What Is a Steamer Basket?
A one-stop solution for healthier cooking.
Are you looking to incorporate more healthy meals into your routine? Or perhaps you're a food enthusiast exploring new cooking techniques. A simple yet versatile kitchen tool, a steamer basket might be the answer to your culinary needs – but what is a steamer basket and why should you get one? Read on to find out.
What Is a Steamer Basket?
A steamer basket is a kitchen tool designed for steam cooking. It's typically made from metal or silicone and features a collapsible design with small perforations that allow steam to pass through, cooking your food. Steamer baskets can be placed inside a pot or pan with a little water at the bottom, and as the water heats up and turns into steam, the rising steam cooks the food in the basket.
Why Use a Steamer Basket
Benefits of Using a Steamer Basket
There are many benefits to using a steamer basket. For starters, it's a healthy way to prepare food because you don't need to use oil or fat, which can add calories and unwanted trans fats. Steaming also helps food retain nutrients, moisture, and natural flavor. Steaming doesn't require special utensils or cooking tools, making it a great option for those who don't have a kitchen fit for a professional chef.
What You Can Cook in a Steamer Basket
When most people think of steamer baskets, they typically think of vegetables. But once you learn how to use a steamer basket, you can steam just about anything from chicken to rice to shellfish. Steaming is also an easy way to reheat pre-cooked or frozen food. In fact, just about anything you can cook in boiled water — like eggs — can also be cooked in a steaming basket.
Tip!
To make some stir-fry to go with your steamed dumplings, check out our guide: What is a Wok?
Types of Steamer Baskets
There are several different kinds of steamer baskets and which one you choose is a matter of preference as they all have similar functionality. However, when selecting a steamer basket, it is important to consider the size of the saucepan or pot you will be using to ensure the steamer basket will fit inside it.
Stainless Steel: Collapsible metal steamer baskets are amazing little devices. When folded up, they look like small metal discs with holes. But they open up like petals on a flower to make a larger, flexible basket that you can use in many different-sized pots. The folding feature also makes them compact and easy to store. There are also stainless steel steamer basket pot inserts that look like a saucepan or pot but have holes in the bottom. You insert these into a larger saucepan or pot for steaming.
Bamboo: As the name implies, these steamer baskets are made of bamboo and consist of several stacked baskets with a lid. Bamboo steamer baskets are by far the oldest version of a steaming basket, having been used in China for more than 5,000 years.
Silicone: A more modern take on steamer baskets, silicone steamer baskets are flexible and durable, and often have handles, which makes it easy to get the steamer basket out of a deep pot.
Start by considering your cooking habits. If you frequently steam larger quantities or big items like whole fish or broccoli heads, opting for a larger basket with ample depth could be the way to go. Think about the materials too: stainless steel baskets offer durability and are ideal for those who steam often, while silicone baskets are flexible and provide easy storage options for occasional use. Next, consider compatibility – make sure the basket aligns with the size of your existing pots and pans to ensure a seamless fit. If you're particularly concerned about safety, look for baskets with heat-resistant handles for easy maneuvering. Ultimately, aligning your choice with your cooking style, the type and frequency of foods you prepare, and your kitchen space will empower you to pick the perfect steamer basket with confidence.
Tip!
Read How to Use a Steamer Basket for a step-by-step guide on cooking with your new tool.
