To steam or not to steam, there is always a question. In many cases, the notion that steamed food being mushy or tasteless is not well-deserved. On the other hand, if it is done properly, food that has been steamed may be extremely tasty, soft, and crisp. How do you tell if steaming is the best method for cooking vegetables and meats when there are so many other methods to prepare them? This is the question that we are here to answer. Let us jump right in.
Steaming food is a healthier alternative to frying or sautéing, and with the Electric Food Steamer 900W featuring a 60-minute timer, it's easier than ever to enjoy nutritious meals. With three steam compartments for multi-level cooking, you can prepare a variety of dishes simultaneously, maximizing efficiency. The timer allows for precise control, ensuring your food is perfectly cooked every time. Plus, with online water filling and a quick start power indicator, you can enjoy fast and hassle-free operation. With its powerful 900-wattage, this steamer is ideal for oil-free cooking, making it a must-have for health-conscious individuals.
How steaming works
Literally, it's as simple as boiling water. Steam is expelled when water is heated to a boil. Instead of touching the water directly, the food cooks in the steam that the water releases as it boils. A basket, container, plate, or wrap is used to hang the food over the water so it may cook in the hot steam. The steam remains contained within the pot when the lid is placed on top.
From a scientific perspective, the condensation of steam on food surfaces results in the transmission of heat. This cooks the meal by slowly raising its surface temperature to boiling point (212°F/100°C).
Tips to Steam like a pro
Don’t overcrowd your steamer
For the steam to circulate around the meal, ventilation is required. In a situation where all of the food is packed together, the steam will be unable to escape, resulting in an uneven cooking process. This will cause portions of the food to become overcooked and mushy, while other sections would remain crisp and raw.
Make sure that all of your pieces are cut to the same size
This piece of advice is applicable to practically all techniques of cooking. However, this is of utmost significance when using a covered technique such as steaming, as it is not possible to repeatedly open the lid of the steamer in order to check the doneness of the food (this would therefore release the steam!). Alternatively, you may remove any smaller parts that complete cooking first, just like you can do with alternatives.
Don’t use too much steaming liquid
When it comes to generating sufficient steam to cook your meal, you just need to put around an inch or two in the pot. The food will only be cooked by steam if you wait until the water is boiling before adding your steamer basket wrap. This will prevent the food from being cooked by the heat of the water before it begins to steam.
Add salt and pepper
There is a possibility that steaming will assist in preserving the natural flavours of your meal; nonetheless, the majority of dishes are still incomplete without the addition of a few of salt and pepper. If you have done everything else correctly and your steamed vegetables still have a tasteless flavour, there is a good probability that you omitted this essential step with the seasoning.