Customer Reviews

Lekue 34003 Silicone Steamer

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That's what you'll need with this product.
I tried steaming fish in the bottom and frozen corn in the top. After 45 minutes the corn was still frozen and the fish was done. I then had to remove the lower section to cook the corn (20 more minutes).
Also I've tried a couple different pots and they all release enough steam out the side that you end up with a lake on your stove.

I knew two types of steamers before founding that one: the metallic, foldable, kind, and the Chinese bamboo steamers. The foldable ones are great for veggies, but because the surface is not flat, you can't really steam fish. The bamboo kind, which are usually two story high, are good for both veggies and fish, but can't be put in the dishwasher.

So this one seemed to have the best of both world: flat surfaces, two stories, and dishwasher-safe. Unfortunately, it's just too small for steaming fish: while the diameter of the whole thing is 9.2'', the usable part is only 7'' in diameter. That means you'll have to cut your piece of fish into at least two to arrange them on the surface. Not good.

I'm returning it.

I really wanted a steamer to make authentic-style sushi and other rices, but the bamboo steamers usually sold in stores allow rice to pass right through (plus they're made in China). I decided to give this one a try as I LOVE all of my other Lekue items and it's pure silicone made in Spain.

Rice takes a while to cook in this on the stove top, as do frozen vegetables. But since we're in winter, I really don't mind the extra steam. I find the steamer sits too low in my small cast iron pot so I prop it up on two stainless steel chop sticks. It cooked basmati and sushi rices to perfection, even though it took around an hour. Frozen veggies take a little while too, certainly longer than in the microwave, but they taste very fresh and delicious when steamed so it's worth the wait.

This also cooks GREAT in the microwave. I normally stay away from the microwave, but when I need some quick rice I can use this and get rice in about 10 minutes. I use my Lekue round cake pan, fill it with around a 1/2" of water, and set the steamer right in it. Then I pop it in the microwave in 3 minute or so intervals, stirring between. Before the last few minutes of cooking, I take it out and rinse the rice right in the steamer, drain it, stir it, and put it back in the microwave by itself (without the water in the cake pan). Then I finish cooking it, fluff and serve. It works, though the rice can be too sticky or too dry sometimes so I do prefer to steam it. Frozen veggies don't need water, just put them in the steamer with lid, pop in the microwave, and you'll have pretty good cooked veggies in just a few minutes.

It's also the best popcorn popper! Microwave popcorn bags have a nasty chemical in them, so this is a great healthy alternative. I spray a little canola oil on the inside of the steamer and put a single layer of popcorn kernels. Then just put on the lid, hit the popcorn setting on the microwave, listen for the pops and POOF! Fantastic popcorn!