Typically the perfect kitchen instruments are those you neglect about fully and rediscover whereas organizing your pantry throughout a surge of sativa-induced industriousness. That’s how I fell in love over again with my steamer, which had been shoved on a shelf so tall that it evaded my line of sight for years.
As a ‘choosy’ child within the Nineties, steamed greens have been one of the crucial dependable restaurant dishes I may order. There, I’d discover a staid melange of broccoli, carrots, and — my favourite — little child potatoes sitting subsequent to one thing dippable, like melted butter, or, finest case state of affairs, ranch dressing. However then, roasting grew to become the cooking methodology du jour, and steaming drifted from our collective consciousness — till I discovered my steamer within the pantry and single-handedly introduced it again (or so I’m hoping).
Steamed greens telegraph spa vibes, not solely as a result of they’re mainly being cooked in a sauna however as a result of they’re one of many healthiest meals on the market. Possibly that’s the ghost of Nineties weight loss program tradition speaking, however there’s additionally proof that steamed greens retain extra vitamins than their boiled, roasted, and even uncooked counterparts. Steaming can be a fast, unfussy cooking methodology that you could preserve one eye on whereas doing different issues (like writing this text or serving to my 13-year-old with their homework).
However there’s far more steamers can supply past simply low-cal broccoli. Whereas I really like a easy steamed veg platter, my bamboo steamer in all probability spends most of its time plumping frozen dumplings, which simply hit the mark of restaurant-worthy when steamed reasonably than pan-fried (a minimum of by me) or microwaved. I additionally sincerely admire how steaming an entire fish is virtually foolproof (and visually very spectacular). It’s considered one of my beloved banquet tips.
A steamer is a reasonably easy piece of kit. There’s a perforated floor on which the meals is suspended over a shower of steam till it’s cooked, however there are completely different steamers for various duties — an old-fashioned steel steamer insert you possibly can plop in virtually any pot; a bamboo steamer basket that nestles on high of a stockpot and stacks up excessive; and a real utilitarian’s dream: a rice cooker with a steamer insert. These are just a few of my favourite tried-and-true steamers for no matter you occur to be steaming up.
The Finest On a regular basis Steamer Basket
A traditional contraption of perforated chrome steel, a traditional steamer basket is good for steaming greens, eggs (making them simpler to peel), and my annual batch of Christmas tamales. There are fancier variations of this steamer, with silicone toes and ergonomic handles, however this primary one is really all you want.
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The Finest Bamboo Steamer Basket
Steaming has been used as a cooking methodology in China for the reason that Neolithic interval, with the bamboo steamer, or zhēnglóng, originating within the Han dynasty. When put in all that historic context, it makes my little frozen soup dumplings really feel a bit trite, however I’m tremendous with that. At all times bear in mind to line your bamboo steamer to stop sticking, with steamer liners in case you have them or cabbage leaves or espresso filters in the event you don’t.
The Finest Rice Cooker for Steaming
What’s higher than cooking one factor at a time? Cooking two issues directly. I fireplace up my rice cooker a number of instances per week, so I really like that I can pop a steamer basket on high and find yourself with good fluffy rice and steamed delicate tofu each time with minimal effort.
The Finest Devoted Countertop Steamer
When you’ve determined to commit totally to this steaming journey, could I counsel this inexpensive mannequin from Hamilton Seaside, which has capability for bigger format objects which may not match within the Zojirushi or a bamboo steamer, like entire fish and corn on the cob.
Along with your steamer of selection, you’ve bought a variety of choices, from that bag of soup dumplings lingering in your freezer to the newest vegetable to point out up in your CSA field. Simply want a couple of minutes, a bit of steam, and, in fact, some seasoning or dipping sauce, and dinner is served.
