Going vegan may seem daunting, but the truth is there are endless options when it comes to plant-based foods. One delicious and healthy way to enjoy vegan meals is by cooking with a steamer. Steaming vegetables and grains can help retain their natural flavors, colors, and nutrients. If you’re looking for some tasty and easy vegan steamer recipes, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of mouth-watering vegan steamer recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling nourished.
What is Steaming?
Steaming is a healthy cooking method that involves the use of steam to cook food. It is a cooking technique that is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in China, Japan, and Korea. Steaming is an excellent option for those who want to preserve the nutrients in their food while cooking.
The Benefits of Steaming
Steaming is a fantastic way to cook vegetables, fish, and other foods as it helps to preserve the nutrients in the food. Unlike boiling, which can dissolve the vitamins and minerals in the food, steaming retains the nutrients. Steaming is also a low-fat cooking method as it doesn’t require the use of oil or fat. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake or who are following a plant-based diet.
- Preserves Nutrients: As mentioned earlier, steaming helps to preserve the nutrients in the food, making it a great option for health-conscious individuals.
- Doesn’t Require Oil: Unlike frying, which requires the use of oil or fat, steaming is a low-fat cooking method as it doesn’t require the use of any oil.
- Retains the Flavor: Steaming helps to retain the flavor of the food, making it an ideal option for those who want to savor the natural flavors of the food.
- Easy to Cook: Steaming is one of the easiest cooking methods as it requires minimal preparation. All you need to do is place the food in the steamer and wait for it to cook.
Why Choose Vegan Steaming?
When it comes to cooking, vegan steaming is an excellent cooking method that is gaining popularity not only among vegans but also people keen on healthy, nutrient-rich foods. Steaming food retains the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that would otherwise be lost through other cooking methods such as boiling, frying, or grilling. Besides keeping all the crucial ingredients of your dish intact, here are a few reasons why vegan steaming is an excellent choice for you.
Healthy Option
Choosing a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy, particularly when it comes to eating habits. However, with vegan steaming, you can rest assured that you’re eating a healthy and nutritious meal. Steaming helps to lock in the essential vitamins and minerals in your food, ensuring that your body reaps all the nutritional benefits. Also, it reduces the need for oils and fats, allowing you to maintain your calorie intake while enjoying a tasty and satisfying meal.
Preserves Flavor and Texture
One of the best things about vegan steaming is that it preserves the natural flavors and textures of your food. Unlike other forms of cooking that may distort or alter the taste of your dish, steaming locks in all the flavors, making each bite enjoyable and delicious. It provides the same cooking effect as boiling, but with a slight difference as you won’t lose the taste and texture. So, whether you’re cooking vegetables or tofu, you can be confident that you’ll be able to enjoy a satisfying meal.
Retains Nutrients
The nutrient content of food is essential since our bodies require specific vitamins and minerals to perform optimally. Vegan steaming preserves all the nutrients found in vegetables, fruits, and other vegan ingredients. Conversely, boiling, sautéing, or frying eliminates many essential nutrients, making it difficult to acquire all the necessary elements from the same meal. Besides aiding your body, retaining essential nutrients in your meals also helps with digestion, keeping you healthier.
Easy and Convenient
Vegan steaming is among the easiest cooking methods, considering it only needs water and a steamer pot. This makes it highly convenient for anyone, regardless of cooking skills. Additionally, steaming doesn’t require a lot of attention once you’ve set up your ingredients. This gives you time to focus on other household tasks or just take a relaxing break.
Versatile Preparation
Finally, vegan steaming is highly versatile since it allows you to experiment with different vegan ingredients in your meals. From vegetables to grains, to tofu and seitan, vegan steaming allows you to prepare a range of meals in various ways. You can add spices, herbs, and other vegan ingredients to enhance the flavor of your food. Ultimately, this makes it one of the best cooking methods for anyone looking to adopt a vegan lifestyle or seeking to include more vegan options in their diet.
Top Vegan Steamer Recipes
If you’re looking for healthy vegan meals, then steaming your food is a great option. Steaming preserves the nutrients and flavors of the food without adding any unnecessary oils or fats. Here are some top vegan steamer recipes to satisfy your cravings:
Steamed Veggies
Steaming vegetables is a classic and straightforward way to enjoy your favorite veggies. You can steam any vegetable you like, from broccoli and cauliflower to sweet potatoes and carrots. You can also add some herbs, spices, and lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Here is a list of some of the best vegetables to steam:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Asparagus
- Snap peas
Steamed Tofu
Tofu is a great source of protein for vegans, and steaming it is a healthy and tasty way to enjoy it. You can serve it with some steamed veggies or brown rice for a complete meal. Here is a simple recipe for steamed tofu:
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
Instructions:
- Remove the tofu from its package, and wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to remove the excess water.
- Cut the tofu into small cubes and place them in a steamer basket.
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce or tamari, garlic, ginger, and green onions.
- Pour the mixture over the tofu cubes and toss them to coat evenly.
- Add some water to the steamer and steam the tofu for about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the tofu from the steamer and drizzle the sesame oil over the tofu before serving.
Steamed Dumplings
Dumplings are a popular Chinese dish that can be made with various fillings. You can find frozen vegan dumplings at Asian grocery stores, or you can make them from scratch.
| Ingredients: | Dough: | Filling: |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup of all-purpose flour | 1 cup of mushrooms, chopped | |
| 1/2 cup of warm water | 1 cup of cabbage, chopped | |
| 1/8 teaspoon of salt | 1/2 cup of carrots, chopped | |
| 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil | 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped | |
| 1 tablespoon of soy sauce | ||
| 1 teaspoon of grated ginger | ||
| 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder | ||
| 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper | ||
| 1 tablespoon of cornstarch | ||
| 1 tablespoon of water |
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, warm water, and salt to form the dough. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, green onions, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper to form the filling.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a paste.
- Roll out the dough into a long cylinder, and cut it into small pieces.
- Roll each piece into a small circle, and add a spoonful of filling in the center.
- Brush the edges of the circle with the cornstarch paste and fold it in half, making sure to seal the edges tightly.
- Place the dumplings in a steamer basket and steam them for about 10-12 minutes.
- Serve the dumplings with some soy sauce or tamari dipping sauce.
Benefits of Steaming Vegetables
Steaming vegetables is a great way to maintain their nutritional value, texture, and overall flavor. Here are some benefits of steaming vegetables:
Retains More Nutrients
When vegetables are cooked in boiling water or fried in oil, they lose some of their essential vitamins and minerals. Steaming, on the other hand, uses minimal water and does not require any added oil. This cooking method helps preserve important nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants.
Improves Texture
Vegetables that are overcooked and mushy are not very appealing. Steaming vegetables can help maintain their texture while also making them tender enough to enjoy. The heat from the steam softens the vegetables gently and evenly, resulting in a perfect texture every time.
Enhances Flavor
Steaming vegetables locks in their natural flavor while adding a subtle, fresh taste. This cooking method doesn’t mask the vegetables’ inherent taste like frying or baking does. By steaming, vegetables remain the star of the dish with their flavors shining through.
Reduces Risk of Overcooking
Steaming vegetables is a great way to ensure they are cooked to perfection without overdoing it. Unlike boiling or frying, you don’t have to worry about the vegetables getting soggy or burnt. The steam circulates around the vegetables, cooking them uniformly and gently. Once they are cooked to your liking, you can remove them from the steamer and stop the cooking process altogether.
How to Use a Steamer Basket
If you are looking for healthy, vegan cooking methods that retain the natural flavors and nutrients of your foods, then using a steamer basket is an excellent option. This simple kitchen tool can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains, and even some proteins. Below we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to use a steamer basket to cook your favorite vegan recipes to perfection.
Step 1: Choose Your Steamer Basket
There are different types of steamer baskets available on the market, and you may choose from one made from bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone. A bamboo steamer is best for cooking vegetables, while a stainless steel or silicone steamer is ideal for grains and proteins. Choose the steamer basket that best fits your cooking needs and preferences.
Step 2: Fill Your Steamer Basket with Water
Fill a pot with a few inches of water and place the steamer basket on top, making sure that the water level is below the steamer’s bottom. If your steamer has multiple layers, make sure to place each layer on top of the other and fill with water as needed.
Step 3: Prepare Your Food
While the water is heating up, prepare the food that you want to steam. You can chop vegetables, dice fruits, or leave grains and proteins in their original form. It is crucial to make sure that the food you will cook in the steamer basket is washed and cleaned thoroughly.
Step 4: Place Your Food in the Steamer Basket
Once the water has started boiling, place the food in the steamer basket. Remember to space the food out to ensure proper cooking, and avoid overcrowding. It is also essential to ensure that the steam can flow around every piece of food. Cover with the lid that comes with the steamer basket.
Step 5: Monitor Cooking Time and Steam Levels
You’ll need to monitor the cooking time and steam levels closely, as overcooking might lead to mushy food, and undercooking can make the food too hard or chewy. Different foods require different cooking times and steam levels. A good rule of thumb is to start with 5-10 minutes of cooking time and adjust as needed. Also, make sure that the water levels are not running low during cooking.
Final Thoughts
Using a steamer basket is an excellent way of cooking a variety of vegan foods without losing their natural flavors and nutrition. With proper use, this affordable kitchen tool can help you create healthy and delicious meals to enjoy at any time of the day. Whether you steam vegetables, grains, or proteins, you will be able to enjoy your favorite vegan recipes to their fullest with a steamer basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to vegan cooking or steaming vegetables, you might have some questions about how to use a steamer and how to get the best results. Here are some common questions and answers related to vegan steamer recipes:
How do I clean a steamer basket?
Cleaning your steamer basket is an important step to ensure that your food stays clean and free from any bacteria. To clean your steamer basket, start by soaking it in hot soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub it clean. Rinse the basket well and let it air dry before using it again.
How long do I need to steam veggies?
The answer to this question depends on the type of vegetable you are steaming and how soft or crisp you prefer them. Generally, most vegetables only need to be steamed for 5 to 8 minutes. However, denser vegetables like potatoes or root vegetables may take longer (up to 20 minutes). Try checking your veggies with a fork or knife after a few minutes to see if they’re done to your liking.
Do I need to put water in the steamer?
Yes, you will need to put water in your steamer to create steam. Follow the instructions for your steamer to determine the right amount of water to add (usually between 1 and 2 inches). Keep an eye on the water level as you cook and add more as needed.
Can I cook grains in a steamer?
Yes, you can cook grains like rice or quinoa in a steamer for a quick and easy side dish. Simply rinse your grains and add them to the steamer basket with the appropriate amount of water or broth. Cook for the recommended amount of time (usually 20 to 30 minutes for rice) and enjoy!
Can I add seasoning to my veggies while they’re steaming?
Yes, you can add seasoning to your veggies while they’re steaming. Try adding herbs, spices, or a drizzle of olive oil to your vegetables before steaming to infuse them with more flavor.
Can I use a steamer to cook frozen veggies?
Absolutely! Steaming is a great way to cook frozen veggies quickly and easily. Simply add your frozen veggies to the steamer basket and follow the instructions for cooking fresh vegetables of the same type.
Time to Steam Your Veggies And Eat Delicious Vegan Food
Thanks for tuning in and learning about our favorite vegan steamer recipes. We hope this has given you great ideas for your next meal. Don’t forget that eating vegan food is not only delicious, but it also promotes a healthy lifestyle. Your body will thank you for it. Keep coming back for more informative and lifelike articles that will help you in your vegan journey. Bon appétit!