How to Steam Vegetables Without a Steamer

Did you know you can get the crisp-tender texture of steamed vegetables without using a steamer? Here’s how:

Steps

• Wash and peel vegetables
• Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-size pieces
• Fill a medium saucepan with 2 inches of cool water
• Place on the stove over medium heat
• Bring to a boil and turn heat to low
• Add vegetables to simmering water in steamer alternative (e.g. metal strainer, pie tin with poked holes, foil with poked holes, or heat-safe plate on a tin foil base)
• Cover and cook until done

Steaming Times

Veggie Steaming Tips

• Cut vegetables the same size to steam evenly. Reminder: The firmer the texture, the longer the vegetables will need to steam.
• Use a lid while cooking so the vegetables to cook faster and enough water stays on the bottom of the pot.
• When steaming with a plate, make sure it’s heat-safe and non-plastic (like a ceramic or stainless-steel cake pan). Use oven mitts to remove hot plates from pots. Allow the plate to cool before washing.