Steaming vegetables preserves the vibrant colors, flavors, and, most importantly, the essential nutrients. Unlike boiling, which can lead to nutrient loss as vitamins and minerals leach into the water, steaming ensures that these valuable nutrients stay locked in the vegetables.  

So, as you savor the vibrant colors and flavors of these dishes, you can also relish the knowledge that you're getting the maximum nutritional benefit from every bite.  

Need some inspo? Try these three delicious steamed vegetable dishes: 

Garlic Lemon Broccoli: 

Ingredients 

• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• Zest of 1 lemon 
• Juice of 1 lemon 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions 

• Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. 
• In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. 
• Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. 
• Once the broccoli is done steaming, transfer it to a serving dish and drizzle with the garlic lemon sauce. 
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss gently to coat. Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavors! 

Ginger Soy Steamed Carrots 

Ingredients 

• 4-5 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds 
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) 
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish) 
• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish) 

Instructions: 

• Place the sliced carrots in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for about 8-10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. 
• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and grated ginger. 
• Once the carrots are done steaming, transfer them to a serving dish and drizzle with the ginger soy sauce. 
• Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added flavor and presentation. 
• Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of savory soy and zesty ginger! 

Herbed Steamed Asparagus 

Ingredients 

• 1 bunch of asparagus, tough ends trimmed 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary), finely chopped 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions 

• Place the trimmed asparagus spears in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp. 
• In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. 
• Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh herbs. 
• Once the asparagus is done steaming, transfer it to a serving dish and drizzle with the herbed olive oil mixture. 
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately and savor the delicate flavors of fresh herbs and tender asparagus.