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Dec 23, 2023 · Utilizing a bamboo or metal rack is a simple and effective way to steam food without a traditional steamer. Place a bamboo or metal rack inside a large pot, making sure it sits above the water level. The rack should be sturdy enough to hold the food without bending or collapsing under the weight.
- Overview
- Using a Plate and Aluminum Foil
- Microwaving Vegetables to Steam Quickly
- Steaming Vegetables in a Colander and a Pot
Steamed vegetables make great additions to some recipes. Unlike boiling vegetables, steaming maintains the nutrients, color, and crispness of the vegetable. You might think that you need a special steamer to obtain steamed vegetables, but you actually don’t. With a trusty lidded pot, a colander or aluminum foil, and a stove top or microwave, you ca...
Choose a pot that has a tight lid and a thick bottom.
The lid should be secure enough to allow moisture to build up inside the pot and steam the vegetables. Having a pot with a thicker bottom will spread the heat more evenly than one with a thinner bottom.
A deep pot will allow for more steam to build up between the vegetables and will cook them better.
If you do not want to use a pot, or do not have one that will fit your heat proof plate, then you can use a large skillet instead. The process will be the same, but you will need to have a lid that will cover the skillet.
inch (1.3 cm) of water into the bottom of your pot.
If you are cooking a large amount of vegetables, or if the lid to your pot does not seal well, then you may need to add more water. You want enough water in the pot to steam the vegetables and keep them from burning, but not so much water that the vegetables boil.
Place your cleaned and chopped vegetables into a microwave-safe bowl.
You need a bowl that has a lid to help generate steam. So make sure that the bowl you are using has a cover to rest on top of it.
Make sure to check if your bowl is microwave safe. Some containers will say, “Microwave Safe,” on the bottom, and others will have a small symbol that resembles a microwave with wavy lines in it. If your bowl does not indicate that it is safe to use in the microwave, then it is best to use another container.
While microwaving is the quickest way to steam vegetables, it can give the vegetables a slightly shriveled appearance. This is because the microwave is steaming and partially cooking the vegetables.
Add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water to the bowl.
The amount of water you add depends on the amount of vegetables you have in your bowl. If you are steaming a large amount of vegetables, then consider adding a little more water.
Fill a large pot with approximately
inch (1.3 cm) of water.
Your metal colander is going to need to hang inside and along the rim of your pot. So your pot needs to be wide enough to fit your metal colander inside, but not have your colander fall in, and tall enough so the colander does not touch the water.
Place your metal colander inside the pot.
Make sure that the colander is not touching the water within the pot. If you do not have a metal colander, you can use a metal strainer instead.
Your colander or strainer cannot be made of plastic; it has to be resistant to the heat of the boiling water.
- 130.2K
- 2 min
- Using a Metal Strainer or Colander. The metal strainer or colander is a common kitchen tool that can double up as a makeshift steamer. It’s perfect for steaming vegetables, fish, and even dumplings.
- The Aluminum Foil and Plate Method. If you have aluminum foil and a heat-proof plate, you are all set to steam your food without a steamer basket. This method is excellent for steaming larger foods like corn on the cob or lobsters.
- Disposable Pie Pan Steamer. A disposable pie pan can function as a one-time-use steamer. This hack is especially useful if you need a larger steaming surface or if you don’t want to use your regular kitchen tools for steaming.
- Microwave Steaming: The Simplest Solution. Microwave steaming is arguably the simplest and fastest method of all. It requires minimal equipment – just a microwave-safe bowl and a microwave-safe plate or microwave cover.
Aug 29, 2024 · Place the vegetables in the center of the foil and season them with your desired herbs, spices, or sauces. Fold the foil over the vegetables and tightly seal the edges to create a packet. Place the packet in a steamer pot or a regular pot with a small amount of water, and cover it with a lid. Steam the vegetables until they are tender.
Apr 26, 2016 · The technique is simple: fill a medium pot with 1/2 inch of water, place three golf ball–sized balls of aluminum foil on the bottom, rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls, cover the ...
- Katherine Sacks
Dec 28, 2022 · For firm vegetables like potatoes, cut into even slices and place them into a microwave-safe bowl. Then, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to the bowl, top it with a microwave-safe lid, and cook for 6-8 minutes. This method is especially well suited for dishes that are dressed or otherwise jazzed up, like a potato salad.
Oct 11, 2021 · First, take three sheets of aluminum foil and roll them up into baseball-sized balls. Place them on the bottom of the pot, and pour in about an inch of water. Then rest the plate on top of the ...
