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How to steam vegetables in the microwave
It can be hard to make time for a healthy meal, especially when you’re busy taking care of your family. Thankfully, you can quickly cook a healthy side dish, like green beans, with the help of your microwave. This guide covers how to steam vegetables in the microwave, with step-by-step instructions, timing guidance and tips for fresh and frozen vegetables, so you can get tasty and tender veggies on the table in minutes.
Can you steam vegetables in the microwave?
Yes, you can use your microwave to quickly steam vegetables in minutes. This works for a wide variety of vegetables such as green beans, broccoli and peas. You can also steam vegetables that often take a longer time to cook, such as carrots, beets and turnips. Just be aware that vegetables with a high water content can often become mushy when you steam them in the microwave.
Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to steam vegetables in the microwave.
Steaming vegetables in microwave: a step-by-step guide
You can cook veggies in minutes when you use the following steps to steam vegetables in the microwave. Begin by prepping the vegetables: Wash and chop your vegetables, following the chart provided. Then, place your vegetables in a microwave-safe dish and add water before microwaving. Keep reading for more details on how to steam vegetables in the microwave.
Step 1: Prep the vegetables
Before you can place your vegetables of choice inside your microwave-safe dish, they need to be properly washed and prepped. Wash vegetables with warm water, then cut them into similar-sized pieces. Different vegetables will need to be cut differently to prepare them for microwaving. Use the chart below to learn how to prepare common vegetables to be steamed in the microwave.
How to prepare vegetables for steaming
| Vegetable type | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts | Cut each sprout in half |
| Bok choy | Remove the core and separate leaves |
| Potatoes | Cut into equally sized pieces, peeling is optional |
| Green beans | Trim the ends |
| Broccoli/cauliflower | Cut off florets in 1 in. pieces |
| Zucchini | Slice into ¼ – ½ in. discs |
| Asparagus | Leave whole |
| Spinach | Remove stems |
Step 2: Place in a microwave-safe dish and add water
Once your vegetables have been prepared for steaming, place them in a microwave-safe bowl and add 2-4 tablespoons of water to the bowl. The amount of water you add depends on the portion of vegetables you plan to steam. Larger portions require more water. Cover the bowl of vegetables with either a loose-fitting lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap with punctured holes for ventilation. Using a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap allows for the vegetables to steam themselves, releasing their internal moisture and creating a hot air chamber inside the bowl to rapidly cook the vegetables.
However, be aware that too much water can saturate your dish and ruin your recipe, while not enough water can cause your vegetables to become dry. You’ll want enough liquid that builds up to a boil without evaporating but not so much water that it completely submerges your vegetables.
If you’re using a Whirlpool® Microwave with the Steam Cooking feature, add ½ cup water to the Microwave Steaming Container base, then place your vegetables in the vessel insert and close the lid over the vessel.
Step 3: Microwave your vegetables
How you steam your vegetables in the microwave depends on the type of microwave you’re using. If you’re using a standard microwave, select the appropriate cook time for your chosen vegetable and press start. The total time it takes to steam your vegetables depends on the vegetable, the amount you’re steaming and the microwave wattage.
Stir vegetables halfway through the steaming process to help ensure even cooking. Once the timer goes off, take the cover off immediately (being careful with the hot container to avoid the steam) to avoid overcooking your vegetables. Your vegetables are done when they have a crisp-tender texture and can be easily poked with a fork.
Average vegetable steam times
| Vegetable type | Cook time |
|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts | 6-8 minutes |
| Bok choy | 4-5 minutes |
| Potatoes | 8-10 minutes |
| Green beans | 6-7 minutes |
| Broccoli/cauliflower | 3-4 minutes |
| Zucchini | 3-4 minutes |
| Asparagus | 3 minutes |
| Spinach | 2 minutes |
If you’re using a Whirlpool® Microwave with the Steam Cooking feature, place the steam vessel on the turntable and select the steam cook setting on your microwave’s control panel.
Select the fresh vegetables option when prompted, then press start.
Once the timer goes off, be sure to use oven mitts to remove the steam vessel from the microwave.
- Avoid lifting or removing the lid while the steam vessel is inside the microwave as this can impact the microwave’s steam sensor. Learn more about how to steam vegetables in an oven.
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Steaming vegetables FAQs
Get answers to commonly asked questions about steaming vegetables in the microwave.
What vegetables taste good steamed?
Sturdy vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, zucchini and green beans can be delicious when steamed as they tend to maintain their structure during the steaming process. You can also steam leafy greens like spinach and bok choy to create a tasty side dish for your family’s favorite recipes.
Cooking rice in the microwave can be a great way to easily make a full dinner along with your steamed vegetables. If you steam your rice with your vegetables, the moisture can help infuse the vegetable flavors into the rice, blending the two foods together. Just be sure to time it correctly, as steamed rice often takes longer than steamed vegetables.
Can you steam frozen vegetables in the microwave?
Yes, you can steam frozen vegetables in the microwave without thawing beforehand. Steam the vegetables as you normally would, allowing for extra time due to their frozen state. It may only take a few minutes longer to steam some frozen vegetables versus their fresh counterparts.
How do you prevent vegetables from getting soggy in the microwave?
Avoid steaming vegetables of variable textures at the same time. You may also want to open the microwave regularly throughout the steaming process to check for doneness and keep the portion sizes small to help ensure consistent heating throughout.
How do you know when microwave steamed vegetables are done?
Use a fork to poke your vegetables and see if they are crisp-tender. Keep an eye on the texture and color as well. Mushy vegetables will begin to lose their color and start to fall apart. Vegetables are done when they’re crisp enough to retain their texture.
Explore Whirlpool® Microwaves
Whirlpool® Microwaves are designed to handle more than just reheating leftovers. With select models offering features like Steam Cooking, Sensor Cooking and food-specific presets, you can use your microwave to prepare your family’s favorites.
Whirlpool® Microwaves
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From countertop options to microwave hood combinations, find the right fit for your family with microwaves from Whirlpool brand
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