Perhaps I don’t pay enough attention to commercials, but I was aware of a store brand of microwave steamer bags long before I knew about the national brands. It was about a year ago and I thought they were so clever, but I didn’t remember to buy any till recently.
The concept is the same as those bags of microwavable spinach, using pouches that somehow, without adding water, produce steam for healthful cooking and without any mess. They cost approximately 30-35¢ each, depending on the brand, the size, the quantity and the store.
Do they work? Yes. But you don’t just fill a bag, seal it and nuke it.
They can only be filled halfway because the bag will expand in the microwave. I put 10 ounces of carrots in a 1-quart bag, not reaching the fill line, and could have added a few more. At this point I was briefly on my own; there is a cooking time chart on the box but it does not list carrots so I took my cue from broccoli and corn and went for five minutes on full (700w) power. Inexplicably, except for salmon there is no time given for fish, one of the best foods to steam, but it does provide a time for steaks. Yes, steamed steak. It sounds about as appetizing as broiled milk.
When the five minutes were up the bag was puffed and without knowing if the carrots were done, I did as instructed and let them sit for a few minutes. Just leave the bag in the microwave (unless you need to photograph it) because I guarantee you it will be very hot, and I have asbestos fingers. The instructions do say to use mitts. I did not.
As I looked at it I could smell the carrots but thought, Hmph. Plenty of condensation — as if by magic — but steam? When I opened the pouch, steam fogged up the lens and I had to wait to take the photo.
The carrots were crisp-tender, more on the crisp side, but like most foods cooked in the microwave they continued to cook on the counter. By the time the steam was gone they were the way I like them.
Pros: Easy and convenient. They encourage cooking by steaming. No clean up. They work. I will buy them again.
Cons: One time use. More costly per use than plastic wrap. Insufficient cooking chart.
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this seems wasteful . . . for the cost of a few boxes of these plastic bags you could buy a glass dish with a lid that could do the same thing.
I agree, which is why I listed the Cons that I did. Their convenience and performance, though, can’t be denied.
And the glass dish and lid would have to washed, which means soap, hot water and energy use, two of which literally go down the drain. I don’t think there’s a perfect solution, unforunately.
I have been wondering about these. Your review is very helpful. Thanks!
I’m glad to hear it!
I saw these on the sale rack at Target today. I guess no one is buying them. I still steam veggies on the stovetop. I got my microwave last April and I’m still not using it very much – melting chocolate, popping popcorn and cooking hotdogs in the bun.
Melting chocolate and butter are the two things I do most often in the nuker. I do love it for corn on the cob.
I think these bags will be handiest when I’m making a big dinner and all 4 burners are occupied, but I also like the every day convenience.
Ahh, I was sucked in by those commercials. I love the ease of Broccoli Wokly (poke the bag with a fork, then microwave). I still might try this. Not on steak though. I wonder how asparagus would go.
I think asparagus would be fine. I tried one with corn on the cob — nuking is my favorite way to make just a few ears and the plate they’re on has to be tightly sealed with plastic wrap — and the bags are perfect for that. Don’t even bother to hull the corn, everything slips right off after nuking.
I love Broccoli Wokly in cole slaw!
I have to say I love these. One thing I have found is how easy it is to bag my lunch now. I cut up chicken and put it into a small dish then throw whatever veggies i want into the steamer bag. The next day I take them to work throw the chicken in and wala you have veggies and protein all in about 5 minutes. These are saving my wastline and my heart health.
I love that idea, Melini! Another benefit is money saved by not going out to lunch or grabbing something from a shop. It more than offsets the cost of the bags.
Great stuff, thank you!