What is the best way to steam vegetables?

Question

Is there such thing as a steamer? If so, what would be the best way to steam them without a steamer?

Answer 1

The trick to steaming vegetables is to not have them touch the simmering water. The best way to do that is with a special steamer appliance, bamboo steamer or a steamer insert for your pot. If you don't have the insert, or a steamer, use aluminum foil to make balls about the size of a baseball. Make enough to cover the bottom of the pot you're using and make sure the water level is well below the tops of the balls. You can use this as a bed for for the veggies.

When the water is boiling, trim and cut your vegetables. It's best to do this as close to cooking as possible so they won't dehydrate or oxidize.

Place them in the steamer, on the steamer rack or on the bed of foil balls and cover.

Steam them only until they're done; most cut vegetables only need to steam for a minute or two. Thicker pieces might steam for two to three minutes. Potatoes take 15 to 30 minutes.

Answer 2

Lots of companies make electric rice steamers. They work OK for veggies, too. In fact, some rice steamers are made long and narrow so you can steam sweet corn on the cob.

There are stainless steel steamers that fit inside regular pots. Put water below, vegetables above, cover the pot, and keep the water boiling at a simmer.

There are wicker steamers that work on the same order as the stainless-steel ones, except that no pot is needed.

You can toss the veggies in the microwave, preferably still wet from having been rinsed in water.

I use a pasta pot. Instead of putting in a lot of water, I just put a little layer in the bottom, so that the vegetables in the inside pot, the one with all the holes, don't get immersed.

Why do I choose to do it this way? Because the microwave tends to be busy near mealtime, and the pasta pot is handy. The pasta pot gets used so much that it rarely goes into the pot cupboard, it just gets washed and goes right back on the back of the range.

This ain't rocket science. You're allowed to figure out another way if none of these ways suit your fancy.

Answer 3

You could buy a daisy it is sold in the kitchen wear Dept. at Wall Mart or any other store that as kitchen gadgets.

You only put water in the pot below the daisy /basket just to the holes put a lid on the pot and steam until you are satisfied with the tenderness, I usually steam green beans al dente they are more on the crunchy side, I don't' like mushy beans! But keep an eye because this is fast, at least 12 minutes.

Answer 4

They sell a collapsible steamer thingy in most Linens and Things type store. Use that in a pot with about 2 inches of water. Put your veggies in this basket and steam the veggies until fork tender.

Answer 5

It's not that hard to buy what some call a "french basket". It is a metal affair that can fit any pot because the metal "leaves" can easily adjust to any size pot. It is full of holes and has legs that hold it off the bottom of the pot.

You put the french basket in a pot. Put water in the pot . . . not so high that it comes through the holes of the french basket, throw in your veggies and boil the water ... the steam will cook them.

You can find them costing between $4 USD (at IKEA) up to $20USD. I've used a cheapie for years.

Answer 6

if you have a pressure cooker, I'd say that is the best: fast (energy saving, too!), conserves texutre, taste and vitamins. You will soon get the hang of how long you have to steam the various vegetables in your pressure cooker - and you would not want to trade it for any other pot any more!

Answer 7

Find a metal collander or strainer that will fit in your largest pot. Wash your veggies, place them in the strainer/collander. Put it in the pot with enough water in the pot to touch the bottom of the strainer/collander. Put the lid on and turn the heat on high. Then cook until you reach the desired level of doneness. Enjoy your efforts.

Answer 8

Not sure if it is best, but I use a colander on legs inside a large pot with a tight fitting lid.

Answer 9

yes but just put in microwave little to no water and cook that way no nutrients are loss in the water

Answer 10

buy one