How to Steam Vegetables in a Stainless Steel Steamer Insert
By RACO Australia | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: ハウツーガイド
Learn how to use a steamer insert for crisp, evenly cooked vegetables. Simple steps for a stainless steel universal steamer, including timing and common mistakes.
Quick answer
To steam vegetables in a stainless steel steamer insert, add water to the pot, bring it to a simmer, place the vegetables in the insert, cover with a lid, and cook until tender-crisp. Use the times below as a starting point and check early.
Why a universal steamer insert works on any cooktop
A stainless steel universal steamer insert sits inside your existing pot, so you don’t need a dedicated steamer. The RACO Steel Essentials Universal Steamer fits 16, 18, and 20cm pots, making it a flexible choice for different batch sizes. Because the insert is stainless steel, it works on induction, gas, electric, and ceramic cooktops—the pot does the heating, not the insert itself.
Water level and pot size: the details that prevent problems
The water should be below the base of the steamer insert so vegetables steam rather than boil. For a 16cm pot, use about 2cm of water; for 18–20cm pots, 2–3cm is enough. Always check that the water doesn’t touch the insert’s base once it’s simmering. If you’re using a pot that’s too wide for the insert, the lid may not seal properly and steam will escape, slowing cooking.
Step-by-step: steaming vegetables in a steamer insert
- Prep the pot and water: Place the steamer insert in a pot that matches its size. Add water until it sits just below the insert’s base—about 2cm for a 16cm pot, 2–3cm for 18–20cm pots. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Check the water level: if it touches the insert, vegetables will boil instead of steam.
- Prepare vegetables evenly: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Rinse and shake off excess water—wet vegetables create more steam but can also water down the flavour. Don’t overcrowd: leave space between pieces so steam can circulate.
- Load the insert: Arrange vegetables in a single layer in the insert. If you need to stack them, place denser vegetables (like carrots) at the bottom and quicker-cooking ones (like spinach) on top. Keep the lid nearby—steam escapes quickly once the insert is loaded.
- Cover and start timing: Put the lid on the pot and start timing once the water returns to a simmer. Use the guide below as a starting point, but check doneness a minute or two early. Set a timer—don’t rely on visual cues alone, as steam can hide the vegetables.
- Check for doneness: Lift the lid away from you to avoid a steam burn. Pierce a thick piece with a knife—it should slide in easily but still meet slight resistance. For crisp-tender vegetables, remove them when they’re just tender. If vegetables aren’t done, replace the lid and continue checking every minute.
- Remove and serve: Carefully lift the insert out using oven mitts or the insert’s handles. Tilt it slightly to drain excess water, then transfer vegetables to a serving dish. Season immediately. Don’t leave vegetables sitting in the insert—they’ll keep cooking from residual heat.
Product facts
- RACO Steel Essentials Stainless Steel Universal Steamer With Lid 16/18/20cm: Fits 16, 18, and 20cm pots. You can use one insert with different pot sizes, so you don’t need to buy separate steamers for small or large batches.
RACO Steel Essentials Stainless Steel Universal Steamer With Lid 16/18/20cm
