How to steam without a steamer

Steaming is a popular cooking method that allows food to cook evenly and retain its natural flavors and nutrients. It’s also a healthy option as it doesn’t require any oil or fat to cook the food. However, steaming typically requires a special appliance called a steamer, which can be expensive or take up a lot of space in the kitchen.

But don’t worry, there are several ways to steam food without a steamer! In this guide, we will go over the different methods you can use to steam food at home, even if you don’t have a steamer.

1. Use a Pot and a Foil Sling

One way to steam food without a steamer is by using a pot and a foil sling. To do this, you will need a pot with a lid, a sheet of aluminum foil, and a heat-resistant trivet or rack.

Here’s how to do it:

• Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil.
• Place the trivet or rack in the pot, making sure it doesn’t touch the water.
• Fold the aluminum foil into a sling shape, with the long sides slightly overlapping in the middle. Place the food you want to steam on the foil sling.
• Carefully lower the foil sling with the food onto the trivet or rack in the pot.
• Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Steam the food for the desired amount of time, checking on it occasionally to make sure the water hasn’t boiled off.

This method is great for steaming larger items such as whole fish or chicken breasts. Just make sure the foil sling is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the food and that it fits snugly inside the pot.

2. Use a Wok and a Foil Lid

Another way to steam food without a steamer is by using a wok and a foil lid. To do this, you will need a wok with a lid, a sheet of aluminum foil, and a heat-resistant trivet or rack.

Here’s how to do it:

• Fill the wok with water and bring it to a boil.
• Place the trivet or rack in the wok, making sure it doesn’t touch the water.
• Arrange the food you want to steam on the trivet or rack.
• Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is slightly larger than the wok’s diameter. Place the foil over the wok, making sure it touches the edges of the wok and forms a tight seal.
• Cover the wok with its lid and reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Steam the food for the desired amount of time, checking on it occasionally to make sure the water hasn’t boiled off.

This method is great for steaming larger items such as whole fish or chicken breasts. Just make sure the foil lid is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the food and that it fits snugly over the wok.

3. Use a Microwave Steamer

If you don’t have a stovetop or a pot, you can also use a microwave steamer to steam food. Microwave steamers are specially designed containers that allow you to steam food in the microwave. They are typically made of plastic or silicone and have a built-in basket or tray for the food.

To use a microwave steamer, follow these steps:

• Place the food you want to steam in the steamer’s basket or tray.
• Add water to the steamer’s base according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Cover the steamer with its lid and microwave it for the desired amount of time.

This method is great for steaming small items such as vegetables, rice, and fish. Just make sure to use a microwave-safe steamer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any accidents.

4. Use a Slow Cooker

Another option for steaming food without a steamer is to use a slow cooker. Slow cookers are great for cooking food slowly and evenly, and they also have a steaming function that allows you to steam food without a steamer.

To use a slow cooker for steaming, follow these steps:

• Place the food you want to steam in the slow cooker’s insert.
• Add water to the slow cooker’s base according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to the “steam” function.
• Steam the food for the desired amount of time, checking on it occasionally to make sure the water hasn’t boiled off.

This method is great for steaming larger items such as whole fish or chicken breasts. Just make sure to use a slow cooker that has a steaming function and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any accidents.

5. Use a Pressure Cooker

Another option for steaming food without a steamer is to use a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers are great for cooking food quickly and evenly, and they also have a steaming function that allows you to steam food without a steamer.

To use a pressure cooker for steaming, follow these steps:

• Place the food you want to steam in the pressure cooker’s insert.
• Add water to the pressure cooker’s base according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Cover the pressure cooker with its lid and set it to the “steam” function.
• Steam the food for the desired amount of time, checking on it occasionally to make sure the water hasn’t boiled off.

This method is great for steaming larger items such as whole fish or chicken breasts. Just make sure to use a pressure cooker that has a steaming function and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any accidents.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several ways to steam food without a steamer. Whether you have a stovetop, a microwave, or a slow cooker, you can easily steam food at home using one of the methods described above. So don’t let the lack of a steamer stop you from enjoying delicious and healthy steamed food!