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Steaming is one of the healthiest ways of cooking all kinds of foods:vegetablesretain more of theirvitamins and mineralswhen cooked this way, and it’s great for proteins from the sea like clams andsalmonand delicate foods likeeggstoo. But, what if you don’t have a steamer? Not to worry, there are ways to enjoy the benefits of steam-cooking without any extra special equipment. Whether you have a garden full of green beans and needhealthy steamed green bean recipes, or want incorporate moreomega-3sinto your eating pattern and need to learn how to steamfishwithout a steamer, we have options for everyone.
How to Steam Broccoli
How does steam-cooking work?
How do steamers work?
Most steamers involve a basket of some sort to elevate food above the surface of the liquid. This may be a removable basket that can be used in a variety of pots or pans, a specialized pot insert or a stackable set of baskets, as with bamboo steamers. There are also electric steamers, which are either small portable gadgets or built-in appliances designed especially for steaming applications.
How can you steam without a steamer?
There are a few easy ways to enjoy steamed foods without a steamer! Essentially, you just need to be able to create a steamy environment for your foods that can be maintained for as long as you need to cook your ingredients.
Colander Method
If you have a heat-safe colander, you can place it inside a large, lidded pot to create a steamer. If you’re steaming small items, use the perforated bowl to contain the ingredients. If you’re steaming larger foods likecorn on the coborlobsters, flip it over and arrange the foods atop it.
Foil Method
You can make a snake or balls offoilto arrange on the bottom of a lidded pot to be able to elevate a heatproof plate or bowl above the surface of your simmering liquid to create a steamer.
Cooling-Rack Method
If you have a round wire cooling rack that fits inside one of your lidded pots, or the kind of rack that goes inside anInstant Pot, you can use it to elevate a heatproof plate or bowl for steaming.
Pie-Pan Method
Disposable foilpiepans can be easily perforated with a sharp knife (be careful!) or a fork to create a steamer inside a pot.
What foods are best for steaming?
The Bottom Line
Steaming is a simple way to let ingredients shine. Since steaming requires no submerging in liquid that can leach nutrients, it’s one of the most nutritious ways to prepare vegetables. And for any delicate items, the gentle cooking method is very forgiving, so it’s a great way to get some kitchen confidence with harder-to-handle foods like seafood.
Start steaming today with thesehealthy steamed asparagus recipes, or steam up some bright and sweetbutternut squash. Happy steaming!
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