Best answer: How do I cook vegetables without a steamer?

The technique is simple: fill a medium pot with 1/2 inch of water, place three golf ball–sized balls of aluminum foil on the bottom, rest a heat-proof plate on top of the foil balls, cover the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Add vegetables to the plate, cover, and steam until crisp-tender.

What can I use if I don’t have a steamer basket?

If you don’t steam food frequently—‚or if you find yourself in need of a steaming basket, stat—don’t run out and buy one. All you need is a metal colander or a baking rack, a big pot, and some aluminum foil, and you’ve got everything you need to make a steamer at home.

Can you cook steam fresh vegetables on the stove?

The steam-frying method is pretty simple: Heat a little oil in a pan, add the vegetables and a pinch of salt, then stir-fry just long enough to get a little bit of color on the veggies. After that, add a splash of liquid to the pan and quickly cover with a lid to trap the steam inside.

How do you steam vegetables on the stove?

How do you steam vegetables in a pan?

1. Fill a medium pan with around 2 inches of water and bring to the boil.
2. Cover and cook until tender. Top up with a splash more water if the pan boils dry.

How do you steam carrots without a steamer?

Place them in a microwave-safe bowl—covered with a plate or lid, never plastic wrap—with about 2 tablespoons of water, and microwave on high for 4 to 6 minutes. When ready, the carrots should be tender (again, test with a fork).

How do you steam vegetables without a steamer in the microwave?

If you’re using bigger veggies or a mixture of different types, cut them into manageable pieces of roughly the same size. Place them into a microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water (a little more if you’re steaming multiple portions). Place in the microwave and pop a lid on top to keep the steam in.

What are the best vegetables to steam?

Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, artichokes, zucchini and green beans are great choices because they’re sturdier and won’t turn to mush too easily. Leafy greens — baby bok choy, spinach and Chinese broccoli — also steam up nicely but take less time.

How long should I steam frozen vegetables?

Cooking times will vary depending on the vegetables you are cooking, frozen vegetables such as zucchini or sweet peppers only need 2-4 minutes of steaming, whereas root vegetables such as sliced potatoes may need in excess of 12 minutes.

How long does steam fresh veg take to cook?

Steam the vegetables: Start checking the vegetables after a few minutes. Tender vegetables, like broccoli and asparagus, will cook in just a few minutes. Harder vegetables, like carrots and potatoes, will take longer. Smaller pieces will also cook more quickly than larger pieces.

How long does it take to steam vegetables on the stove?

Vegetables like zucchini, carrots, green beans and cauliflower should take about six to eight minutes while those like broccoli, green peas and asparagus should be done in less than five minutes. Leafy produce like spinach may take even lesser time to cook.

What is the healthiest way to cook vegetables?

Healthiest Ways to Cook Vegetables

1. Microwave Steaming. Microwaving not only provides a quick cooking option, it may also help foods retain more nutrients. …
2. Stovetop Steaming. Steaming vegetables in a metal or bamboo steaming basket is another ideal option. …
3. Sauteing. …
4. Boiling. …
5. Roasting. …
6. Frying.

Is it better to boil or steam carrots?

Is it better to boil or to steam them? Generally speaking, when cooking vegetables, steaming is preferable to boiling. Steamed vegetables remain separate from the hot water, allowing them to retain more nutrients.

How do you steam eggs without a steamer?

If you are not using a steamer basket, just fill the bottom of a saucepan with 1/2 inch of water. Heat water to boiling, add eggs to pot: Heat the water on high heat until it is boiling and producing steam. Turn off the heat and gently place the eggs at the bottom of the steamer basket or the bottom of the pan.