Tasty boiled crawfish, barbecue, and beer on a wooden table with vegetables and all the hot sauce you could dream of? Yes, please! That’s the beauty of cooking with a steamer: everything is easier than you might think.
When it comes to Southern Louisiana cooking, nothing compares to the mouthwatering dishes created with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether it's a juicy crawfish boil or a perfectly fried fish fillet, High Performance Cookers has you covered with top-of-the-line cooking equipment.
The commercial seafood boiler is one of the most versatile and underappreciated tools in our arsenal. Based near New Orleans, our cookers are designed with a love for the Southern lifestyle, crabbing, fishing, camping, and outdoor adventures. For anyone wondering what to cook in a steamer, this guide offers practical ideas for everyday meals and special gatherings.
Steam cooking is not just about vegetables. With our steam cookers at High Performance Cookers, the possibilities are endless. From seafood to desserts, a steamer can handle a wide array of dishes, making cooking in steamer setups useful for far more than simple sides. If you are new to cooking in steamer equipment, start with foods that benefit from gentle heat, steady moisture, and simple seasoning.
Using high-pressure steam to cook food can preserve nutrients and flavors that are lost in other cooking methods. Plus, it's a healthier cooking method, making it a win-win for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet while indulging in delicious Southern cuisine. It also helps answer the common question, what foods can you cook in a steamer, with options that go well beyond the basics. From seafood and vegetables to rice, eggs, and desserts, the list of what you can steam is broader than many home cooks and foodservice teams expect.
Nothing captures the essence of Louisiana better than freshly caught seafood. Using our steam cookers, you can effortlessly prepare an array of seafood dishes that will leave your guests craving more. These ideas also work beautifully for Cajun steamer recipes that bring bold Southern flavor to the table.
Crawfish is the heart and soul of Louisiana, and steaming them is a less messy and equally delightful way to enjoy this local delicacy. Place the cleaned crawfish in your steam cooker, add some spices, and let the steam do its magic.
The result? Juicy, flavorful crawfish that peel easily, perfect for a backyard cookout or an impromptu get-together. For extra depth, season them with Cajun seasoning before steaming. When people ask what to cook in a steamer for a Louisiana-style gathering, crawfish is one of the most flavorful places to start.
Whether you like your shrimp as an entrée or a part of a larger dish like gumbo, steaming shrimp is a quick and foolproof method. Steam them with Old Bay seasoning, garlic, and lemon for a burst of flavor.
Serve them hot with cocktail sauce or incorporate them into a shrimp salad for a refreshing summer dish. Seafood is one of the best options to steam when you want something fast, flavorful, and easy to serve.
Clams and mussels are incredibly easy to prepare in a steam cooker. Add a bit of white wine, garlic, and herbs to the water before steaming, and within minutes, you'll have a gourmet dish that rivals any high-end restaurant.
They make for an impressive yet straightforward appetizer that's perfect for entertaining. This is where cooking in steamer equipment shines, giving you restaurant-quality texture with less hands-on effort.
Steamed vegetables are perhaps the most common use for steam cookers, but they are anything but ordinary when prepared correctly. The key is to use fresh, seasonal produce and add flavor using simple ingredients. If you are comparing which foods you can cook in a steamer for healthy sides, vegetables are still one of the easiest and most reliable choices.
Steaming asparagus maintains its bright green color and crunch. Pair it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a nutritious side dish. This pairs excellently with grilled fish or a hearty steak, balancing the meal perfectly.
Corn on the cob is a staple of summer barbecues, and steaming it provides the perfect tenderness without boiling out the sweet corn flavor. Consider adding a twist by sprinkling Cajun seasoning and a little melted butter before serving.
Bell peppers and onions are excellent additions to any dish, from fajitas to pasta. Steaming them in our high-performance steamer softens them while maintaining their rich colors and robust flavors.
Mix them with steamed sausage slices for an easy yet satisfying meal. For those asking what you can cook in a food steamer, you really can’t go wrong with vegetables, sausage, and your favorite seasonings. That same simple combination is also a helpful answer to what can you cook in a food steamer when you need a quick meal with minimal prep.
While steaming may not be the first method that comes to mind for cooking proteins, it can yield surprisingly excellent results. The key is to use high-quality meat and season it well before steaming.
Chicken breasts can often turn out dry and bland when baked or grilled. Steaming them, however, keeps them moist and juicy. Marinate the chicken beforehand to infuse it with flavor. Steam it until fully cooked, and serve with a side of freshly steamed vegetables or use it to top a salad.
Yes, you read that right.
Pork chops can be steamed to tender perfection. Rub them with a blend of your favorite spices or even a little brown sugar for a touch of sweetness. The result is a succulent dish that pairs well with steamed green beans or mashed potatoes. For cooks wondering what to cook in a steamer beyond seafood, pork chops offer a surprisingly tender and satisfying option.
Sausages are incredibly versatile. Steaming them ensures that they remain juicy while eliminating some of the fat. Once steamed, they can be quickly seared on a grill or pan to add a bit of char and extra flavor. Serve them in a bun with some steamed onions and peppers for a quick and delicious meal.
Steaming is an excellent method for cooking grains and starches, maintaining their texture and nutritional value. It is another reason cooking in steamer equipment is helpful for building complete meals, not just side dishes.
Perfectly cooked rice can sometimes be elusive. Steaming rice ensures that you get a fluffy, evenly cooked result every time. Use it as a base for your favorite stir-fry or soak up the delicious juices from a steamed seafood platter.
Quinoa is a versatile grain that is becoming increasingly popular due to its high protein content. Steaming quinoa results in a light, fluffy texture that's perfect for salads or as a side dish. Add some chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing.
From sweet potatoes to baby reds, steaming is an efficient way to cook potatoes evenly without losing their flavor and nutrients. You can season them with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil.
Once steamed, they can be smashed and roasted briefly to add a crispy exterior. Grains and potatoes are great examples of what you can steam when you want a filling base for seafood, sausage, or vegetables.
Steaming isn't just for lunch and dinner! It's also an efficient way to prepare a healthy breakfast, especially when you're on the go.
Steaming eggs might sound unconventional, but it yields perfectly cooked eggs, whether you prefer them soft-boiled, hard-boiled, or poached. Steamed eggs are easier to peel and make for a convenient snack or addition to salads and sandwiches.
Steaming oatmeal ensures a creamy, well-cooked result every time. Add some sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon before steaming for a sweet and hearty breakfast. It's perfect for early-morning fishing trips or camping adventures.
Believe it or not, a steamer can also be your secret weapon for mouthwatering desserts. This is one of the most surprising aspects of cooking in a steamer because the gentle heat helps retain moisture. When exploring what you can cook in a food steamer, desserts can be an unexpected but crowd-pleasing category.
A traditional cheesecake baked in the oven can sometimes crack or become too dry. Steaming your cheesecake ensures an unparalleled smooth, creamy texture. Use a graham cracker crust and top with fresh berries for a delectable treat.
Bread pudding is a Southern staple. Steaming it can make it even more indulgent. The steam moistens the pudding and melts the flavors together perfectly. Serve it with a bourbon sauce, and perhaps a splash of bourbon in your glass, for that quintessential Louisiana touch.
Steaming fruits, from pears to apples, brings out their natural sweetness and makes them incredibly soft. Top steamed fruits with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an easy yet impressive dessert.
Commercial steam cookers are more than just a tool for preparing vegetables. They are versatile devices that can handle a wide range of culinary tasks. From the day's fresh catch to decadent desserts, a steam cooker can help you create healthy, flavorful meals that capture the essence of Southern Louisiana cooking.
With the right setup, cooking in steamer equipment can simplify prep and help you deliver consistent results across a full menu.
Whether you're hosting a sports tailgate, planning a beach picnic, serving guests at state fairs, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, a steam cooker from High Performance Cookers will ensure that you're prepared for any culinary challenge.
Ready to elevate your Southern cooking game? Explore our range of steam cookers and multifunctional cooking equipment. Browse more Southern-inspired recipes and join us in celebrating Louisiana's rich culinary heritage, one delicious dish at a time. Whether you are still deciding what to cook in a steamer or planning a full seafood spread, the right equipment makes every meal easier.
Jay Meral is a businessman, writer, and cook. He has been married to his wife, Rhonda, for over 27 years and is a proud father to his three kids. A lifelong entrepreneur, Jay discovered his passion for outdoor cooking through entertaining family and friends. That passion led him to the Tunnel Tube Cooker, where he saw the potential to transform the industry. Investing in the technology, he launched High Performance Cookers and has since grown the brand to new levels and expanded to different markets. Always striving to improve, Jay’s ultimate goal is to produce the highest quality products that every customer will be proud to own.
