How to Steam Vegetables

Step 1

Chop the vegetables into uniform pieces.

Step 2

Place about 1 inch of water in a pot or saucepan. If using a steamer basket without a handle, add it to the pot now: the water surface should be right under the basket. Bring the water to a boil.

Step 3

Once boiling, add the vegetables (in the steamer basket, if it has a handle). Steam with the lid on until crisp tender, taste testing with a fork to assess doneness. Make sure not to overcook! Set a timer and taste at the low end of the timing. Use a guide of: 3 to 5 minutes for broccoli, 4 to 5 minutes for carrots and green beans, and 10 to 12 minutes for cauliflower.

Step 4

Carefully remove the vegetables to a bowl. Toss with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’d like, add other flavors like dried or fresh herbs, spices, fresh lemon juice, or chopped herbs.