Steaming is a great cooking method if you want to work more vegetables into your diet: It helps keep veggies crisp and flavorful while softening them enough for easy eating.

However, not everyone has a steamer basket to get their vegetables steamed to perfection.

Luckily, a variety of alternatives can work as substitutes if you've misplaced your steamer basket or never got around to purchasing one.

1. Microwaving

The first steamer basket substitute: the microwave. This method works well for firm vegetables, like carrots and broccoli, and is quick and easy to execute. Place the vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl with roughly one tablespoon of water. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate, and cook on high for about three minutes to start. The overall cooking time will vary depending on the amount and type of vegetables, so you'll want to check on them every few minutes until the vegetables are appropriately cooked. Drain any leftover water.

2. Tinfoil

The tinfoil steaming method is pretty innovative and replicates the steamer basket well. Add a half-inch of water to the bottom of a pot along with three balls of tinfoil. Place a heat-resistant plate on top of the foil balls, cover the whole contraption with a lid, and bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the vegetables to the plate and recover with the lid. This method works for pretty much every variety of vegetable. Like the microwave method, you'll want to keep an eye on the vegetables as they might finish cooking at different times.

3. Steam in Water

This method works like the microwave, but on the stove instead. Add about a half-inch of water to the bottom of a saucepan, and then place your vegetables in the water. Cover the pot with a lid, and bring the water to a boil. Remove the vegetables once they've reached their ideal steamed level. This method works well for firm vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, but it tends to waterlog softer vegetables. Also, it takes way longer than just microwaving a bowl of vegetables in water.

4. Metal Strainer or Colander

The closest replacement to a steamer basket is a metal strainer or colander. Place the strainer over a pot of water with the water level lower than the bottom of the strainer. Cover with a lid, and bring the water to a boil. This method can take a while to get the vegetables properly cooked if the lid doesn't fit completely over the strainer, making lots of steam escape. If you're willing to wait it out, you'll end up with delicious, perfectly steamed veggies of all varieties.

5. Metal Cooling Rack

The metal cooling rack trick is great for the oven. Add water to a large pot, a Dutch oven ideally, and place the cooling rack with vegetables on top. Add tin foil over the whole thing to trap the steam. Put the pot-rack-veg-foil contraption in the oven at 200 degrees until appropriately steamed. Again, the time will depend on the type and number of vegetables. This method, while time-consuming, does yield excellent results for most types of vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steaming Vegetables Without a Steamer

What can you use instead of a vegetable steamer? 

Instead of a steamer basket, you can use a metal strainer, colander or even a plate on top of a saucepan with an inch of water to steam vegetables without a steamer. A large pot with a lid works perfectly to trap steam and cook vegetables like broccoli into a healthy side dish on the stovetop.

How do you steam vegetables on the stove? 

To steam vegetables without a steamer on the stove, fill a pot with enough water—about an inch of water—bring the water to a boil, then add the vegetables like broccoli florets and cover the pot until they’re crisp-tender. This way to steam vegetables uses a saucepan or large pot to keep steam from escaping, ensuring a perfect steamed result in just 8 minutes.

What's the best way to steam broccoli if you don’t have a steamer? 

The best way to steam broccoli without a steamer basket is to place broccoli florets in a saucepan with a 1-inch water level, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover for a crisp-tender texture. Season with kosher salt and black pepper after steaming for a delicious side dish, avoiding the need for a collapsible steamer.

What are the four methods of steaming?

The four methods of steaming include using a steamer basket, a microwave with a microwave-safe bowl, a stovetop setup with a pot for steaming and water to a simmer, or an improvised strainer over a large pot to steam vegetables without extra tools. Each way to steam veggies, like frozen vegetables or broccoli, keeps them healthy—just add enough water and watch the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

What is the healthiest way to steam vegetables?

The healthiest way to steam vegetables without a steamer is to use a saucepan with simmering water and a metal strainer or aluminum foil to lift vegetables like broccoli above the bottom of the pan, preserving nutrients without added fats. This step-by-step method ensures vegetables are healthy, delivering steamed veggies as a healthy side dish—season with kosher salt or a drizzle of oil for flavor.