Steam Cooking Times: 24+ Foods
Steaming cooks food faster than boiling because steam transfers heat more efficiently than water. It also preserves more vitamins - boiling leaches water-soluble nutrients (vitamin C, B vitamins) into the cooking water. The water level should stay below the steamer basket. If water touches the food, you are boiling, not steaming. Bring water to a full boil before adding food, and keep the lid on to trap steam.
Steam Cook Times Chart
| Food ▲ | Temp ? | Time | Safe Temp ? | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artichoke (Steamed) | boiling | 25-40 min | n/a | Vegetables |
| Asparagus | boiling | 3-5 min | n/a | Vegetables |
| Broccoli | boiling | 4-6 min | n/a | Vegetables |
| Broccoli (Steamed) | boiling | 4-6 min | n/a | Vegetables |
| Carrots | boiling | 6-10 min | n/a | Vegetables |
| Carrots (Steamed) | boiling | 6-10 min | n/a | Vegetables |
| Cauliflower | boiling | 5-8 min | n/a | Vegetables |
| Cauliflower (Steamed) | boiling | 5-8 min | n/a | Vegetables |
| Clams | boiling | 5-10 min | 145°F | Seafood |
| Frozen Broccoli | 212°F | 5-7 min | n/a | Frozen Foods |
| Frozen Cauliflower | 212°F | 5-8 min | n/a | Frozen Foods |
| Frozen Dumplings | boiling | 8-12 min | n/a | Frozen Foods |
| Frozen Green Beans | 212°F | 4-6 min | n/a | Frozen Foods |
| Green Beans | boiling | 5-7 min | n/a | Vegetables |
| Green Beans (Steamed) | boiling | 5-7 min | n/a | Vegetables |
| Hard Boiled Eggs | boiling | 12-14 min | 160°F | Eggs |
| Idli (Steamed) | boiling | 10-15 min | n/a | Indian Foods |
| King Crab Legs | boiling | 6-10 min | 145°F | Seafood |
| Lobster Tail | boiling | 8-12 min | 145°F | Seafood |
| Mussels | boiling | 3-7 min | 145°F | Seafood |
| Oysters | boiling | 5-8 min | 145°F | Seafood |
| Snow Crab Legs | boiling | 5-7 min | 145°F | Seafood |
| Soft Boiled Eggs | boiling | 6-8 min | 160°F | Eggs |
| Whole Lobster | boiling | 10-16 min | 145°F | Seafood |
Showing 24 foods. Click column headers to sort. Times are for standard portions at the recommended temperature.
Browse Steam Times by Category
Vegetables (10)
Seafood (7)
Frozen Foods (4)
Indian Foods (1)
Compare Steam to Other Methods
Steam vs Oven
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Steam vs Boil
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Steam vs Air Fryer
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Steam vs Stovetop
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Need to convert temperatures? Use the temperature converteror check the weight-based cooking calculator.