
Steaming Asparagus
Steaming is an easy and healthy way to cook food. Steaming food is healthy because the food comes out moist and tender with no added fats. Steaming gently cooks food quickly which helps preserve vitamins, as well as, the original color taste and smell of the food. You can steam food in water, broth wine or any liquid. You can also add garlic, lemon, lime or any herbs to the liquid for additional flavor.
Basic steaming instructions are:
Pour enough water (or other liquid) to cover the bottom of a saucepan with about 1/2 inch of water. The water should be just below the steaming basket without touching it. Never fill water above the steaming basket. Turn the heat on the stove. When the water begins to boil, add the food, cover and reduce the temperature. Cook for the recommended time.
Approximate cooking times:
Fresh Vegetables:
artichokes 18-20 min.
asparagus 8-12 min.
string beans 7-10 min.
sliced beets 6-8 min.
broccoli 6-8 min.
brussels sprouts 12-14
quartered cabbage 10-15 min. or chopped 6-8 min.
sliced carrots 6-8 min.
cauliflower 12-15 min.
celery 8-10
corn-on-the-cob 5-6 min.
sliced bell peppers 6-9 min.
small whole onions 6-8 min.
fresh peas 6-8 min.
small whole potatoes 14-18 min.
fresh spinach 8-10 min.
sliced tomatoes 4-5 min.
sliced zucchini 5-7 min.
Fish and Seafood
clams 6-9 min.
most fish 8-10 min.
lobster tails 5-7 min.
oysters 6-9 min.
shrimp 5-7 min.
Poultry
With bone 25-30 min.
boneless skinless pieces 8-10 min.
Pour enough water (or other liquid) to cover the bottom of a saucepan with about 1/2 inch of water. The water should be just below the steaming basket without touching it. Never fill water above the steaming basket. Turn the heat on the stove. When the water begins to boil, add the food, cover and reduce the temperature. Cook for the recommended time.
Approximate cooking times:
Fresh Vegetables:
artichokes 18-20 min.
asparagus 8-12 min.
string beans 7-10 min.
sliced beets 6-8 min.
broccoli 6-8 min.
brussels sprouts 12-14
quartered cabbage 10-15 min. or chopped 6-8 min.
sliced carrots 6-8 min.
cauliflower 12-15 min.
celery 8-10
corn-on-the-cob 5-6 min.
sliced bell peppers 6-9 min.
small whole onions 6-8 min.
fresh peas 6-8 min.
small whole potatoes 14-18 min.
fresh spinach 8-10 min.
sliced tomatoes 4-5 min.
sliced zucchini 5-7 min.
Fish and Seafood
clams 6-9 min.
most fish 8-10 min.
lobster tails 5-7 min.
oysters 6-9 min.
shrimp 5-7 min.
Poultry
With bone 25-30 min.
boneless skinless pieces 8-10 min.