Steaming Vegetables
A reminder of what a great cooking technique steaming vegetables is. Fast and flexible for the win.
Steaming vegetables is an underutilized cooking technique in my kitchen. After my last trip to Japan, I pledged to remedy the issue. This simple, direct method of cooking is one of the reasons I love eating in Japan. I mean, let's be honest, I probably like steamed vegetables more than most, but I enjoy them exponentially more there. Somehow, many of the things I love about traveling there are summed up in this simple preparation.
I'd often receive a sampling of seasonal produce as part of a combination lunch. The vegetables arrived at the table beautifully arranged in the bamboo basket they were steamed in. I'd work my way through a rainbow of vibrant, tender potatoes, squash, mushrooms, broccoli rabe, and the like, sometimes adding a pinch of zesty shichimi togarashi, but more often than not, a casual toss of a few grains of salt would be all. Each meal was a vibrant, satisfying reminder of just how good vegetables can be when prepared simply with care and intent. Their natural flavors coming through direct and perfect.
Break out the Steamer!
After this past trip, my inexpensive, tri-level bamboo steamer was promptly dusted upon my arrival home, and put into proper rotation. The thing that never ceases to surprise me is the speed even the most hearty chunks of root vegetables or squash become tender - ten minutes, often less.
Choosing a Steamer
Bamboo steamers are easy to come by, and relatively inexpensive. Go this route if you aren't sure how often you'll use your steamer. The one downside is they take up a good amount of storage space, not much more than a big pot, but still. These steamers are available in a range of diameters, and are made of interlocking trays intended for stacking on atop of the other. Placed above simmering water, the steam from the water rises through the trays and cooks the food. It's a simple premise that works astoundingly well. I use three trays, but you can certainly go up or down a level.
I eventually graduated to a ceramic steamer, and also picked up this Mushi Nabe, donabe steamer. Both are nice because you can make a broth or curry in the base, and then use steam the ingredients up above at the same time. Any of the steamers make a nice jump from cooking to table. If you want to expand beyond steaming vegetables, you can also steam everything from dumplings and tofu to eggs, tamales and certain rices.
Some Tips on Steaming Vegetables:
- While steaming with water is most common, I've also played around using miso broth, vegetable broth, vegetable dashi, or tea in place of water. Each imparts a different scent and flavor to the vegetables. More times than not though, I use water.
- Arrange your slowest cooking vegetables in the bottom basket, working up to the quickest. Another time saver is to get your densest, slowest cooking vegetables started in in the bottom tray, while you prep the quicker cooking vegetables for the mid and top baskets. Place the lid on whatever basket is on top at the time.
- Some people line their steamers with cabbage leaves or parchment. I don't bother, placing the vegetables directly on the steamer instead. I like how it seems to keep the steam circulating. A quick scrub with hot water and the rough side of a sponge makes clean-up simple.
- When using the bamboo steamer, you can use a wok (steamer sits above the simmering water) or wide skillet (I set the steamer directly in a shallow skillet of simmering water)...A wok is more traditional, and easier on your steamer, but both techniques work well.
So, less of a recipe, and more of a reminder today of how good the most basic preparations can be. A few years after I initially posted this, I did another deeper dive into Using your Underutilized Steamer. Have fun! -h
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Steaming Vegetables
This is how I put together a rainbow sampling of steamed vegetables. I use a three-tiered bamboo steamer, the sort that is available in most culinary shops. But, if you only have two-tiers, that's fine!
- a sampling of seasonal vegetables
- flaky sea salt
- to finish: good olive oil, a few drops of toasted sesame oil, or shallot oil
- ponzu sauce
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Wash your vegetables well, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. I tend to leave peels on, but it is a personal preference. Arrange them, in a single layer, in steamer trays according to needed cooking time. For example:
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Bottom tray: equal-sized chunks of slower-cooking vegetables. For example: sweet potato, potato, winter squash, beets. These usually cook through in about ten minutes. Middle-tray: equal sized pieces of broccoli, cauliflower. Top-tray/last minute: asparagus, fava beans (inner pods), snap peas.
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Bring an inch of water to a simmer in a skillet large enough to accommodate the diameter of your steamer. Alternately, you can use a wok. The water should not be so high that it makes contact with the vegetables when the steamer is placed in the skillet - do a quick test if you're unsure, and remove some water if needed.
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The goal here is to have your vegetables perfectly cooked and ready to serve just before you sit down. And, ideally, all of the vegetables finish cooking at the same time. Here's how you do it. Roughly ten minutes before you're ready to serve, place the slow-cooking, bottom tray vegetables over the simmering water, covered. Let them steam there until they're about 2/3 cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Test, and cut into any root vegetables toward the end to make sure they're going to be cooked through.
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The mid tray only needs 3-4 minutes, so add that next, moving the lid up a level. And the top tray vegetables, like snap peas and asparagus, just need a kiss of steam to brighten, barely a minute. Add that last. Or if you only have two baskets, add these to the broccoli/cauliflower basket to finish. You'll have to make slight adjustments based on the sizes of your vegetables, but this is the general idea. Cook them until they're bright, just tender, and taste good to you.
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I like to quickly arrange the steamed vegetables, nested, in one basket to serve along with a drizzle of good oil - toasted sesame, shallot, olive oil, herb, etc. With a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Or a nice drizzle of ponzu.
Serves 4
Related Recipes
Using your Underutilized Steamer
I find myself using steam as a cooking technique increasingly for a number of reasons. It's deceptively fast. It maintains much of the vibrancy and vitally of ingredients. It's one of the most healthful ways to cook, and (as you'll see) it's surprisingly adaptable.
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Comments
Mixed vegetables served in a truly healthy style.
I had a steamer for a year before using it. Now I love to steam my vegetables. Totally different flavor. From now on this will be the way I cook my veggies. Also my ravioli pasta so much better without boiling in water.
What are those flowers over the steamed vegetables? It looks like thyme flowers but it also looks like a weed I have on my garden and never thought it could be edible.
I have a steamer basket for over 3 years and never used it! I will now that I know how to 🙂
Those are the blossoms from the peas Maria, if I remember correctly.
My favorite way of eating vegetables is steamed and sprinkled with olive oil. Never tried the bamboo steamer tho, sounds really good, can’t wait to try it!
I have a bamboo steamer just like the one in your pictures, but I feel like sometimes it leaves an odd flavor on my vegetables. Do you ever notice that with yours? Every once in a while I just steam vegetables in a metal colander over a pot of simmering water! Either way I really enjoyed this post. Never underestimate the value in writing about ideas or concepts rather than recipes. It’s ridiculously helpful and is one of the many things that makes 101 cookbooks beautifully unique!
Heidi – thanks as always for a clear and inspiring run through and beautiful pictures. Quick question: your first picture shows flowers / petals among the veggies, can you confirm what type of flower they are?
HS: Good eye Markham – if memory serves me correctly, I think those were just blossoms attached to the snap peas. I reserved them, and sprinkled them at the end.
I use my steamer basket to hold garlic, shallots, new potatoes, etc. in my kitchen when not in use for it’s intended purpose. It’s practical, looks nice and solves the storage dilemma.
Now I have got to have a steamer. I’ve had it in my hand twice and keep putting it away for lack of storage space. My RV housing situation isn’t conducive to my cooking interests! Thanks for the inspiration to find room!
I like to put a handful of my favourite herbs into the steaming water; dill, mint, lemon thyme, etc depending on the veggies and which herbs I have in the garden.
Beautiful Heidi! Love your presentation.
I’ve been steaming veggies quite a bit lately. Tossing with olive oil, lemon and sea salt, or a dijon vinaigrette dressing or a nice spicy peanut sauce.
What a simple and delicious way to enjoy the natural flavors of vegetables. Getting myself a bamboo steamer ASAP! 🙂
This is one of those items I repeatedly pass on when shopping. And then I read a post like this and wonder why don’t I have one. I will have to get one, seriously! Thank you Heidi for the reminder.
I have a pot with a steamer basket that can sit inside of it, but it’s about 4 or 5 inches above the bottom. Would that work also or does the bamboo basket work better since it’s closer to the steam?
HS: Hi Angela, I’m not 100% sure, the distance might affect the intensity of the steam? You might just have to give it a try.
I’m planning on doing the 5:2 fast for the 4 weeks of June and this method is perfect for delicious and filling satisfaction on the fast days. Time to dust off the steamer! Thanks for the inspiration, Heidi.
How funny, I was just thinking about/looking steaming as a preparation method the day before yesterday – its the one way I don’t really use. We’re going into winter here (Australia) and as salad veg becomes harder to come by it sounds like a great alternative! Now I am definitely going to pick up a steamer and get into it.
Love it! I’ve always wondered how to use those bamboo things but never got around to asking or looking it up. Thank you!!
I really don’t know why I don’t use my bamboo steamer more … it’d be interesting to see if it imparts a different texture or flavour to veggies than does my regular old stainless steel steamer.
Hmm … experiment time. 🙂
It might sound weird but I have never steamed my own vegetables!! This post really helped in getting me motivated!
Not to put a downer on your as always mouth-watering post — nor retrospectively on your trip! — but I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that post 3/11, no longer is a trip to the produce section, or the local mom & pop produce stand, so simple or enjoyable (to say nothing of the eventual meal). If I ask my wife why recently she has not cooked any broccoli (insert any other commonly found vegetable here), the answer inevitably comes back along the lines of “right now the only broccoli is from _____ Prefecture”. Said prefecture need not only be Fukushima either. There are websites — both those from the government as well as independent orgs/people armed with Geiger counters — which post copious amounts of information as to microsievert or Becquerel levels etc., and fortunately (if they can be trusted) the supermarkets will almost always note where each vegetable comes from. Still, it is a veritable minefield (made even worse so by the fact that many, my wife included, will not by produce labeled “from China”), and thus at this point in time a dubious pleasure for those of us on the ground here. (again, sorry to be a wet blanket!)
HS: Thanks for your perspective from Japan, Kurt. It was definitely hard, as someone who speaks no Japanese, to get a sense of the day to day impact of sourcing ingredients (produce of otherwise) and how it relates to restaurants or day-to-day cooking post 3/11. Beyond, of course, understanding that it can’t be good. People we chatted with were definitely worried, and it seemed to me there were limited options to explore. Behind the concerns and fears, there are countless heartbreaking stories, and massive ongoing challenges. In the end, I suppose we as individuals place in incredible amount of trust in those sourcing ingredients for restaurants, groceries, cafes, etc…but it matters in an unprecedented way in Japan right now, unfortunately.
Completely obssesed with my bamboo steamer! I often combine the veggies in one basket and take it to work in my lunch tote. Toss it with some greens and I am good to go! Thanks for the post!
L’arôme subtil de bambou dans le panier ouvert. Les légumes entourés par la simplicité.
I put off buying one of these steamers for the space issue, but it’s worth it for one of those meals of steamed veg with aioli that take me eons to prepare using one boiling pot. Your meal looks beautiful.
I’ve never used my steamer in a skillet. I have a saucepan whose rim is the perfect size for my steamer. (It also happens to be the saucepan that my double boiler fits…) I’ve also used a steamer the way a Chinese friend taught me – sit the steamer in your wok – the steamer does not go all the way to the bottom and the sides of the wok hold the steamer up out of the water.
I also have metal steamer with overlapping “leaves”. This steamer has three legs on it and sits in my saucepan. The “bowl” of this steamer expands so that it fills the whole saucepan or folds inwards for smaller items. I usually put the water in the pan then set the empty steamer in it to make sure that I haven’t put in too much water, fill the steamer put the lid on the saucepan and start the water boiling.
HS: Hi Cathy, I think the wok method is likely the best/most traditional, but the skillet version works for those who are wok-less.
For Natasha: I have two sizes of bamboo steamer baskets that I bought on Amazon a few years ago. They fit over two different pots, and I hadn’t thought of using them in a skillet. Thanks, Heidi!
While I’m steaming vegetables, I like to steam chicken or fish in a bowl along with ponzu or soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and a splash or two of sake.
Happy steaming!
A quick storage tip: We keep our steamer baskets inside our largest pot in the drawer. It doesn’t take up any extra space that way and it is easy to access!
HS: brilliant suggestion! Thanks Noah.
And wonderful use of bamboo steamers! Now, to find where I put them…
Thank you for this. My steamer needs a good dusting off and the ideas posted here are exactly what I needed as incentive to get it out. Can’t wait. YUM>
Heidi, Veggies and Japan- these are a few of my favorite things 🙂 thank you for always inspiring!
I love the old fashioned bamboo steamers. So pretty!
this was an especially good post for me. I really lag in the steaming dept. I even tell my cooking classes “I don’t steam vegetables” due to their potential dullish nature. But your slant on it (anything Japanese holds my attention) totally convinced me to pull out the bamboo steamer too xo
Beautiful post Heidi.
I love the simplicity of steamed veggies with a touch of sea salt. They’re so flavorful on their own. I haven’t tried the bamboo steamer but may have to purchase one thanks for the idea.
lovely photo!
Yum! I used to have those steamer baskets, you’re right! They take up mega space. Now I want them again….. 😀
you know, sometimes the simplest, most obvious preparations are those that most need spot-lighting. i’m amazed at how methods go in and out of favor … and my (deeply untrendy) mind loses sight of them, along the way.
i’ve recently fallen for steaming all over again, for the clear, clean flavor it brings; the pitch-perfect tenderness i can achieve; and the opportunity it provides to embellish whatever’s fresh with the sauce or seasoning (simple as salt and oil, often enough) i feel like, at the moment.
thanks, heidi, for this reminder.
Beautiful. I love the purple and sweet potato additions to the rainbow : )
beautiful post. thank you
Where can I buy one of these steamers? They sound fantastic!
HS: Hi Natasha, you can find them in most kitchen supply stores, Asian houseware markets, etc. I haven’t searched to see who has them online, but that might be worth looking into as well.
This is so helpful! I’ve always been curious about how exactly those steamers are used- and I love a bunch of veggies for dinner, so I’m going to pick a steamer up and try this out!
I have an identical bamboo steamer that I can’t even remember when or where I purchased–but it’s one of my favorite kitchen tools. One note: if steaming fish, which I do, it is best to line it with something and not just lay the fish right onto the bamboo. It will clean up–just takes way longer. My fave use is still homemade pork & shrimp dumplings!
I read your post and instantly got an urge to steam…all the vegetables!
Went to China Town here in Glasgow on my lunchbreak and got myself a two-part steamer with lid, and I can’t wait to use it!
I also bought a sushi mat, and sushi sheets, so I foresee an Asian influence in my future cooking, perhaps perhaps!
Thank you for the tips, I can’t wait to use it! 😀 I hope Wednesday is treating you well so far 🙂 xJ
What a stunning photo of all the veggies in the tray at the top. It makes me want to eat that now! Wonderful!
I bought a steamer at a yard sale, brand new. I keep looking at it but never use it. You have inspired me to get started.
I love this primer on vegetable steaming, your photographs make ordinary veggies appear sumptuous yet easy to attain. One more reason to visit Japan! Thanks for the post.
Steaming is my default way of preparing vegetables. I have a 3-tier stackable steamer (you can put those veg that don’t steam so well, like green beans or Brussels sprouts, in the bottom with the water). I also have a microwave steamer which is even quicker – you just pour a cupful of boiling water over the vegetables and 5 minutes or fewer in the microwave, and they are done!
I love how simple this is and how great it looks!
I would love to ho to Japan! It’s so cool hearing about it, and with steamed vegetables everywhere. I’m totally in!
lovely.
Thank you for such a practical post, Heidi. Do metal steamers work the same or do you only recommend the bamboo ones?
HS: It depends on the shape, Janet. But the premise is the same. I happen to have a bamboo steamer, but I have nothing against the metal ones.
So good for the health, such a plate!
Steaming vegetables so simple yet so many things can go wrong. Thanks for the details, super useful!
I like your tips 🙂 I had no idea that the slower cooking veggies should be on the bottom.
Simply stunning. I, too, love steamed veggies, and your photographs just make me want to gobble them up that much more. I love their freshness and lightness. Such great purity in every bite. And yay for Japan!
I love how vibrant and colourful the vegetables look when lightly steamed. I’ve never used a bamboo steamer before but I might have to hunt one down and give this a try.
I love how the steamed vegetables are presented, not to saggy. I can feel the crunchiness of it even with the pictures. Would you recommend a dip for these?
HS: Hi Jarome, you could make a dip, but I like them with just a little drizzle of olive or toasted sesame oil + salt.
Stupid question but what do you mean by a cooking skillet? Is it just a big pot, like what you boil pasta in? If so how does the bamboo steamer not fall down and get wet?! Sorry I’m very, very new to cooking, but would love an answer.
HS: Hi Bea, more like the type of pan you might fry a couple of eggs in – one with a wide diameter. You set the steamer in the shallow simmering water here, and it’s fine if it gets wet.
I like this preparation too. Sometime I’ll make little bundles of napa cabbages leaves or add carved radishes like they do at Benihana when you order the steamed veggies in the metal steamer.
I love how vibrant the vegetables look! I have some very traditional bamboo steamers at my disposal, but I’ve always been afraid to test them out and ruin my ingredients. Now, you’ve inspired me to pull them out of storage and experiment a little. Thanks!
Thanks for the details about how you steam your veggies with a bamboo steamer. I’ve always thought about getting one and now I want to try it out!
Looks simply delicious. Chunks of ginger in the steaming liquid also adds a nice flavor.
Steamed veggies sound better and better the less sugar we eat. And now that it’s summer, it’s actually fun to cook them again, instead of making cabbage and potatoes all the time.
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