Steaming vegetables is not a tough job and it becomes even easier when steaming in a microwave. Steamed vegetables are soft in texture and become tender enough to stir-fry quickly and eat. The method of steaming vegetables in a microwave will be discussed in the following article. You just need to place them in a bowl and cover it up with a thin layer of water and cook them on high until they are softened.
1. Preparing to steam vegetables in the microwave;
Pull the box of vegetables out of your refrigerator and set it on your counter to thaw. This will take a few hours depending on the density of the frozen vegetables. If you have less time in hand you can soak the veggies in warm water for 30 minutes.
In case you are streaming fresh vegetables, you don’t need to freeze them and they are ready to be washed.
Now wash your vegetables. Make sure all the veggies are largely cleaned and lightly rinsed as well. You can hold each vegetable under your kitchen tap and wash them with lukewarm water. You can also use a kitchen scrubbing bad to remove excess dirt from the vegetables. If you are using frozen and packaged vegetables, they don’t necessarily need to be washed as they are cleaned and cut before they’re packed.
It’s time to cut the vegetables into serving sizes. Use a sharp knife and a chopping board to give your veggies your desired size but try not to keep the chunks more than 2 inches long. Chopped veggies tend to get steamed more quickly than whole vegetables. If you are using multiple vegetables, try to cut them roughly into the same size.
2. Placing in a bowl to steam vegetables in the microwave;
Place the chopped vegetables into a large bowl and arrange them in such a way that they are spread into a single layer at the bottom of the bowl. Use a glass baking pan or a microwave-safe bowl. Avoid thin plastic bowls. If you have more vegetables that can be spread in a single layer, divide them into separate batches.
Now add a thin layer of water. You have to pour in enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl. The amount of water needs to be small as the veggies will be cooked with the steam produced by the water once it is heated. If you are using leafy and thin vegetables like spinach, they won’t need more than 5 ml of water. Thicker veggies like carrots, and potatoes will need a more substantial layer of water.
Now wrap the bowl with a plastic sheet and spread it over the top of your bowl. It is needed so that the built-up steam does not pop the plastic wrap. Leave a corner of the bowl uncovered. If you don’t want to use a plastic sheet, you can use a large porcelain, ceramic, or stoneware plate as a substitute.
3. Steam vegetables in the microwave;
Put your covered bowl of veggies inside the microwave, and alter your microwave’s settings so it’s set to “high”. Set the time for two minutes and let it run. The actual time depends on the number of veggies you are steaming and also on the thickness or density of the individual vegetable chunks.
When the time is up and you take out the bowl, you have to test it first to check if the veggies are steamed properly. If you find them still firm or uncooked, use a fork to turn the veggie pieces over in the bowl and place them back in the microwave. Now set the timer for four minutes and check again. If they are still not cooked as desired then steam them for another four minutes. You have to keep repeating this process until they are properly steamed and cooked.
You can determine if your veggies are properly cooked by poking them with a fork. They should be easily pierced at this stage by the tines. The texture of the veggies should be tender and they should be moist. If all these points are fine, you are good to go. Now you can either serve them steamedly or start preparing for your recipe.
Summary;
Wash your vegetables. Make sure all the veggies are largely cleaned and lightly rinsed as well. Use a sharp knife and a chopping board to give your veggies your desired size but try not to keep the chunks more than 2 inches long. Place the chopped vegetables into a large bowl and add a thin layer of water. Now wrap the bowl with a plastic sheet and spread it over the top of your bowl. Put your covered bowl of veggies inside the microwave, and alter your microwave’s settings so it’s set to “high”. When the time is up and you take out the bowl, you have to test it first to check if the veggies are steamed properly. You have to keep repeating this process until they are properly steamed and cooked.
Read More: Homemade Mushy Peas Recipe
