that nest in a saucepan, and bamboo baskets that fit inside a wok. Stovetop steamers are a good option if you already have a suitable pot and are looking for a more affordable and compact steamer.

When choosing a metal steamer, consider factors such as the amount of food you want to cook, the number of tiers, ease of cleaning, and whether you prefer a standalone electric model or a stovetop steamer that fits into your existing cookware.

Ceramic steamers

One of the benefits of using a ceramic steamer is that it can be used on a variety of stove types, including gas, electric, and induction. Additionally, ceramic steamers are often designed with multiple tiers or layers, allowing for the simultaneous cooking of different foods. This makes them a convenient option for those looking to cook multiple items at once.

When purchasing a ceramic steamer, it is important to consider the size of the steamer and whether it will fit your specific stove or cookware. Some ceramic steamers are designed specifically for certain types of cookware, such as woks, while others are designed to be compatible with a wider range of cookware.

• ROCKURWOK offers a 3-quart ceramic nonstick saucepan with a steamer insert. It features a wooden handle to keep your hands cool while cooking and is compatible with gas, electric, and induction stovetops.
• JIA Steamer offers a small 7.1-inch ceramic pot with a steamer insert.
• YARDWE offers a ceramic steamer plate with holes for cooking dumplings and vegetables. It comes in two sizes: 18cm and 20cm.
• XICHENGSHIDAI offers a ceramic steam cooker made of traditional Yunnan clay. It is suitable for stewing chicken soup, steaming vegetables, and cooking fitness meals.
• An electric ceramic glaze pot with dual power and multi-functional capabilities is also available for those looking for an electric option.
• Neoflam offers a 1-quart non-stick ceramic casserole pot that can be used for stewing, soup, and steaming.
• Oprah's Favorite Things offers a 6-quart triply stainless steel everyday pan with a non-stick, non-toxic ceramic interior, and a ceramic steamer insert.

These are just a few examples of the ceramic steamers available, and there are many more options to choose from to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Steam cooking health benefits

Steam cooking is a moist-heat cooking method that uses hot vapour to cook food in an enclosed environment. It is a healthy, versatile, and efficient cooking technique with a range of benefits.

Health Benefits

Steaming is a healthy cooking option as it does not require the use of oil or fat. This means that food cooked through steaming is lower in fat content and calories, which is beneficial for anyone looking to lose weight.

Steaming is also a great way to preserve the nutritional value of food. It has been found to retain essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins B, C, B-12, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and folate, as well as minerals like zinc, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.

Additionally, steaming helps to lower cholesterol levels in meat. It allows for the removal of fat from meat, which can then be discarded, resulting in a lower cholesterol level in the meat consumed.

Efficiency and Taste Benefits

Steaming is a fast and energy-efficient cooking method, as steam transfers energy more efficiently than water, resulting in shorter cooking times and reduced energy usage.

It is also a versatile cooking technique that can be used to cook a wide variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, and starchy foods like steamed buns.

Steaming helps to preserve the natural properties of food, such as texture, taste, colour, flavour, and freshness. This results in food that is both healthy and flavourful.

Setting Up a Steamer

There are several ways to set up a steamer for cooking. A simple method is to use a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish. The dish is propped up above the water in the pot using a metal steam rack or a clean metal can.

Another option is to use a stainless steel or bamboo steamer, which typically has multiple tiers for cooking different foods simultaneously. These steamers are placed in a pot or wok with a small amount of water at the bottom, and the food is placed on the steamer trays or in shallow dishes.

Steaming is a simple and healthy cooking method that can be used to prepare a variety of tasty and nutritious dishes. It is a great option for those looking to improve their dietary habits and increase their intake of essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions