How to Use a Steamer Basket
Author: Hamlet Fort | December 11, 2025 | Time to read: 7 min
Steaming is one of those kitchen techniques that feels almost too simple — a pan, a little water, a lid — and yet it quietly delivers some of the most tender vegetables, soft dumplings, and delicate fish you can make at home. It’s gentle, low-effort, and doesn’t require oil, which makes it as wellness-minded as it is weeknight-friendly.
So, how do you use a steamer basket? In short: Add a small amount of water to a pan, place the basket above the waterline, bring it to a simmer, add your food, and cover until tender. Below, we’ll walk through each step, break down the different types of steamer baskets, and share the small technique details that make steaming consistently reliable.
What a Steamer Basket Does (and Why It Works)
A steamer basket keeps food lifted above simmering water so it cooks in the hot vapour — not directly in boiling liquid. That moist heat circulates around ingredients at roughly 100°C, gently cooking them while preserving texture, colour, and nutrients.
There are a few common types you’ll see in home kitchens:
Stainless steel steamer baskets, which usually collapse or expand to fit different pans
Silicone steamer baskets, flexible and easy to clean
Bamboo steamers, a hallmark of many Asian cooking traditions, perfect for dumplings and buns
Regardless of the material, the concept stays the same: food sits above water, steam builds beneath the lid, and everything cooks evenly. If you’re steaming inside ceramic non-stick cookware, keep the heat at a low to medium simmer for safe, long-lasting performance.
How to Use a Steamer Basket (Step-by-Step)
Add water to the pan.
Around 2–3 cm is enough — you want the water below the basket so the food steams rather than boils.Place the steamer basket inside.
Make sure it sits above the waterline without touching the liquid.Bring the water to a gentle simmer.
A hard boil can be too harsh for delicate foods and isn’t ideal for ceramic-coated cookware on the hob.Arrange your food in a single layer.
Crowding prevents even circulation.Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
This traps steam and speeds up cooking.Steam until tender.
Cooking times vary depending on the ingredient.Check the water level halfway through.
Top up with a splash of hot water if needed — don’t let the pan boil dry.
You can use any pot that comfortably fits your basket: a stockpot, a deep saucepan like our Always Pan, which comes with its own stainless steel steamer basket.
How to Use Different Types of Steamer Baskets
Stainless Steel Steamer Basket
Stainless steel baskets are adjustable, durable, and ideal for everyday vegetables. Let the water reach a gentle simmer before adding your ingredients, and keep the flame (or heat setting) just below the base when cooking in ceramic non-stick cookware.
Silicone Steamer Basket
Silicone baskets are flexible and naturally non-stick, great for oddly shaped foods or delicate items like fish. Just avoid placing them directly on a hot surface — they’re meant to sit above the water, not on the base of the pan.
Bamboo Steamer Basket
Bamboo steamers excel at dumplings, buns, and quick-cooking greens. Line the baskets with parchment or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking, and stack the layers to cook multiple foods at once.
Bamboo steamers come in many sizes, and options like our Single Spruce Steamers are designed to sit neatly over a pan or pot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding too much water — this turns steaming into boiling.
Letting the pan run dry — always top up if needed.
Overcrowding — steam must circulate freely.
Lifting the lid repeatedly — it releases heat and slows everything down.
Using high heat with ceramic non-stick cookware — keep it at a low to medium simmer for safety and longevity.
What to Steam (and Approximate Cooking Times)
A few quick benchmarks:
Leafy greens: 2–3 minutes
Broccoli or cauliflower florets: 5–6 minutes
Carrots or potatoes: 10–15 minutes
Fish fillets: 6–8 minutes
Dumplings or buns: 8–12 minutes
(Recipes like steamed rose buns show how beautifully soft and fluffy steamed dough can become.)
Once you understand how quickly different foods cook, you can mix and match — steaming greens while warming dumplings, for example.
Conclusion
Steaming is an easy, gentle technique that fits seamlessly into everyday cooking. With just a little water and a well-fitted basket, you can create flavourful, tender dishes with almost no clean-up. Whether you reach for a stainless steel insert, a silicone basket, or a bamboo steamer, the method stays simple and the results are consistently rewarding.
If you’re ready to try it in your own kitchen, you can explore bamboo-style options like our spruce steamers or browse more cooking how-tos for inspiration.
FAQs
How much water should I use in a steamer basket?
About 2–3 cm — just enough to sit below the basket without touching the food.
Can I steam in a non-stick pan?
Yes, as long as you keep the heat to a gentle simmer and avoid letting the pan boil dry.
Do I need to preheat the steamer basket?
No — place the basket in before simmering. It warms quickly once covere
Can I stack foods when steaming?
In bamboo steamers, yes. For stainless steel or silicone baskets, keep to a single layer for even cooking.
What’s the difference between bamboo and stainless steel steamer baskets?
Stainless steel and silicone baskets are adjustable and great for everyday vegetables; bamboo steamers are ideal for buns, dumplings, and layered cooking thanks to their breathable design.
