Steaming is an quick, and healthy way to cook food. But it requires the right tool.
A lover of healthy cooking, I love fresh steamed vegetables. Sometimes, however, I do not have a steamer that I can use, whether I am travelling or steaming multiple batches at once.
I was intrigued to see if it was possible to steam food without a stovetop. Is it possible? If so, how do you make it easier?
You don’t need a steamer or steam multiple items at once, this is the place for you.
These are the steps to steam food without using a steamer.
- Aluminum foil and plate
- Colander or metal strainer
- Tin foil pie dish.
- Microwave.
Four ways to steam your food without a steamer
1. Aluminium Foil and Plate
If you don’t have many kitchen utensils, the first method works well.
What you Need:
- A large pot or pan with lid.
- A heat-proof plate that is smaller than the pot.
- Aluminum foil.
Method:
Get your large pot. It must be big enough to hold the plate. I usually fill it with water, about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).
Take your aluminum foil and form about three to four balls. You should have about the same size. Place them in the pot. These will hold the plate above water.
Place the heat-proof plate in the pot and place the aluminum foil on top. It should remain stable. You can use a baking sheet or a splatter shield if you don’t own a heat-proof dish. You need to leave a space between the plate and the sides of the pot.
Take your food and arrange it on the plate one layer. The cooking process can be affected by layering food, with some parts being overcooked and others being undercooked.
Heat a pot on the stove. Bring the water to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid. It will take a while depending on the steaming method to cook it. Once it is cooked, you can serve it and enjoy. Be careful, the steam may burn and the plate could get very hot.
2. Metal Strainer or Colander
This method can be used to steam vegetables in an oven. It’s super simple and the results can be quite impressive.
This is where I am cheating, because many people consider a strainer or colander to be a type steamer. You can be creative, I suppose. You can use any metal strainer, basket or other device that fits inside the pot.
What you Need:
- A lid for a pot or pan.
- A metal strainer or colander, ideally with a heat-proof handle.
- Water.
Method:
Prepare the pot. Fill it with about 0.5 inches (1.27cm) of water. I found this to be enough. Your strainer or colander should be placed inside the pot, with the handles resting on top. Make sure the strainer doesn’t touch the boiling water. Pour some water out if the strainer is touching boiling water.
Steam your vegetables: Place them in a single layer in a strainer and cover with the lid. Let them cook for about a minute. Use an oven mitt to protect your hands when you are removing the pans.
3. Tin Foil Pie Dish
A tin foil pie plate is another easy way to steam food at home without the use of a steamer.
What you Need:
- A lid for a pot or pan.
- Water.
- A tin foil pie dish.
Method:
Add water: I find that a pot of about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) is sufficient.
Prepare your tin foil pie by using a toothpick/chopstick to make holes in the bottom of the dish. Place it upside-down in the pot.
Place your food in a single layer on a pie dish. Cover the pot and let it cook. To remove the lid, use tongs or another tool.
4. Microwave
The microwave is a great way to quickly steam your food.
Although there is not much cleanup, it is worth noting that the appearance of the house is a little duller.
Also, I encourage you to not use the microwave as often as possible.
However, I do not think the microwave will be an option when teaching my children how to cook. It seems to be the most safest method of cooking. They won’t be able to get near a gas stove, and the oven can heat up.
Steaming vegetables is an easy and safe way to cook them (as long you don’t add any metal).
What you Need:
- A microwave-safe plate or bowl. Glass is the safest.
- You can add some water, but it is not mandatory. It gives the dish a nice’steamed texture’.
- Glass lid or plate that covers the bowl.
Method:
Grab your bowl and add your vegetables to it. You can also use water without adding water as the veggies will steam from the water. My experience has been that vegetables can become dry and dull if they don’t have enough water.
Use the plate or lid to cover the bowl.
Heat in microwave until done. Check frequently to make sure nothing is burning. Depending on the vegetable, this may take anywhere from two to five minutes.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
How do you steam broccoli the easiest way?
Aluminum foil and a heatproof plate are my favorite ways to steam vegetables. It’s quick and easy. Broccoli is the most popular vegetable I get asked about when it comes to steaming vegetables without a steamer. This a simple vegetable to cook, and you can use any one of the methods.
Is it possible to steam carrots?
Yes, it is possible to steam carrots. They have a delicious sweet flavor and firm texture. Wash and peel carrots before steaming them. You can steam them either whole or in smaller pieces by using any of my cooking methods.
How long do you steam vegetables?
The type of vegetable you are steaming will determine how long it takes. Greens like spinach, kale and collard greens take between 3 to 7 minutes to steam.
For harder vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, it takes five to ten minutes. Last but not least, root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, turnips and beets, take 10 to 20 minutes .
Final Takeaway
Now you know how to steam food without using a steamer. You can use simple kitchen tools to steam food, as you’ve seen.
Personally, I prefer to use a steamer or a colander (method 2) This is the easiest and most secure method.
If I’m honest, this is my favorite method. The aluminum foil and a plate is my favorite method. You don’t need much and it can be used on camping trips. Be careful with the steam. You should be careful not to let the steam burn. Use oven mitts and heat-proof tea towels.
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