| Instead of a steamer | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Metal colander or sieve | Rest in a pot, lid on | Veg, dumplings, like a basket |
| Plate on a trivet / foil balls | Raise it above the water, cover | Fish, buns on a plate |
| Upturned bowl + plate | Bowl holds the plate up | Anything on a dish |
| Microwave + covered bowl | Splash of water, cover | Fast vegetables |
What to Use Instead of a Steamer
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Set a metal colander or a heatproof plate on a small trivet inside a lidded pot with an inch or two (3-5 cm) of simmering water, and you have a steamer — the food just needs to sit above the water, covered. A few balls of foil or a couple of crossed chopsticks can hold a plate up in a pinch.