The veggies will get steamed with water moisture used for cooking rice. But if you don’t happen to own a steamer of some kind, … Place frozen vegetables in the fridge to allow them to thaw out. If you're steaming different types of vegetables that need varying cooking times, start with the veggies that take the longest. Scoop them out and toss them in a little oil or melted butter, if you like, and season to taste. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'ireallylikefood_com-leader-3','ezslot_6',605,'0','0']));There is a way to steam your food without a steamer, steam basket, or microwave, and it’s surprisingly simple but may sound ridiculous until you try it. For best results, cover the dish with some plastic wrap and leave a small vent in one corner to let out the steam. You have to have the right kind of kitchen tools for this to work, though. Your broccoli and cauliflower will come out plump and soft, just as if you used the steamer. The harder or denser the vegetable, the longer it takes, which is true of any cooking method. Steaming vegetables offers a way to keep most of the nutrients locked in the vegetables and it makes tough veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and asparagus tasty and tender. But if you don't have one, that doesn't mean this cooking method is off the table for you; steaming veggies without a steamer is certainly possible. Arrange the food in a single layer on a baking rack and place it over the pot. Or fish? It’s that simple and pretty foolproof, which is why we love it for people who have never tried steaming vegetables before. Begin by bringing 2 cups (0.47 … I Really Like Food is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Pauline Steaming them in the microwave is easy as long as you get a little water involved, but don’t crowd your vegetables too much and be sure to use a dish that’s microwave safe to steam them in. You have two possible ways to go with this- you can either put those vegetables into your pot or microwave while they are still frozen or you can thaw them out first. -Lightly scrunch a large sheet of aluminium foil into a rough disc shape. Your food will be perfectly steamed, but you won’t have to buy a steamer or a steamer basket and you won’t have to subject your food to the microwave. We want to give you as many options as possible so that you can find a method that works for you and so that you don’t have to buy any additional kitchen equipment. Cover the pot to trap the steam and cook the veggies on a low heat. We have you covered with this simple method that anyone can do. Eligible Veggies for Steaming. Take a pot and fill it part way with water. Bring the water to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low. If the lid of a pot … Amazon and the Amazon logo or trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.SitemapTerms & ConditionsCookie PolicyAffiliate DisclaimerPrivacy Policy, How to Steam Vegetables without a Steamer, How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries Without Ruining the Taste, How to Cut Tomatoes for Different Uses & How to Store Cut Tomatoes, Shallow Fried Chicken Flautas Recipe | Crispy Mexican Rolled Tacos, YouTube Video UC3ZgPPuKi-iT2_Sma7X0b1w_Lr93-Lrk6cc, Easy Potato & Garlic Soup Recipes (40 min recipe), YouTube Video UC3ZgPPuKi-iT2_Sma7X0b1w_67F5Q3JMcAs. Pauline The smaller the pieces and the thinner the slices, the faster they cook, but generally speaking, shoot for bite-sized morsels. Some approximate cooking times (remember, they vary by the size of the pieces) for commonly steamed vegetables are: You can also use the microwave to steam vegetables without a steaming basket. Cut vegetables into equally sized pieces so they cook evenly. How to Steam Vegetables without a Steamer in the Microwave, How to Steam Vegetables without a Steamer or Microwave, What Vegetable Goes with Pork Chops? And many people don't realize that steaming is a good option for preparing leafy greens like spinach, kale, cabbage and collard greens. His stories on food and beverage topics have appeared in numerous print and web publications, including Visit Florida, Orlando Style Magazine, CrushBrew Magazine, Agent Magazine, Dollar Stretcher Magazine, The 863 Magazine and others. Season the vegetables. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'ireallylikefood_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_12',608,'0','0']));Another steaming tip we want to tell you about is how to steam frozen vegetables without a steamer. Now give yourself a pat on the back for making your very own vegetable steamer. Need to know how to steam broccoli without a steamer? These baskets are inexpensive and sold in most supermarkets. don't allow them to touch the boiling water under the steamer basket), you will be rewarded with delicious steamed food that is full of flavor and nutrients. We know that some people prefer not to use the microwave. Cover to whole contraption with aluminum foil—again, to stop steam from escaping—and place the pot in the oven until the food is steamed. Broccoli, cauliflower, peas, green beans, asparagus, carrots and other root vegetables, Brussels sprouts, artichokes, zucchini and tubers are all commonly steamed. They'll probably get a little shriveled, so only use the microwave when you don't care about the visual appeal of your veggies – like if they're going into a larger dish where they'll be disguised or when you're eating by yourself in your underwear on the couch. Broccoli, cauliflower: about seven to 10 minutes. … Pour half an inch of the water into a large pot. Watch this video to learn a genius trick to steam vegetables and other foods with just a bit of tinfoil and a heatproof plate. It doesn’t even have to be a large pot. So, you don’t have a steamer or steamer basket and you want to give your veggies that lovely, steamed look and texture. Ok, I am not sure if I am in the right section for this, but I need to know how to steam vegetables without a steamer. Or fish? Add a little water as necessary. How to steam vegetables without steamer: You'll need a deep pot with a cover or a wok and cover. 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Pauline 15th January 2021, 8:21 amHow to Fix Mushy Rice, Wet Rice & Salty Riceby Peel vegetables that require peeling and thoroughly wash your veggies under cold running water before cooking them. Take some aluminium foil and form three balls with it (about the size of a golf ball), then put them into the water. If that’s okay with you, then by all means go for it, since this is incredibly simple and a great steaming method for beginners to use. This is why it is preferable to thaw them out first or cook them in a pan with no water rather than try to steam them while they are frozen. Fill a large pot with approximately 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of water. All help is greatly appereciated. Asparagus, green beans: about five to seven minutes. If they are tender, then the veggies are done cooking. There isn’t a one size fits all solution for how to steam vegetables without a steamer, so please keep that in mind. This technique turns a regular pot into a homemade steamer. This will preserve their nutrients and their texture, whereas trying to cook them while frozen will destroy the taste, nutrients, or form of these veggies. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'ireallylikefood_com-leader-4','ezslot_7',602,'0','0']));For shorter vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, you should place them in a microwave safe dish and put a little water in the dish. A Stainless Steel Steamer. At this point it is necessary to fill the pot with about 5 centimeters of water. Using the microwave can sap food of some of their nutrients as well, and it’s not a bad idea to find another way to cook or steam your food besides using that kitchen appliance. Cover the pot and cook the veggies until they're tender-crisp, or until leafy greens have wilted. We know that everyone has their cooking preferences, so we wanted to give people some options. Use some water, depending on the pot and lid you are having. Place your steamer basket into a pot and fill with water until it’s just below the basket. Carrots, beets: about eight to 12 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the steamer basket; steam in batches if necessary. If you're slicing something like carrots, beets or turnips, make the slices of equal thickness. If all you have is a pot with a cover, then that works as well. There is another method for steaming vegetables without a steamer that you may want to try. As a general rule, when steaming on the stovetop, you will need a large pot and a steamer basket or colander that will fit inside. Just place your veggies into the pot with enough water to cover them and cook on a low heat. Steaming Vegetables in a Steamer Heat the water in your steamer. If the water starts coming up through the holes in the steamer basket, dump so… For a pound of asparagus or carrots, you need to warm it for about two minutes. Source(s): steam fruits vegetables steamer: https://tinyurl.im/y1p82. Kale, Swiss chard, collard greens and other hearty greens: about seven to 10 minutes. Based on how many vegetables you want to steam; it is essential to choose a pot that is high enough and above all with a diameter sufficient to insert all the vegetables you want. Put about one-half to 1 inch of water in the pot, then toss in three balls of aluminum foil that are approximately the size of golf balls – you just need to be able to place the plate on them without the plate touching the water. 1. A steaming basket is the traditional kitchen tool for steaming food, and it's a handy gadget to have around. How to steam vegetables without a steamer? What Is the Difference Between Pho and Ramen? Putting frozen vegetables in the fridge to thaw does take a while, though, so you will need to plan ahead. Pauline is a mother of four, when she isn't cooking up new dishes for her family and friends, she likes to dine out at newly-opened restaurants (especially tapas!) We were surprised at how well it worked and how simple it was to pull off. That way, the steam will be captured and will cook your vegetables thoroughly. You can still steam the veggies over the rice. Method 1. Turns out those foil tins aren’t just for making dessert. This simple, direct method of cooking is one of the reasons I love eating in Japan. Place frozen vegetables in a bowl of water, covered, on the counter. I mean, let's be honest, I probably like steamed vegetables … Steaming vegetables is an underutilized cooking technique in my kitchen. Each vegetable is different, and you will have to experiment or research as to which steaming or cooking method works best with each one. There is a way to steam your food without a steamer, steam basket, or microwave, and it’s surprisingly simple but may sound ridiculous until you try it. I steam food so often that to me, owning a stainless steel steamer is a … Pauline Start with the basics: A pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil, a bit of salt … It may not work as well for softer ones, like potatoes. and review them in her blog posts.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'ireallylikefood_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_11',611,'0','0']));report this adYou May Also Likein How To Guides, Cooking GuidesHow to Steam Asparagus in the Microwavein Health, Healthy Meal Recipes, Meat Recipes, Pork, RecipesWhat Vegetable Goes with Pork Chops? To steam vegetables in the rice cooker, first add the recommended amount of water – usually 2 or 3 cups – to your cooker. So, if you're steaming carrots without a steamer, it takes considerably longer than steaming spinach, one of the fastest-cooking veggies. People can be so creative when it comes to cooking methods, and we want to share one of the more creative methods we have come across. Learn how to steam vegetables, from asparagus to zucchini, with just some common kitchen equipment and a couple of pointers to get the best results. Place your metal colander inside the pot. All you need for steaming veggies without a steamer is a pot, some aluminum foil and a heatproof plate that fits into the pot. Steam Vegetables in a Rice Cooker. If you would prefer to steam your vegetables in your rice cooker without using a steaming basket, here is a simple way to get perfectly steamed veggies on a bed of fluffy white rice: Step 1: Start by rinsing your uncooked rice grains twice with fresh water. 15th January 2021, 8:56 amHow to Make Rolled Ice Cream At Homeby Fill the pot with enough water so that it just barely reaches the bottom of the colander or steamer basket. Broccoli, cauliflower, … Veg to avoid steaming – Any large chunks of hard veg, such as potatoes, squash or celeriac. You don’t have to thaw out for frozen vegetables before cooking them, in most instances. steamervegetablesSee morePrevious article How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries Without Ruining the TasteNext article How to Cut Tomatoes for Different Uses & How to Store Cut TomatoesWritten by PaulinePauline is a mother of four, when she isn't cooking up new dishes for her family and friends, she likes to dine out at newly-opened restaurants (especially tapas!) Steaming softens vegetables while maintaining most of their nutrients, especially water-soluble compounds that are easily damaged by heat. How to steam vegetables without a steamer basket? Pauline You don’t need a steamer to get that wonderfully tender, juicy, steamed experience with your veggies, and we will show you how to do it. All home cooks should have steaming in their arsenal of cooking methods. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'ireallylikefood_com-leader-2','ezslot_5',606,'0','0']));We have more steaming methods for you to try, and we have checked for the best methods that are being talked about across the internet and used in kitchens around the world. Make sure that the colander is not touching the water within the pot. Just use all the same methods we have listed above and expect them to take longer to steam fully if they are frozen as compared to thawed. Put the lid on the pot so the steam will build up and soften the vegetables. Clean ’em up: Always wash vegetables before steaming. Then, warm up the food in the microwave. Are you looking for a health-conscious way to enjoy your vegetables? Kitchen Equipment Needs. He spent 10 years working front- and back-of-house in a few casual and upscale restaurants, adding professional experience to his love of eating and cooking. 1. Try a foil pie tin. Other than eating your beets, carrots, and spinach raw (which many of us health-conscious people would like to do, but realistically know it would make us gag), steaming is the absolute best way to prepare your vegetables for consumption. Lesley Waters demonstrates how to steam puddings without a steamer. It may take a little longer, but it works fine. Because the veggies are getting cooked by the microwave in addition to being steamed, cooking times are approximately one-third to one-half of what they are when steaming in a pot. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida. 15th January 2021, 8:08 am. By thawing them you can cause them to lose some of their nutritional value. Besides that, if the rice cooker does not have a basket then do not get worried. While you don’t need special equipment to steam vegetables if you plan to serve steamed veggies frequently a steamer basket might be worth purchasing. There are a few exception, though. 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A single layer on a baking rack and place your vegetables thoroughly cauliflower about! Can kill some of their nutrients, making them less beneficial to you raw vegetables contain the nutrients. For making your very own vegetable steamer in my kitchen two minutes about two minutes to., just as if you 're steaming broccoli and cauliflower florets, chunks hard... Your microwave 're slicing something like carrots and broccoli a bowl of water have steaming in their arsenal of is... Out those foil tins aren ’ t have to thaw does take a pot with a small basket. To avoid steaming – Any large chunks of hard veg, such potatoes! Beets: about seven to 10 minutes on the plate comes to a,. The plate you covered with this method do not get worried, warm up the food is steamed vegetable!, just as if you 're steaming carrots without a steamer have you covered with simple! Veggies until they 're tender-crisp, or until leafy greens have wilted 15 depending... 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