Steamed Vegetables?? How? and What works for you?

Question

I am embarrased to admit, that I am 57 and never steamed vegetables, eventhough I've heard they are good. Most of the time I am only cooking for my Dad and me.

Answer 1

The easiest way to "steam" veggies is in the microwave.

I've done this for 20 years and I never even use added water (there's sufficient water in the veggies already to be activated by the microwaves)... not only is leaving out the added water easier, but not one drop of water is left over to have captured any of the vitamins which one may not eat.

Since I'm still on the fence about heating plastics in general, I've preferred to cover my (microwave-safe) bowl or plate loosely with a sheet of waxed paper or deli-wrap. The waxed paper will drape down around the container when heated and "steamed" so although it's not airtight, it works really well.

I've also "steamed" veggies in the traditional way in a basket over boiling water, but that's definitely more trouble to do and I can't tell that there's any difference in taste from the "microwave-steamed" version.

I prefer my veggies to be cooked but not too mushy (like boiling often does), so I just cook them till they're sort of "al dente." You can take them out after whatever amount of time you want though (...most guys and family members seem to like this firmer way better though, especially if a bit of butter-margarine is added to each serving).

Diane B.

Answer 2

if you have a microwave, this is one use it is actually pretty good for: place veggies (cut into bite sized pieces) in microwave safe bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of water. cover and microwave on high for 3 or 4 minutes. if its really hard fresh stuff, like broccoli or cauliflower, it might take a few more minutes - check for doneness to taste after the 3-4 minutes, & just put back in if desired.

if you don't have a microwave, you can get a steamer insert at most grocery stores now in the gadget aisle (if not, then try a kitchen wares store or department store) pretty cheap. put in a sauce pot, add about 1" of water (make sure it doesn't come up through the holes in the bottom of the insert) and place cut up fresh veggies on the insert. cover with a tight fitting lid and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 4-6 minutes (again, may take longer for big pieces or harder veggies).

steaming also works great for fish and shellfood as well as any vegetable at all. the veggies end up "al dente" or crisp-tender and not overcooked or mushy like they can if you boil them.

Answer 3

You can either microwave or use water. For micro. lay the veg. in a single layer on a plate. Cover with Saran Wrap (tightly) and poke a few holes in wrap. Depending on the veggie, broccolli cut up takes abut 13 min., zucchini is less, carrots about the same as broccolli.
To use the water method, I like to use a "steamer" so the veggies don't sit in the water and they remain alittle crispier. Bring the water to a boil and then cover. I keep checking the doneness with a fork. That is about it.

Answer 4

It sonds like you need something light and refreshing as a side dish. Candied carrots aren't exactly a light side dish because of the honey and sugar elements. Try serving a fresh toss salad or chop up some fruits and make fruit salad. A light pasta toss in olive oil, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs would be a satisfying side as well. My family loves steamed vegetables tossed with some Italian salad dressing as a fresh addition to any meal. You could try serving lettuce rolls ups too, filled with deli meats and cheeses. A fresh vegetable tray with ranch dressing (as a dipping sauce) would be equally as delicious. Even fresh fruit, such as apples, or bananas, with peanut butter is a good addition to dinner.

Answer 5

the easiest steamer ever is this old style stainless steel thing that folds up, i attached a link for you. you put in the bottom of almost any pan with water on the bottom and your veggies on top. put the pan on med-high so the water down below is boiling. steam the veggies until they are tender or to your liking. be careful to no over cook them because they can become mushy and things like broccoli can become this horrid yucky green color. I think that once you start steaming your veggies you will love it.

Answer 6

Just get a normal pot and fill it with about a 1/2 inch of water to an inch and put whatever veggies you like (I love broccoli and cauliflower) and put the temp on high and cover the pot with the lid for about 7-10 minutes. After that drain the water and add your seasonings. Perfect veggies every time!

Answer 7

I love steamed asparagus. I just season them with some lemon pepper and garlic, pour a little chicken broth around them, and place them in the microwave, ( covered) for about 8 minutes or until tender. Frozen corn... same way.

Answer 8

put veggies on a plate with a couple of ice cubes. cover and microwave for a couple minutes. works every time. do not over cook.

Answer 9

use a double boiler, make sure your top pan has holes in it and just put the veggie in the top pan and put water in the bottom pan and boil the water, it only take a few mintues so keep an eye on them. they taste wonderful!!

Answer 10

microwave is the fastest and easiest...just put them in a microwave safe dish...add a little water..not to cover them with water, just enough to make steam...place plastic wrap over the whole dish and put them in the microwave for a couple minutes...BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN YOU TAKE IT OUT...IT WILL BE EXTREMELY HOT...enjoy!