All About Steaming: How To Use a Food Steamer
Steaming is considered one of the best cooking methods if you are looking for uncompromised flavour and nutrition. Steaming cooks the food by surrounding it with hot vapour in an enclosed environment in a moist-heat technique. Without direct contact between the food and the water, ingredients are able to retain their texture, shape and colour. Steaming allows you to prepare and cook various foods without the need for fats and oils, resulting in healthier cooking.
How to steam food, step-by-step?
Step 1:
Fill a casserole with your chosen cooking liquid (like stock- or herb-infused water) three-quarters of the way up the side of the casserole. Leave one-quarter free below where the steamer rests.
Step 2:
Once the water is boiling, add the steamer on top and place your ingredients inside the insert. Arrange according to your recipe instructions.
Step 3:
Cover with a tight-fitting lid and steam according to instructions. Make sure you do not lift the lid at any time, as this can result in a slower cooking process. Our lids are equipped with vent holes, reducing condensation by allowing small amounts of steam t escape.
Step 4:
Once cooked, remove the lid carefully and allow the ingredients to cool for a minute or two. Top tip: Remove your ingredients just before they are ready, about a minute to 30 seconds, as they will continue to cook in the residual heat while they rest.
Serve immediately for the best cooking results.
Full Steam Ahead
Get set for a quick, healthy and highly-flavoured way to cook.
FAQs
#1. Why is it better to steam food?
Through Steaming, genuine flavours and natural textures of delicate ingredients can be locked in. Steaming is the perfect cooking method for lighter, fresher foods such as vegetables, fish, chicken, and dumplings. This cooking method also does not require added oils and fats, resulting in healthier cooking.
#2. Which food steamer do I need?
Available in three options, our Stainless Steel Steamers are easy to stack, allowing you to prepare entire meals at once. The 20cm Multi-Steamer with Glass Lid has a stepped base that fits 16cm, 18cm and 20cm stainless steel cookware. The 24cm Large Multi-Steamer with Lid fits all casseroles with a diameter of 20cm, 22cm and 24cm. Finally, the 20cm Steamer Insert can be used singly or stacked on the 3-ply Stainless Steel 20cm Saucepan and Casserole.
#3. How much water do I need to steam food?
Because you're only using water to create steam and not to submerge ingredients, a little bit can go a long way. Fill your casserole with water or cooking liquid to three-quarters below the base of your steamer or colander. For successful steaming keep the boiling water separate from the steamer basket. This allows the steam to gently envelop your ingredients, ensuring even and delicate cooking without any risk of scorching.
#4. Which heat setting is best for steaming?
Once the water reaches its boiling point, adjust the heat to a medium setting, maintaining a gentle and steady boil. Avoid using the "boost" or "pulse" settings on your induction stove.
#5. How long does food take to steam?
Steam time will vary with different recipes, however, as a rule of thumb, vegetables usually steam in 5 minutes or less, while meat and fish steam in 3-10 minutes. Account for an additional cooling time of a minute or two.
More to Explore
Are you interested in helpful tips and tricks for your cookware, finding colourful inspiration for your kitchen, or exploring delightful new recipes to try? We have a wide variety of guides and articles available for you to gain inspiration from. Feel free to take a look and explore!
