Creative Steamer Recipes For Delicious, Healthy Meals

A steamer is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. It is a healthy cooking method that results in minimal nutrient loss and does not require the use of fat, making it suitable for those on low-fat or low-carb diets. With a steamer, you can prepare tasty and nutritious meals with minimal effort and time. So, what are some delicious dishes you can make with a steamer?

Steamed vegetables

Steaming is a quick and easy way to cook vegetables, and it can be done in a steamer, on the stove, or in the microwave. It's important not to overcook them, as this can result in soggy and bland veggies. Instead, aim for crisp, tender vegetables with a slight bite when pierced with a fork.

Preparing the Vegetables

Chop the vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly. The thicker the vegetable, the longer it will take to cook. For example, carrots should be cut into smaller pieces to reduce the cooking time.

Some vegetables can be kept whole, such as artichokes (trim them first) and leafy greens like spinach and chard.

Steaming in a Steamer

Add 1 inch of water to the bottom of a saucepan or pot and place a steamer basket inside. The water level should be just under the basket. Bring the water to a boil, then add the vegetables to the basket and cover with a lid.

Cook until the vegetables are just tender when pricked with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of vegetable. For example, broccoli takes 3-5 minutes, while carrots take 4-5 minutes.

Steaming on the Stove

This method involves using a pan with 1-2 inches of water and cooking the vegetables directly in the water. Bring the water to a boil, then add the vegetables and cover the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let the vegetables steam until tender. You may need to add more water to create steam and prevent scorching.

Steaming in the Microwave

Place the vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl and add 2-3 tablespoons of water. Cover the bowl with a plate or microwave-safe lid and cook on high according to the steaming times for the specific vegetables.

Vegetables to Steam

Almost all vegetables can be steamed, but some of the most popular options include:

• Broccoli
• Spinach and other leafy greens
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Small potatoes
• Artichokes

Seasoning and Serving

Once the vegetables are cooked, carefully remove them from the steamer or pan and place them in a bowl. Toss with a bit of olive oil or butter and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

You can add extra flavour by using fresh lemon juice, herbs, feta cheese crumbles, or other spices.

Tips

• Steaming vegetables is a great way to preserve their nutrients and colour.
• You don't need a fancy steamer; a basic pot with a lid and a steamer basket or colander will do the trick.
• Cut vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• You only need a small amount of water for steaming – about 1-2 inches in the bottom of the pot.
• Taste test the vegetables to check for doneness. They should be tender with a slight bite.

Steamed seafood

Seafood is a great option to cook in a steamer, as it helps retain the natural flavours and nutrients of the ingredients. Here are some ideas for steamed seafood dishes:

A steamed seafood platter is a great way to showcase a variety of seafood items. This recipe includes large mud crabs, baby potatoes, Japanese sweet corn, mussels or oysters, prawns, and a lemon butter sauce. The crabs, potatoes, and corn are steamed together for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the crabs. The mussels and prawns are then added and steamed for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. The lemon butter sauce is made by melting butter in a saucepan, adding lemon juice and parsley, and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. The seafood is arranged on a platter with the potatoes and corn, and served with the lemon butter sauce and lemon wedges on the side.

Steamed Whole Snapper with Prawns, Clams and Squid

This recipe involves steaming a whole snapper (cleaned and scaled) with prawns, clams, and squid. The fish is prepared by making three slashes on both sides and placing ginger and spring onion tops on the base of a serving plate that fits inside the steamer. The snapper is placed on top, and the remaining ginger is shredded and scattered over the fish. The fish is steamed for 6 minutes, after which the prawns, squid, and clams are added and steamed for an additional 6 minutes. A wine and soy sauce dressing is made by warming the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Smoking hot oil is then poured over the seafood to release the aromas. The dish is garnished with coriander and served.

Steamed Clams

Clams are a great option for steaming, as they are easy to prepare and can be served as a tasty appetiser or main course. One recipe suggests steaming clams in a garlic butter sauce, while another recommends a base of white wine, garlic, chicken stock, and shallots. The clams are steamed for 25 minutes and served with a garlicky herbed lemon sauce.

Steamed Salmon

Salmon is another popular choice for steaming, as it can be cooked to be tender and succulent. One recipe suggests seasoning salmon fillets with coriander, cumin, and Mediterranean Aleppo pepper, and steaming them with a bed of parsley, green onions, and yellow onions. Another recipe involves wrapping salmon in prosciutto and seasoning it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon.

Steamed rice and lentils

Steaming is a great way to cook rice, and it's even better when you add lentils and caramelized onions to the mix. This recipe for Mujadara, a classic Arabic dish, is a delicious and healthy vegetarian option that's also gluten-free and easily made vegan. It's a simple dish to make, but it does take a bit of time, so be sure to plan ahead! Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Bay leaves
• Salt and pepper
• Brown basmati rice
• Brown or green lentils
• Onions
• Green onions
• Cilantro or flat-leaf parsley
• Yogurt
• Spicy sauce (optional)

Method:

• In a large pot, combine garlic, bay leaves, cumin, salt, and pepper with water and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, add the rice and reduce the heat to medium. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the lentils and let the mixture return to a simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook until the rice and lentils are tender, which should take about 20-23 minutes.
• While the rice and lentils are cooking, prepare the onions. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until they are deeply caramelized and starting to crisp, which should take about 20-30 minutes.
• When the lentils and rice are done, drain off any excess water and return the mixture to the pot. Cover and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the lid, discard the bay leaves, and smash the garlic cloves. Add the green onions and cilantro, and gently stir and fluff the rice with a fork.
• Transfer the rice and lentil mixture to a serving platter or bowl. Top with the caramelized onions and the remaining green onions and cilantro.
• Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature, with a side of yogurt and spicy sauce if desired.

Tips:

• This recipe is designed for brown basmati rice and regular brown or green lentils. If you choose a different variety, you may need to adjust the cooking times and method.
• For softer onions, reduce the heat to medium-low after 10 minutes at medium-high. For crispier onions, leave the heat at medium-high and stir minimally.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and gently reheated, or served at room temperature.

Steamed cakes and desserts

Steaming is a great way to cook cakes and desserts, as it traps moisture inside, resulting in softer and moister treats. Here are some delicious steamed cakes and desserts that you can make using a steamer:

Steamed Carrot Cake

This cake has the same fantastic carrot cake taste that we all know and love, but it's infinitely softer and moister due to the steaming process. You can steam it on your stovetop, and it takes about 40 minutes to cook. Once it's cool enough, top it with a sweet cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.

Chinese Steamed Sponge Cake

This soft, moist, and incredibly filling cake can be made on your stovetop in less than an hour. It only requires 10 ingredients, including eggs, caster sugar, light brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, baking soda, evaporated milk, flour, baking powder, and canola or grapeseed oil.

Honey Sponge Cake

This yummy and spongy cake is made with custard powder and honey. It is steamed and then topped with roasted melon seeds and chocolate sauce, making it a delicious and indulgent treat.

Steamed Cinnamon Apples

This dessert is perfect for those who crave the flavours of fall. Steaming the apples results in juicier, more flavourful fruit. It requires only apples, cinnamon, and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. The apples only take about 5 minutes to cook, making this a quick and easy dessert.

Steamed Chocolate Pudding

This pudding is rich, dense, and unbelievably soft. While the ingredients list is a bit long, most of the items are traditional baking ingredients or spices. This is a great option for a tasty holiday treat.

Steamed meat

Steaming is a great way to cook meat, yielding moist and tender results. Here are some steamed meat recipes to try:

Steamed Beef Brisket with Wine Sauce

This recipe serves 4-6 people and is perfect served with a bowl of steamed rice or shredded and served in a burger or sandwich. First, prepare a large pot of boiling water and add the beef brisket for 1-2 minutes. Then, discard the water, rinse the beef, and set it aside. Next, prepare your steamer by bringing the water to a boil. Place the beef brisket in a large bowl with ginger, spring onion, black peppercorns, dark soy sauce, wine, and beef broth. Let the beef steam for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until tender. Add the carrots to the bowl for the last 30 minutes of steaming. Finally, remove the beef and carrots, and keep them warm. Prepare the sauce using the steaming liquid, oyster sauce, corn starch, and other ingredients. Serve the sliced beef with the sauce and garnish with spring onions and cilantro.

Steamed Beef and Vegetables

This recipe by Wolfgang Puck & Marian Getz uses a 3-tier rapid steamer. Cut 1 1/2 pounds of beef chuck roast into 1/2-inch thick steaks and place them in a bowl. Prepare a mixture of soy sauce, powdered beef bouillon, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Brush half of this mixture onto the steaks, coating each side, and let the meat stand for 30 minutes. Arrange the meat on the bottom steamer tray and steam for 30 minutes. Then, refill the steamer and add vegetables (onion, carrots, and celery) to the middle and top trays. Steam for an additional 15 minutes. The meat should be fork-tender. Brush the meat with the reserved flavouring mixture and serve with the vegetables.

Steamed Pork & Shrimp Wontons

A delicious option for those who enjoy Asian dumplings, this recipe combines ground pork and shrimp with wonton wrappers and a variety of seasonings.

Kung Pao Chicken

A classic Chinese dish, Kung Pao Chicken is made with chicken, vegetables, and a spicy sauce. The steaming method ensures the chicken stays moist and tender.

Baby Back Pork Ribs

For rib lovers, this recipe is a delicious option. The ribs are cooked to perfection, resulting in fall-off-the-bone meat that's full of flavour.

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