master-cooks | You Don't Need A Dedicated Steamer Pot. Here's What To Use Instead

You don't necessarily need a dedicated steamer pot to enjoy perfectly steamed dishes. Instead, you can utilize common kitchen tools you likely already have. One easy alternative involves using a large pot with a lid and a heatproof bowl or a metal colander. Simply fill the pot with a small amount of water, ensuring it doesn't touch the bowl or colander, and bring it to a simmer. Place your food in the bowl or colander, set it over the pot, and cover with the lid to trap the steam. This method effectively mimics the steaming process by creating a moist cooking environment. Another option is to make use of a microwave and a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Add a bit of water to the dish, place the food inside, and cover it, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Microwave on high until the food is cooked through. For a more traditional approach, bamboo steamers can be placed over a wok or a similarly sized pot. Each of these methods provides a simple, efficient way to steam food without the need for a dedicated steamer pot, allowing you to enjoy the same delicious results with minimal investment.

Use a bamboo steamer basket

Bamboo steamers are closely associated with Asian cuisine. They are commonly used to prepare dim sum, fish, and vegetable dishes, providing an alternative to traditional steamer pots and stainless steel baskets. If you choose to use a bamboo steamer instead of these methods, there are a few important points to consider.

Firstly, bamboo steamer baskets absorb the flavors of the foods cooked within them. This is why seasoned chefs often line their baskets with cabbage leaves or, at the very least, parchment paper before adding the food to be steamed.

Secondly, bamboo steamers come with lids, eliminating the need to find a pot that has one. All you need for this setup is a shallow frying pan or wok filled with an inch or two of water. To minimize fire hazards, opt for a wide pan to ensure that the sides of the steamer do not touch the sides of the pan. Fill the steamer with your ingredients, add about two inches of water to the pot or wok, and start cooking.

It's also worth noting that this setup has a unique advantage: you can stack two bamboo steamer baskets on top of each other. For instance, you can place dumplings in one layer and fish or vegetables in the second basket. This method allows you to prepare multiple components of your meal simultaneously, saving you time at dinner.

Other steaming options to try

If you discover that your cupboard is lacking a steamer pot or steamer baskets, don’t worry—you still have options. Your first alternative is to use items that resemble steamer baskets. Search through your cupboard for a round cooling rack or a trivet with a mesh design, which will allow steam to pass through. It’s essential that these items have legs to elevate them above the bottom of the pot. Pour a few inches of water into the bottom of the pot, place your ingredients on the trivet or cooling rack, and set your improvised "steamer basket" into the pot. Steam as you normally would.

Moreover, no steaming tip would be complete without mentioning the microwave. This method doesn’t require any kind of basket—just a microwave-safe dish and some plastic wrap. Arrange your food items in the dish, ensuring they are spread out for even cooking. Add a couple of teaspoons of water, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap, leaving the seal slightly loose to let the steam escape. Place the dish in the microwave and set the timer for a few minutes.

As with the other methods, cooking times will vary based on the food. For instance, steamed carrots may take around eight to nine minutes, while green beans might only need four to five minutes to cook.

You Don't Need A Dedicated Steamer Pot. Here's What To Use Instead

Use a bamboo steamer basket

Other steaming options to try

Recommended

Next up