Steaming Vegetables
Steaming is the fastest way to prepare a side dish that retains the integrity of the produce. It keeps broccoli vibrant green and carrots sweet without turning them mushy.
Size matters for even cooking
Cut your vegetables into uniform pieces so the smaller ones don't turn to pulp before the larger ones are tender.
- Pot with a tight-fitting lid
- Steamer basket or metal colander
- Chef's knife
What goes in.
- 1 lbbroccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cupwater
- 1 tspkosher salt
- 1 tbspunsalted butter (optional)
Keep the water low
Add only enough water to reach just below the base of your basket. If the water touches the vegetables, you are boiling them, not steaming them.
The method.
Prepare the water
Pour the water into the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Load the basket
Place your vegetables into the steamer basket and set it into the pot once the water is boiling.
Seal the pot
Cover with a tight-fitting lid immediately to trap the steam inside.
Monitor the color
Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. You will know they are ready when the color intensifies and a knife slides into the thickest piece with minimal resistance.
Finish
Remove the basket from the pot, toss the vegetables with salt and butter, and serve immediately.
Other turns to take.
Aromatic Steam
Add a smashed clove of garlic, a slice of ginger, or a sprig of thyme to the boiling water to infuse the vegetables with subtle scent.
When it doesn't go to plan.
If your pot lid leaks, drape a clean kitchen towel over the pot before placing the lid on to create a better seal.
Root vegetables like potatoes take longer; start checking them for tenderness after 10 minutes.
To stop the cooking instantly, plunge the steamed vegetables into a bowl of ice water for 30 seconds.
The ones that keep coming up.
How do I know if I added too much water?
If the water level rises through the holes in the steamer basket, drain some of it out before adding the vegetables.
Can I steam frozen vegetables?
Yes, but they will release more water. Increase the cooking time by about 2 minutes.
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