Q&A for How to Steam Vegetables

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  • Question
    How do I steam vegetables without a steamer?
    Jennifer Levasseur
    Personal Chef
    Chef Jennifer Levasseur is a Personal Chef and the Owner of The Happy Cuisiniere based in Breckenridge, Colorado. She has over 12 years of culinary experience and specializes in Mountain and Contemporary Rustic cuisine. Moreover, she can craft dishes and modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and dairy-free diets. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate’s degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College.
    Personal Chef
    Expert Answer
    You don’t need an actual steamer to steam veggies! Sometimes pots will come with a steaming basket or you can get an inexpensive metal steamer at the store. Just put about 2 inches of water in the pot, add in your basket with the veggies, cover and simmer until the desired tenderness. Keep an eye on it to make sure the water doesn’t evaporate completely.
  • Question
    Does steaming add more water to the vegetable?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Steaming does involve moisture, but the water probably won't soak into the vegetables that much unless they are very porous (like peeled potatoes, for example).
  • Question
    Can I steam leeks and celery?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes! Leeks and celery both steam very well. You can steam celery stalks in 4-9 minutes, depending on how much you cut them up, while leeks take 5-8 minutes. Make sure to cut the leeks open and rinse them thoroughly, since dirt and grit tend to accumulate between the layers.
  • Question
    What about for veggies coming out of the freezer?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can steam frozen vegetables basically the same way you would steam them fresh. You may need to give them a little extra time to warm up all the way through, but keep in mind that most vegetables are already blanched (very lightly steamed) before they are frozen.
  • Question
    Can I just boil them in hot water?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, you can boil vegetables, but boiling will leach out a lot of their nutrients. Steaming will produce more flavorful and nutritious results. If you do choose to boil your vegetables, consider using the water as a base for a nutritious and flavorful vegetable broth.
  • Question
    Can I take steamer bag broccoli out of the bag and cook it on the stove top?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, you can if you wish. The steamer bag is there for your convenience, but you can cook the broccoli any way you like.
  • Question
    Can fresh vegetables be steamed and then frozen for later use?
    Community Answer
    Best is to parboil (partially boil or steam) fresh veggies, then freeze them. Lots of examples available with an internet search. Parboiling locks in color, texture, and most vitamins. Give it a try!
  • Question
    Can I steam vegetables in an aluminum pan using a sterno to heat the pan?
    Community Answer
    That should be fine, though possibly quite slow. Sterno is 'hot' - but may take a good deal of patience to actually 'cook/steam' something. Use a lid.
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