Why Every Home Chef Needs a Food Steamer
Steaming is one of the healthiest and most versatile cooking methods. In fact, according to the USDA, steamed foods retain 15% more of their natural vitamins and minerals compared to boiling. This makes a food steamer an essential appliance for any home chef looking to prepare nutritious and delicious meals.
A food steamer offers a simple and effective way to cook everything from vegetables and seafood to dumplings and eggs. The steam infuses foods with moisture and heat by circulating around the food but not directly touching it. This results in light, tender textures while preserving nutrients. With the right techniques, a food steamer can help unlock endless possibilities in the kitchen.
Benefits of Steaming
Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking methods because it retains more nutrients than other cooking techniques. The moist heat of steaming cooks food gently, so fewer vitamins and minerals are lost compared to boiling, baking, or frying.
Steaming is lower in calories since no oil, butter, or other fats are used. The food isn't sitting in cooking liquid either, so there is less opportunity for nutrients to leach out. Meals can be very light and healthy when steamed.
Many people find steamed foods have a fresher, brighter flavor. Without browning or charring, the natural tastes of ingredients come through. Spices and herbs infuse foods beautifully when steamed.
The gentle cooking of steaming makes it easier on digestion too. Foods maintain their natural textures and are not overcooked. For those with sensitive stomachs, steamed dishes can be much easier to tolerate.
Types of Food Steamers
There are three main types of food steamers available for home use:
Stovetop
Stovetop steamers consist of a pot with a steamer basket that fits inside. Water is added to the pot below the basket, and the basket holds the food. As the water boils, the steam rises up through the holes in the basket to cook the food. Stovetop steamers are simple, inexpensive, and easy to use on any stovetop. However, they require monitoring the water level and adjusting the heat.
Electric
Electric steamers are self-contained countertop appliances. They have a water reservoir in the base that heats up to boil water and generate steam. The steam rises up into perforated bowls that hold the food. Electric steamers have automatic settings and shut off when the water runs low, making them very convenient and hands-off. However, they take up counter space and are less versatile than stovetop models.
Microwave
Microwave steamers consist of a microwave-safe bowl with a perforated tray or basket that sits inside. Water goes in the bowl and food in the basket. As the microwave heats the water, steam permeates through the holes to cook the food. Microwave steamers provide a quick and easy steaming option using appliances most people already own. But the small capacity limits how much food can be steamed at once.
If you're looking for a versatile and efficient electric steamer, consider the Elite Gourmet EST250. This model features a large-capacity design suitable for families, multiple steam baskets for preparing different dishes simultaneously, and easy-to-use digital controls. It's perfect for those who want the convenience of set-and-forget cooking without sacrificing the quality of steamed foods. The Elite Gourmet EST250 also has a built-in timer and auto-shutoff feature, making it safe and energy-efficient. This steamer offers a practical solution for health-conscious cooks looking to prepare nutritious meals quickly and easily.
Foods to Steam
Steaming is a versatile cooking method that can be used for a variety of ingredients. Here are some of the best foods to steam:
Vegetables
Most vegetables benefit from steaming. It retains more nutrients than boiling and the vegetables come out crisp-tender. Some great veggies to steam include broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, squash, spinach, and more. Steaming is perfect for prepping veggies for meals or snacking.
Fish
Fish is delicate so steaming prevents overcooking. The steam keeps the fish moist while infusing flavor. Salmon, cod, halibut, tilapia, and more are great candidates for steaming.
Chicken
Steaming chicken breasts, thighs, wings, or drumsticks results in juicy, tender meat. It can be a healthier cooking method than frying. Steamed chicken is easy to shred for tacos, salads, casseroles, and more.
Rice
Using a steamer to cook rice creates light, fluffy grains with a sticky texture. Rice turns out consistent without worrying about burning the bottom of the pan.
Eggs
Steaming eggs makes perfect hard boiled eggs without the hassle of boiling water. Eggs steam gently for easy peeling. Steamed eggs can be used for egg salad sandwiches, snacks, or garnishes.
Steaming Techniques
Steaming food properly requires using some basic techniques. Here are some tips:
Cut food to consistent sizes. Food cut into similar-sized pieces will cook evenly. Cut vegetables into same-size chunks or uniform thickness.
Don't overcrowd. Overcrowding the steamer basket prevents steam from circulating freely. This leads to uneven cooking. Leave some space between food pieces. Steam in batches for large amounts.
Use proper steaming vessel. Choose a pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam. Use a steamer basket or insert to keep food lifted above the boiling water. The basket should fit the pot with little extra room.
Keep checked on cooking progress. Since steaming cooks rapidly, check food occasionally to prevent overcooking. Test doneness with a fork or knife.
Allow steam to vent before removing lid. Letting steam escape prevents condensation from dripping onto food.
Following basic steaming techniques helps ensure vegetables, fish, eggs, and other foods cook thoroughly and evenly using this healthy cooking method.
If you're looking for a steamer that incorporates these techniques effortlessly, consider the Hamilton Beach 37530A. This model is designed for convenience, featuring a digital touchpad that makes it easy to set cooking times and a delay start option. It includes several stackable steaming trays to prevent overcrowding, allowing for even cooking of various foods at once. The Hamilton Beach 37530A is an excellent choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking process while maintaining the integrity and nutrition of steamed foods.
Common Steaming Mistakes
Steaming may seem straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid.
Uneven Cooking
If your food comes out unevenly cooked, with some pieces mushier or harder than others, it's likely your steamer basket was overcrowded. Be sure not to overload the basket - steaming works best with a single layer spread out. Overcrowding prevents steam from circulating evenly.
Mushy Veggies
It's easy to overcook vegetables when steaming, resulting in mushy texture and loss of nutrients. Keep a close eye on the cooking time and don't exceed the recommended time for more delicate veggies like broccoli, spinach, and zucchini. It's better to slightly undercook than overcook.
Using Too Much Water
While some water is needed to generate steam, too much water can make foods soggy. Use the minimum amount of water recommended by your steamer - typically 1-2 inches. The water should boil away by the end of cooking. Avoid letting foods sit in remaining water in the base.
Steaming Tips
Steaming allows you to infuse your food with extra flavor. Here are some tips:
Use aromatics - Place herbs, spices, citrus, garlic, ginger or other aromatics in the steaming water or on the steamer tray. As the food steams, it will absorb these flavors.
Adjust steaming time - The steaming time can vary based on the size and density of the food. Start checking doneness a few minutes early and adjust the time as needed. Delicate foods like fish or vegetables don't need as long as denser foods like potatoes or chicken breasts.
Use leftover steam - After steaming something, the hot steaming water is now flavored. Use this water to cook grains like rice, quinoa or oatmeal to give them extra taste. The leftover steam can also be used to steam another batch of food.
Steaming Recipes
Steaming allows you to cook delicious and healthy meals with ease. Here are some recipe ideas to try with your food steamer:
Steamed Fish
Fish is a lean protein that cooks quickly and flakes easily when steamed. Try seasoning fish fillets with herbs, citrus, or soy sauce before steaming. Salmon, cod, and tilapia work very well. Steam for 5-10 minutes depending on thickness.
Steamed Vegetables
Nearly any vegetable can be steamed to perfection. Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, and asparagus are great options. Chop into bite-sized pieces, season as desired, and steam for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
Steamed Rice
Steaming rice produces light, fluffy grains without the need for constant monitoring. Add the desired amount of rice and water to the steamer basket. Steam for 15-20 minutes until tender. White and brown rice work equally well.
Steaming is a simple way to prepare healthy and delicious meals. With a food steamer and some creativity, you can steam all kinds of ingredients from fish to veggies to grains.
Steamer Maintenance
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your food steamer working efficiently for years to come. Here are some tips:
Clean after each use - Be sure to disassemble all the parts, wash with hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. Never immerse heating elements in water. Wipe down the base with a damp cloth. Remove any food debris, grease or limescale buildup.
Descale electric steamers - Mineral deposits from water can build up over time and affect performance. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for descaling. Typically, you'll need to fill the reservoir with a descaling solution, run a descaling cycle, then thoroughly rinse. White vinegar can be used for mild buildup.
Check gaskets - Make sure all seals and gaskets are intact, flexible and free of cracks or tears. Replace worn gaskets to ensure steam doesn't escape.
Inspect parts - Check cooking baskets, trays, racks, lids and other accessories for warping, corrosion or damage. Replace if needed.
Store properly - Keep the steamer base upright and accessories nestled inside when not in use to prevent dust buildup and damage.
Following proper care guidelines keeps your steamer in top working order for delivering healthy steamed meals for years to come!
Conclusion
Steaming is a healthy, versatile, and easy cooking method that every home chef should try. By using a food steamer, you can cook a wide variety of foods like vegetables, fish, chicken, and more, all while retaining nutrients and flavor.
The benefits of steaming are numerous. Steaming is a very gentle cooking method that doesn't damage or destroy nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants. It also doesn't require any added fats or oils, making it a low calorie technique. Steamed foods retain their bright colors, textures, and flavors compared to other cooking methods.
Steamers are inexpensive, easy to use, and fit all kitchens and budgets. All you need is a steamer basket or tray that fits inside a pot with a lid. There are also electric steamers that provide more convenience. Steaming techniques are simple to master as well - just fill the reservoir with water, put food in the basket, and turn on the heat.
With so many benefits and advantages, every home cook should give steaming a try. Introduce more steamed dishes into your weekly meal planning. Try steaming vegetables, fish fillets, chicken breasts, dumplings, eggs, and more. Steaming may become your new favorite healthy cooking method.