How to Master Your Kitchen

For the next installment of my How to Master Your Kitchen series, I am talking about a metal steamer. Check out the previous installments about a zester, food processor, dutch ovenstand mixer.

Why am I doing this series? I believe that knowing how to use kitchen tools properly is important and will help you make better food. Knowing how to master your kitchen is like your job, you must have certain appliances to help you do your job better and kitchen tools are the same. This series is about knowledge and then hopefully help you realize that cooking isn't all that bad, it is just about knowing how to use your tools properly.
steam it up


I use a metal steamer rather than have another huge appliance. A metal steamer is the cheaper alternative and it takes up less space in your kitchen. I don't know about you but my kitchen doesn't need another appliance taking up room in my cupboards or counter. 
How do you use a metal steamer? It needs a pot it can fit in, you place the steamer in the pot, fill the bottom with some water and put whatever you want to steam in the steamer. Usually, I steam frozen veggies ie corn and peas for our dinner. 
The nice thing about these steamers is they are pretty easy to clean. If you are using the bamboo steamer, the bottom left, you should put some parchment paper, lettuce leaves or grease the steamer so the food won't stick. Just don't ever put your bamboo steamer in the dishwasher, you will be buying a new bamboo steamer.

Other ways you can use your steamer is to refresh day old bread or rolls. Put the bread into the steamer and steam it for about 5 minutes. You can also steam fish or meats which helps to preserve minerals and vitamines, plus it is a healthy cooking method. A bamboo steamer can be used to heat up tortillas before you make burritos or tacos. Steaming the tortillas will make them pliable so when you fold them, they won't break in the center. You can also use a steamer for tamales, only smaller quantities of tamales though.

Any other uses for a steamer?

17 comments:

Alissa said...

Yes! I love steaming vegetables! Is it weird that I just think some steamers are gorgeous too?

Jen said...

Steamers are great for little kids food. When my little one was close to age 1 he ate soft, steamed veggies cut up.

Ann said...

Thanks for this post
very useful and informative.
I never steamed bread before.

Sam said...

I have a steamer but have to admit I have never used it. Might need to pull it out and try!

Heather said...

This is definitely a great tool! We love our metal steamer.

Heather said...

P.S. I love the idea of using it to refresh bread and rolls. I'll have to try that!

Kelly said...

I absolutely LOVE steamers!

xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

Sarah said...

So funny you mention these this week! I forgot about some veggies I was steaming, okay that's not true, I got side tracked cooking the other 3 meals I was cooking at the same time, and it ran out of water and then things got bad and everything had to get thrown away...darn. I keep forgetting to buy another one. Must get one soon...it's just not the same when I went to cook my broccoli and I just put in a little water and just let the water boil/steam it...just not the same!

Richelle Lynn Garn said...

Haha! I also use mine as a colander to strain my noodles. I love my steamer. It makes easy quick meals for me in a flash. I love this series by the way. I really love reading these!

alissa {33shadesofgreen} said...

Great post Meg. I have a metal steamer basket but somehow always forget to use it!

Stephanie said...

How have I never heard of these!? SO AWESOME!

Erika said...

Wow, didn't even think about using my steamer to refresh day old bread. Thanks for the tip!

Sarah Alway said...

Hmmmm... I never thought about getting a metal steamer! I wonder if I would use it...

Susannah said...

I've never used a steamer before but you've made me really want to try one out!

Jane said...

I totally use a metal steamer as well. I loove it, especially for steaming vegetables!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

I need a steamer really bad! Not sure how I don't have one yet.

birdie to be said...

Love these.. I use the generic metal one.