How to Use a Vegetable Steamer

Vegetable steamers have been used for hundreds of years. Originally, steamers were made out of bamboo, but now steamers are available in several varieties. Simple bamboo steamers are still being used, as well as metal versions. Stand-alone appliances are also available that are able to steam multiple foods on different levels at the same time. Here are some tips for their use.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a vegetable steamer basket, if space is at a minimum. A steamer basket is made out of metal, with feet that keep the bottom of the basket above the water. Place the basket in the bottom of a 2-quart saucepan. Add water, but do not let the water cover the bottom of the basket. Boil water. After water is boiling, add vegetables and turn burner temperature down to medium. Cover pan with a tight-fitting lid. Steam vegetables to desired tenderness.

2. Steam vegetables in the microwave in a plastic steamer. Place vegetables on the steamer tray, and add water in recessed area. Put lid on tray. Microwave until vegetables are desired tenderness.

3. Buy an electric steamer, if counter space is available. Fill the bottom of your steamer with water. Add vegetables to steamer bowl. Cover with lid. Read the accompanying instruction manual to determine how long to set the timer for vegetables being cooked.

4. Enjoy eating nutritious vegetables no matter what type of steamer is used. Experiment with the different steaming methods to find what technique works best in your kitchen.

Tips & Warnings

• No matter what type of steamer is being used, make sure that no vegetables are submerged in the water.
• Make sure vegetables do not get overcooked. This is more likely to happen with the steamer basket and microwave method since those methods do not use an electronic sensor to test for doneness.

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