Steaming is a simple cooking method using steam from boiling water to cook the food. Most Chinese foods, loved by many people the world over; are cooked using this method such as fish, pork, seafood and beef dumplings, steamed fish and rice, and simple desserts. Food tastes as natural without the addition of fatty oils but just salt and spices for seasoning. It is considered the healthiest way to cook food as the nutrients are not washed away with the water used for cooking but is trapped in the container where it is cooked. Similar to the use of other microwave bakeware, cooking is easy with the use of a steamer, but it is easiest with the use of microwave vegetable steamer when used for cooking in a microwave oven.
Aside from being healthful, steaming is also the easiest process of cooking food. Meat, fish or veggies are cut to desired pieces and just placed in the steamer and it is done in just under thirty minutes depending on the size of the cut food pieces. When these are steamed with the use of microwave vegetable steamer, food is cooked with less effort in less time. It is equipped with steam-release vent that is opened when cooking food. It has a base where a removable tray is held for steaming the vegetables. These are versatile unbreakable steamers that are freezer-safe and microwave oven-safe. It is also safe to use in the dishwasher.
Other steamers have lids with a vent for releasing off steam. It has a removable trivet that can be raised when steaming vegetables. It contains gemstone that transmits microwave energy efficiently to the food for even cooking, and allows less stirring and rotating making the food appear natural, in good appearance and appetizing. It is durable and never chips, melts and warps and is safe for oven, freezer and dishwasher use. Some steamers are made of microwaveable white plastic with clear lid where foods that are cooked can be clearly seen.
Some steamers are equipped with an adjustable vent that controls steam and holds 1 quart food capacity. Others are made to cook two dishes at a time with its 2 tier feature but fits in most microwave oven units. Some allows for healthy cooking because nutrients in vegetables are retained with steaming, perfect for those on a vegetarian diet. Steam cooking is the easiest method of cooking food but the best process for those who are on vegetarian diet or those who want to eat for good health.