5 [Life-Changing] Tips: How To Use A Steamer For Food

Steaming is an incredible fashion to cook food without losing the flavor and nutrient quality.

It’s also one of the easiest approaches to preparing your vegetables.

Despite the nutritional perks of steam veggies, many folks are left pondering how to use a steamer for food in their hectic daily lives.

The answer to this query is super simple: boil some water and allow the steam to cook the healthy food.

In this guide, I’ll educate in detail about how to use a commercial food steamer like a pro.

I’ll also inform you about the types of food steamer. So, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What Is A Food Steamer?

It’s one of the most useful and valuable kitchen appliances.

This sealed pot comes with a set of tiers arranged one on top of each other.

It’s explicitly made to cook food in the steam’s heat.

In a stovetop steamer, the steamer has an insert that fits on the top or into the saucepan filled with warm water.

You’ll need to place the food you wish to cook in the insert.

Afterward, the insert’s perforated base permits the steam to surround and heat the food.

What’re The Diverse Kinds Of Food Steamers?

Here’re the major types of food steamers.

Electric Steamer

Before learning how to use a 3 tier electric steamer for cooking, you need to know what actually electric steamer is and how it functions.

This standalone kitchen appliance does the cooking for you without any difficulties.

You simply need to add the water and the food you want to make and then close and lock the lid.

Afterward, you choose the suitable setting on the steamer and begin the cooking process.

Convection Steamer

In this sort of steamer, the steam flows at a normal pressure through convection.

In most scenarios, this is done with the help of a tiny fan.

The moisture’s high level and low cooking temperature guarantee that nutrients are kept as much as possible.

They take a long time to cook certain dishes because how does a steamer work for food at a lower temperature.

Steamer Basket

A steamer basket is one of the most popular methods to cook food in a steamer.

It’s directly implanted into a pan or pot and then utilized on the stove.

It’s a straightforward technique for how to use a steamer for food.

You need to add a small amount of water into the pan, place the veggies you want to cook and close the lid.

As the water simmers, the steam will remain controlled and cook the food.

Pressure Steamer

A pressure steamer is one of the most worthwhile steamers available out there.

It utilizes a fusion of pressure and steam that permits optimized warmth transmission.

This way, the cooking time is reduced by almost half compared to older cooking techniques.

Combination Steamers

Combination steamers can generate both dry and wet heat.

They can switch between these two modes mechanically during the cooking process.

For instance, they roast the beef and steam veggies simultaneously.

How To Use A Steamer For Food?

Follow these tips on how to use a steamer basket for broccoli and make the most delicious dishes possible.

1. Avoid Adding A Lot Of Water.

The most imperative element of steam cooking is the water. Adding the correct quantity of water is crucial.

When you’re using a steamer basket, you’ll want to commence by adding about 1-2 inches of water to the pan.

The water shouldn’t go above the basket once it’s placed in the pan.

Nevertheless, you don’t want to add too little water, which could lead your pan to burn.

2. Boil The Water.

As you begin to learn can you use a steamer for cooking, it’s quite prevalent to put it in the pan simultaneously and activate it.

Nonetheless, you might discover that the final dish is much better when you first bring the water to a boil and then put the veggies.

Once the water is simmering, add all the vegetables, close the lid, and permit the steaming procedure to begin.

3. Avoid Steaming For A Prolonged Period.

The third step of how to use a bamboo steamer for frozen dumplings is to avoid steaming them for a long time.

One of the most intricate tasks that you can come across is to get all dishes on the dinner table at the same time while keeping all of them delicious and warm.

Steamed veggies take a short time to cook so that you can cook them at the end.

Sometimes, they have done steaming before you are prepared for them.

In that case, only deactivating the steamer won’t be enough.

If you leave the veggies in the pan, they will slowly continue to cook and become soggy.

To prevent this situation, place them in a pot filled with ice water to keep them crisp.

4. The Seal Should Be Airtight.

The next step of how to use a steamer for food is to ensure the lid is aptly fitted to the appliance because any form of steam discharge will leave your veggies undone.

If you utilize a steamer basket, you may have observed a loose fit occasionally occurs.

Add a tea towel between the steamer’s top and the lid when you witness this.

Moreover, if your electric steamer has a loose cover, avoid using it.

5. Prepare The Food Before Starting The Cooking Procedure.

The last step of how to use steamer food is to prepare everything before steaming.

Add some herbs, garlic, or spices to the vegetables to create a mouth-watering meal.

Rather than just adding the herbs to the pan, roll the veggies into a container that has olive oil and herbs mixed together.

I would recommend sautéing the garlic and oil and adding to the veggies, fish, or chicken at the end.

You can also permit the chicken to marinate for a short time.

FAQs About How To Use A Food Steamer

1. Where Do You Put The Water In A Food Steamer?

To start the steaming process, you’ll need to know the right kind of water placement for your steamer. If you’re cooking on a stove with a pot and a stainless steel basket, put the water in the pan. For a kitchen appliance steamer, follow the instructions on the machine. Always keep a tea towel nearby to mop up any spills.

2. How Do You Use A 3-Tier Steamer?

Using a three-tier steamer allows you to direct steaming water to different levels and pieces of food all at once. Place your main portion like potatoes or pasta on the bottom level, your protein such as fish or chicken breasts in the middle, and veggies at the very top.

3. Can You Cook Anything In A Steamer?

While a steamer can cook many foods, you should avoid steaming anything inappropriate for your steamers, like steaks or large amounts of meat. Check your electric steamer’s instructions for guidance on recipes and the steaming utensil you need for a perfect steamed meal.

4. How To Use Your Food Steamer Correctly?

Steaming your food can transform your recipes and pack more nutrients into your day-to-day meals. It’s worth the investment for your family to eat healthily. Don’t doubt if a food steamer is right for you, even if it’s just a simple steaming basket. Learn how to use your food steamer correctly before cooking. No need to spend a fortune on an electric steamer when you can experiment with something more basic.

5. What Are Uses Of Steamer In Cooking?

Steamers are fantastic for helping to cook various foods like vegetables and seafood. They are especially good at maintaining moisture retention, which is key for the visual appearance and taste. Plus, food cooked in a steamer often retains more nutritional value.

6. How To Use Electric Steamer?

Using an electric steamer is simple: add water, then the vegetables or other food you want to steam. Close and lock the lid, then select the appropriate setting on the appliance. Soon, you’ll be steaming away!

7. How To Use A Steamer Basket?

Place your food and any seasoning you like into a metal or silicone steamer basket. Then cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil, checking regularly until your food is fully steamed.

8. How Does A Steamer Work For Food?

A food steamer or steam cooker is a type of kitchen appliance used to cook or prepare foods with steam heat. It works by holding the food in a closed vessel and reducing steam escape, which makes for efficient steaming.

9. How Much Water Do You Put In A Steamer?

For steam to form, you need to add water to your steamer. If using a bamboo steamer, fill it halfway to the bottom where the steamer sits. A small, six-inch steamer needs about a cup of water, while a 12-inch bamboo steamer requires closer to three cups.

10. Are Food Steamers Worth It?

Yes, food steamers are often considered a kitchen essential. Many find electric steamers an indispensable tool, especially for health reasons. Steaming preserves more vitamins and nutrients than boiling, and it’s a gentler form of cooking that retains the flavour and texture of foods.

11. What Can You Put In A Microwave Steamer?

In a microwave steamer, you can cook a variety of things like meat, fish, rice, pasta, vegetables, and even desserts like puddings. Just remember to use a suitable container to steam safely in your microwave.