How To Steam Vegetables In The Microwave | Health Guide

How To Steam Vegetables In The Microwave

Steaming vegetables in the microwave is a quick and healthy way to cook veggies. This guide will teach you how to steam vegetables in the microwave for perfectly steam broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, and more in just minutes using your microwave.

With just a microwave-safe bowl, a small amount of water, and a few minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy tender-crisp vegetables anytime. Microwave steaming locks in nutrients that boiling can deplete. It’s an easy side dish that goes great with any meal.

Keep reading to learn the basics of microwave steaming, the best vegetables to steam, cook times, and tips for reheating leftovers. Soon you’ll be a pro at steaming veggies in the microwave!

How Does Microwave Steaming Work?

Microwave steaming is simple. You only need a few supplies:

• Microwave-safe bowl
• Microwave-safe plastic wrap or lid
• Water
• Vegetables

Place cut vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Cook on high for a few minutes, allowing the steam to evenly cook the vegetables.

The steam and trapped heat steam the vegetables, so you don’t need to fully submerge them like you would for boiling. Just a tablespoon or two of water is enough to create steam.

Best Vegetables to Microwave Steam

Almost any vegetable can be steamed in the microwave. Some of the best options include:

Broccoli:

Broccoli cooks quickly and evenly when steamed in the microwave. Cut into florets and steam for 3-5 minutes depending on the amount.

Green Beans

Trim ends and steam whole green beans for about 5 minutes. The tender-crisp beans make an easy side dish.

Cauliflower

Break cauliflower into florets and microwave steam for 5-7 minutes depending on the amount. Sprinkle with spices after cooking.

Carrots

Slice carrots diagonally and microwave steam for 4-6 minutes until tender crisp. Toss with butter or spices.

Asparagus

Trim woody ends and stand spears up in a microwave-safe dish with water. Cover and steam for 3-5 minutes.

Corn on the Cob

Microwave shucked corn for 3-4 minutes per ear. The corn cooks evenly when steamed.

Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Carrot Mix

Mix broccoli, cauliflower, and sliced carrots with water. Steam for 5-7 minutes for quick veggie medley.

Frozen Vegetables

Steam frozen veggies like green beans, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower right in the bag for an easy side. Follow package directions.

Leafy Greens

Delicate leafy greens like spinach and kale steam in just a minute or two. Don’t overcook.

Step-By-Step Guide to Steaming Vegetables in the Microwave

Follow these simple steps for foolproof microwave-steamed vegetables:

• Wash and prep vegetables by trimming, peeling, or chopping into pieces. Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Place vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl. Glass or ceramic bowls work best.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons water. The amount of water depends on the amount of vegetables. You want just enough to create steam without boiling the vegetables.
• Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. Make sure to leave a vent for steam to escape.
• Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, checking often. Cook times vary based on the vegetable and amount you’re steaming. Leafy greens take just 1-2 minutes while dense veggies need longer.
• Carefully remove from microwave when vegetables are tender and crisp. Allow the steam to escape before uncovering fully.
• Fluff with a fork and serve vegetables immediately. Toss with olive oil, spices, Parmesan, or other favorite seasonings.
• Refrigerate leftovers. Reheat steamed vegetables loosely covered for 30-60 seconds to retain texture.

Microwave Steaming Tips

Add seasonings after cooking so flavors aren’t lost in steaming. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.

• Arrange vegetables in a single layer so they cook evenly. Denser vegetables on the outer edges.
• Add a minute or two to the cooking time if you’re steaming a lot of vegetables. Check frequently.
• Use a low microwave power setting (50%) for tender vegetables like asparagus or spinach.
• Allow at least 1-2 inches of headspace for the steam to circulate and cook vegetables.
• Cut vegetables into uniform-sized pieces so they cook in the same amount of time.
• Don’t add too much water or the vegetables will boil instead of steaming. Start with 1-2 tablespoons water.
• Reheating steamed vegetables? Use a lower power and cook for less time to retain texture.

Microwave Steaming vs. Stovetop Steaming

While stovetop steaming makes tender, flavorful vegetables, it takes special equipment and more time. With microwave steaming, all you need is a microwave-safe bowl and a few minutes to steam fresh or frozen vegetables. It steams vegetables 2-3x faster than stovetop steaming.

However, stovetop steaming allows you to steam larger batches of vegetables at once. And many people prefer the flavor of stovetop steamed veggies.

For a quick weeknight side dish, microwave steaming can’t be beat. But for larger batches or more complex flavors, use the stovetop steamer. Either way, steaming vegetables is healthier than boiling or sautéing.

More Quick and Easy Microwave Vegetable Recipes

The microwave isn’t just for steaming! Put your microwave to work with these fast and healthy vegetable recipes:

• Microwave “baked” potatoes – Pierce potatoes, microwave for 5 minutes per potato, flip and cook for 5 more minutes.
• Microwave corn on the cob – Cook shucked corn for 3-4 minutes per ear with a little water in the microwave.
• Microwave roasted vegetables – Toss vegetables in oil and spices, spread on a plate, and microwave for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave veggie frittata – Whisk eggs with veggies and microwave in a greased mug for 2-3 minutes.
• Microwave ratatouille – Sauté onion, pepper, zucchini, and eggplant, then combine with canned tomatoes and microwave for 5 minutes.
• Microwave creamed spinach – Microwave leaves for 2 minutes, then puree with cream cheese, milk, and seasonings.

The microwave makes cooking vegetables so fast and easy on busy weeknights. In just 5 minutes or less, you can have perfectly steamed fresh or frozen vegetables on the table.

Follow this simple guide for quick microwave steaming success! From broccoli and cauliflower to carrots and green beans, you’ll have tender crisp veggies that are delicious and nutritious.

FAQs 

How do I steam vegetables in the microwave?

To steam vegetables in the microwave, you can follow these steps:

What are some easy and tasty recipes for steaming vegetables in the microwave?

Here are a few recipes you can try:

Can I steam all types of vegetables in the microwave?

Yes, you can steam most types of vegetables in the microwave.

Do I need to add water when steaming vegetables in the microwave?

Yes, adding a tablespoon of water is recommended to create steam.

How long does it take to steam vegetables in the microwave?

The cooking time may vary depending on the type of vegetable and the desired level of tenderness, but generally, it takes around 3-5 minutes.

Can I use a steamer basket in the microwave?

Yes, you can use a microwave-safe steamer basket to steam vegetables in the microwave.

Are there any specific instructions for steaming green beans in the microwave?

To steam green beans in the microwave, you can follow the same steps as for other vegetables.

Is it possible to steam vegetables in a microwave using a microwave-safe bag?

Yes, you can steam vegetables in a microwave-safe bag designed for steaming.

Can I reheat steamed vegetables in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat steamed vegetables in the microwave. Just make sure to cover them with a microwave-safe lid or wrap them in a microwave-safe cover.

Is steaming vegetables in the microwave a healthy cooking method?

Yes, steaming vegetables in the microwave is considered a healthy cooking method as it helps to retain the nutrients and natural flavors of the vegetables.