How to Use a Steamer Basket for Perfect Results Every Time

by Chloe Q · Jul 08, 2025

If you’re looking for a low-effort, healthy way to cook everything from veg to dumplings, a steamer basket might be your new best friend. It seems like a basic kitchen tool but trust us, once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.

Crumble’s ceramic accessories collection includes a range of stainless steel steamer baskets designed to pair perfectly with our ceramic cookware. Together, they make it easy to get steaming right (every time!)

Why Use a Steamer Basket?

Steaming is gentle, quick, and one of the best ways to keep the flavour, texture, and nutrients in your food. There’s no need for extra oil (unless you want it), and cleanup is minimal.

It’s great for:

Bright, crisp vegetables
Dumplings, gyoza and bao
Delicate fish fillets
Reheating leftovers without drying them out

And because Crumble’s steamer baskets are made from 304 stainless steel, they’re durable, rust-resistant, and built to last, whether you’re cooking on gas, induction or electric.

How to Use a Steamer Basket (Without Overthinking It)

You don’t need a benchtop appliance or anything fancy. Just grab a pot or pan with a lid (like Crumble’s Deep Ceramic Frypan) and you’re good to go.

Step 1: Add water

Fill the pan with a few centimetres of water. You want the water below the basket – not touching it.

Step 2: Insert the steamer basket

Pop your steamer basket inside so it sits just above the water. Our 28cm Steamer Basket fits snugly inside the Deep Frypan, while the 20/24cm Multi-Fit Basket works with other ceramic pieces.

Step 3: Load it up

Add your ingredients in a single layer if possible. This helps everything steam evenly.

Step 4: Cover and cook

Put on a lid to trap the steam. Let it cook for a few minutes, depending on what you’re making (see our cheat sheet below).

What Can You Cook in a Steamer Basket?

Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

Broccolini or green beans – 3 to 5 minutes
Fish fillets – 6 to 8 minutes (add lemon or herbs for bonus flavour)
Frozen dumplings – 10 to 12 minutes
Bao or buns – 6 to 8 minutes, using baking paper to stop sticking
Zucchini slices or carrots – 5 to 7 minutes

Tip: Want to add a little flavour? Drop some ginger, garlic or herbs into the water for a gentle infusion as it steams.

Crumble’s steamer baskets fit perfectly inside our ceramic pans!

The Perfect Match: Ceramic + Steam

Our steamer baskets were designed to pair seamlessly with Crumble’s ceramic cookware. The result? A setup that’s sturdy, easy to clean, and ready to go on any cooktop.

Unlike flimsy inserts or plastic steamers, Crumble’s stainless steel baskets are built to handle the heat. Whether you're using gas, electric or induction, they’re a simple add-on that brings extra flexibility to your cookware.

Level up your ceramic cookware with a steamer basket that adds instant versatility.

Which Steamer Basket Is Right for You?

We offer a few sizes and bundles, depending on what you're after:

The 28cm Steamer Basket – perfect for the Deep Frypan
The 20/24cm Multi-Fit Basket – ideal for our smaller saucepans and pots
The Steamer Bundle – for when you want a bit of everything

All are part of our ceramic accessories range, and all are made to slot easily into your kitchen routine.

The Steamer Basket: Small Tool, Big Difference

Steamer baskets are one of those accessories that just make cooking easier. They're compact, multi-use, and give your go-to ceramic cookware a whole new skill set.

Whether you’re prepping quick weeknight dinners or experimenting with dumplings, Crumble’s steamer range makes steaming simple – no learning curve, no special gear, just better meals.

Explore the full ceramic accessories collection to see which steamer setup works best for your kitchen.

Looking for More Kitchen Cookware?

Love Crumble's steamer basket? You might also like these:

Non-stick cookware – Frypans and saucepans that make clean-up easy
Cast iron cookware – Made for cooks who want durability
Casserole pots – Ideal for oven bakes and hearty meals
Knives – From everyday chopping to bread slicing without squish
Ceramic accessories – Handy extras like non-scratch spoons and steamer baskets

Pairs Well With