Steaming is a fantastic cooking technique that retains nutrients and flavors while keeping meals light and healthy. It’s simple to do, and you can prepare a complete meal using just this method. Here are three diverse examples to inspire your next meal prep!
This meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and when paired with asparagus and quinoa, you have a balanced, nutritious meal.
To prepare, first, rinse 1 cup of quinoa and add it to a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy. Meanwhile, season two salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Place them in a steaming basket over simmering water. Add trimmed asparagus spears next to the salmon. Cover and steam for about 10 minutes until the salmon is opaque and the asparagus is tender yet crisp. Serve the salmon and asparagus over a bed of fluffy quinoa for a complete meal.
This Asian-inspired meal is not only delightful but also a fun way to explore homemade dumplings. Perfect for a cozy weekend dinner!
Start by preparing the dumplings: mix 1 cup of finely chopped vegetables (like carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms) with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Place about a tablespoon of filling in the center of dumpling wrappers, fold and seal them carefully. In a separate pot, rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice and cook it according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, fill a steaming pot with water and place the dumplings inside the steaming basket, leaving space between them to prevent sticking. Steam for about 15 minutes until the wrappers are translucent. For the bok choy, cut one head in half and steam it for the last 5 minutes alongside the dumplings. Serve the dumplings with a side of bok choy and jasmine rice for a delicious meal.
This classic dish is a family favorite and is easy to prepare using steaming techniques. It’s a wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Begin by marinating 2 chicken breasts in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes. While the chicken is marinating, cook 1 cup of brown rice according to package instructions. In a steaming basket, place the marinated chicken and a bunch of broccoli florets. Steam for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender. Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of brown rice, with the steamed broccoli on the side.
With these examples of preparing a complete meal using steaming, you can enjoy delicious, healthy food without the fuss. Happy cooking!