Are You Doing It Right? The Best Way to Steam Vegetables
Yahoo Food is excited to partner with chef and PBS star Vivian Howard and the “A Chef’s Life” team to bring you exclusive videos on all the basics of cooking. Check back in coming weeks for more how-to lessons from the kitchen.
Steaming is basically the easiest way to cook food. If you have water, a pot, and a basket, you’re good to go. Here are a few tips to follow any time you are steaming food:
Always monitor the level of your water to make sure it doesn’t cook out.
Make sure your lid is secured tightly to keep the steam in.
Make sure your food is in a single layer in the basket to make sure it cooks evenly.
Always pull the lid off the pot away from you to avoid blasting your face with the steam.
The water should produce plenty of steam without bubbling up through the steamer basket, and can be flavored with herbs, spices, or other aromatic seasonings.
Now put your steaming skills to use with this recipe from the A Chef’s Life team.
Lemon and Ginger Steamed Broccoli. (Photo: Rex Miller)
Lemon and Ginger Steamed Broccoli
Makes 4 servings
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 ounces fresh ginger, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons soy sauce, plus more to taste
12 ounces broccoli cut into bite-sized florets (about 4 cups)
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Place the lemon slices, ginger slices, garlic, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce in the bottom of a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Top with the steamer basket. Add water to come up just under the steamer basket. The broccoli should not touch the water.
Arrange the broccoli florets in the basket. Cover the pan. Bring to a boil over high heat. When you hear the water bubbling and see wisps of steam starting to emerge from the pot, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green, about 5 minutes.
Carefully remove the lid and the steamer basket. Pour the broccoli into a serving bowl. Sprinkle with sesame oil, soy sauce, and sesame seeds; toss gently to coat. Serve warm.
Video Credits
Produced by Markay Media/Deep Run Productions
Featuring Vivian Howard
Culinary Producer Sheri Castle
Music by Sara Bell
More of Vivian Howard of Yahoo Food:
Vivian Howard Makes Tempura Fried Okra With Ranch Ice Cream
