Steaming veggies is fast and easy. It also cooks veggies to the perfect temperature, helps them keep their vibrant colors, and helps all the nutrients stay in the veggies instead of seeping out into the water. It's the ideal way to cook veggies to tender, tasty perfection. And we have all the tips and tricks to make your steamed veggies sing.
Vegetables to Steam
You can steam virtually any vegetable. But these veggies fare especially well in a steamer and serve up as a tasty side for your meals.
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Yellow squash
- Kale
- Spinach
- Brussels sprouts
- Asparagus
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Bok Choy
- Mushrooms
- Beets
How to Steam Vegetables Quickly & Easily
A steel steamer basket is ideal for steaming your carrots, kale, and other vegetables. Place the washed, peeled, and sliced vegetables in the basket and secure the basket in the pan. There needs to be an ample amount of water in the pan, but not so much that the water touches the bottom of the steamer basket since the vegetables should be suspended over the boiling water, not in it. Turn the heat on medium and wait for the water to boil. The steam from the boiling water will steam the vegetables in the basket. If all the water boils away, you can add more boiling water to the pan.
Try a Bamboo Steamer
Some like to use bamboo steamers as opposed to steel. Follow the instructions that come with this product before placing your vegetables inside the basket.
For the Best Cooking, Steam This Amount
Steam about one to two cups of sliced or cubed vegetables at a time. If you choose to use broccoli, you do not have to slice it, just lay the spears in the steamer. Kale and spinach do not have to be chopped but can be rolled up like a tortilla and placed inside the steamer.
How Long to Steam
How long does it take to steam vegetables? That varies according to which vegetable you are cooking. Zucchini, cut in ¼-inch slices, takes 5 to 7 minutes. Broccoli florets, or spears, take between 4 to 6 minutes. In general, plan for between 4 and 8 minutes for all veggies. To steam faster, cut them into smaller sizes.
Test for Doneness Starting at About Five Minutes
Be sure to stand near your pan as it steams. Use a fork to test how tender your veggies are starting at about four or five minutes and checking every minute thereafter. You don't want to overcook the vegetables. Keep an eye on them as they get tender.
Best Seasoning for Steamed Veggies
Add a little salt and pepper to the veggies before you start to steam them, and then taste them for seasoning before serving to make sure they're just right. You can also drizzle the finished veggies with a little olive oil, add a sprinkle of garlic powder before seasoning, or add some dried herbs like thyme as you cook.
Spoon Them Over Rice or Serve Alongside a Main Dish
There's so much you can do with steamed veggies, from tossing them with cooked pasta to serving them on rice or as a side dish. They add color and nutrition to any plate of food.
Steaming Is Easy
Now that you know how to steam vegetables, you can add this method to your cooking skills. Steaming zucchini, green beans, squash, and potatoes is a healthy choice for preparing your favorite vegetables. It's fast, easy, and super tasty, which is exactly what you want for cooking a quick meal.
