Steaming Beef

Like braising and stewing, steaming is a moist heat cooking method that results in tender and flavorful beef through the use of steam. Unlike braising and stewing, the meat is not actually placed in water, but is suspended above it. The meat is placed on a rack which is placed inside a pan of boiling water. The rack allows the beef to be suspended above the water level. Special baskets are also available which fit within a saucepan. The cooking process is the same with both types of equipment: as the water boils, the steam rises and surrounds the meat with heat and moisture, cooking the meat until it is tender.

Although steaming is more often used as a cooking method for fish, chicken, or pork, it is occasionally used as a method to cook beef. It is one of the most healthy cooking methods because no additional fat is necessary to cook the meat. The meat retains most of the beneficial nutrients because they do not leach out as is the case when meat is placed directly in water. Steaming is often used for various Asian recipes.