Steaming is a popular way of cooking, which calls for moist heat to be emitted in the cooking process. The heat generated by boiling water that vaporizes into steam is used. The water boils at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the highest recommended temperature for steaming. There are different cooking types which can be made using steaming. Some of these types of cooking include sauteing, baking, stewing, frying, broiling and roasting.
Steaming can make your dishes tender and moist. Cooked food gets less chewy and crunchy when cooked using steaming methods. As a result, more nutrients from the foods are released because of steaming. You can use this cooking liquid as a replacement for water while cooking. When you cook your food with this method, you do not need to use any cooking liquids or oils which usually moisten the dishes.
Steaming pans and pots do not take much time. When you purchase one, you can immediately begin cooking. If you wish to bake using a steamer, you just fill the container with enough steaming water for the amount of food that you want to cook. Make sure to add enough water so that the items like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage can easily absorb water. Fill the container of your steam food with baking soda for the promotion of baking. You can also add baking powder or sugar to improve the taste and texture of the pan.
A Chinese wok is used to make steaming dishes. You should have a good quality wok which is very thick so that its heat can be maintained properly. A wok which is thin may burn the food is heated on a high heat. To avoid this, always place your pot of soup or main course in a wok which is slightly thicker.
Boiling is another cooking method for which steaming is often wrongly called. In cooking, boiling water is used for some items that need direct heat, such as vegetables. Steamers are used for other cooking which needs moist heat, such as stew or soup. Boiling is a kind of cooking in which food is cooked without direct heat from the burner.
You can also use steaming for cooking vegetables. After washing them, cut them into small pieces. Add some salt to give them a mild flavor. Then add them to the steamer. Cover and let them stay in there for about 15 minutes. You will then be able to enjoy the tenderizing goodness of steamed greens in your salads or wraps.