How to Steam Without a Steamer: 5 Steaming Methods

A steamer is a kitchen tool for steaming—a gentle cooking method that relies on steam from boiling or simmering water to cook food, such as veggies. Brussels sprouts, green beans, broccoli or cauliflower florets, and carrots are all popular steamed vegetables. Other foods, such as steamer clams, mussels, dumplings, buns, eggs, and even butter (to make melted butter), can benefit from steaming, too.

Traditional steaming uses a specific kitchen gadget in which the bottom vessel holds water and the top vessel holds the food to be steamed. It’s an electric machine plugged into a wall, with certain settings for various food items, depending on the steamer. The water heats up to a boil, the steam rises through holes in the food basket, and the container of ingredients fills with steam, cooking the food. There are other methods of steaming, including the use of a microwave or a steamer basket, such as over a stovetop.

A home cook may find it unnecessary to have separate gadgets for steaming food, especially if it’s not their main cooking method for most meals. Fortunately, there are alternatives to an electric steamer and some DIY methods even use other kitchen items on hand. Here are some alternatives to using an electric steamer:

1. 1. Bamboo steamer: Add food to a bamboo steamer—a bamboo basket—and cover it with the coordinating bamboo lid. Place the bamboo steamer over a large pot on the stovetop. Water in the bottom of the pot will rise, steaming the food in the basket. Many bamboo steamers have multiple layers, so you can steam different foods at the same time. For example, you could be steaming vegetables as a side dish and a piece of fish for the main course. However, steaming times can vary, so you should consider that when placing each food item in its individual bamboo steaming basket.
2. 2. Large pot steaming: Place a small amount of water at the bottom of a pot. Roll aluminum foil into golf ball-sized balls. Place the foil balls in the bottom of the pot in a single layer, then place a heatproof plate or pie tin on top of the balls of aluminum foil, making sure the heatproof plate is level. Add your ingredients directly to the heatproof plate and allow them to steam. Alternatively, you can place a metal colander or metal strainer on top of the foil balls, then place the food in the colander or strainer and steam the ingredients.
3. 3. Microwave steaming: Add a little water to a microwave-safe bowl and then the food or ingredients. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, poke holes in the plastic, and cook in the microwave in 30-second increments until the ingredients cook. The cooking time will vary depending on the strength of the microwave, how much water is in the bowl, and the specific food items. There are also microwave-safe bags specifically for this purpose. You can buy them with food already in them or empty, enabling you to add your own.
4. 4. Oven steaming: Add a few tablespoons of water to a roasting pan, then add the food and place the roasting pan in the oven at medium heat for a few minutes at a time. Check the food periodically to ensure it is steaming, not burning. Add a few more tablespoons of water if you find it has evaporated completely. This can be an easy way to steam veggies, clams, fish, and even chicken.
5. 5. Steamer basket: The term steamer basket usually refers to a stainless steel device that is easy to store since it essentially folds into itself and can expand to fit the size of a pot. Place about an inch of water in the bottom of a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Place the steamer basket in the pot. It should sit comfortably above the water without touching it. Place the food inside the steaming basket and put the lid on top of the pot. Keep the water at a boil and check the pot periodically to make sure the water doesn’t evaporate.

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