Basic Steamer Recipe (2024)

A steamer is a hot milk-based drink that's flavored and sweetened with syrup. While it's very popular in coffee shops, this basic steamer recipe will show you how easy it is to make at home. You can create steamers in many flavors and use non-dairy milk to create soy or other vegan steamers. This recipe makes one serving, but it can easily be adjusted to make a larger quantity.

To make a steamer, you will need to steam milk. If you have an espresso machine, the frothing wand makes this a quick and easy task. However, a full machine is not required because you can also steam milk on the stovetop with a whisk or milk frother. Another low-tech option is to shake warm milk in a Mason jar for about a minute. With either of these options, you want to avoid scalding the milk, so use gentle heat and be patient. You also won't get the superfine bubbles that a frothing wand creates, but the drink will be just as enjoyable.

By switching out the flavored syrup, your steamer can take on different characteristics. Popular steamer flavors include caramel, Irish cream, mint, chocolate, and vanilla. If you're making a fruit-flavored steamer, add the milk gradually to avoid curdling or add vanilla syrup along with it to prevent curdling. If you want to reduce your sugar intake, use a sugar-free flavored syrup. While you can buy flavored syrup, it's also simple to make many syrups at home, which offer even more customization options for your steamers.

Unless the syrup you use includes caffeine, the steamer is a caffeine-free drink. This makes it an excellent choice for a comforting evening beverage, and they're a delightful alternative to coffee or tea any time of day.

"This was so easy and so delicious! I prefer a light touch when using flavored syrup, so I only used 2 tablespoons. I love whipped cream, but this steamer was so frothy and creamy that I didn't feel like I needed it." —Diana Andrews

Basic Steamer Recipe (1)

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk, or milk alternative

  • 3 tablespoonsflavored syrup, or to taste

  • Whipped cream, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Basic Steamer Recipe (2)

  2. Using a frothing steam wand or on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a frothing wand , steam the milk or milk alternative.

    Basic Steamer Recipe (3)

  3. Add the flavored syrup into the bottom of a large mug or cup. Pour the steamed milk into the glass and stir the drink, if needed. Add the whipped cream, if using, and enjoy!

    Basic Steamer Recipe (4)

Tip

  • For the syrup, 3 tablespoons is equal to 1 1/2 ounces, or three squirts from a Torani dispenser. You can also use the syrup manufacturer's recommended quantity.

Recipe Variation

  • Skip the dairy milk and use your favorite milk alternative, such assoy milkor almond milk.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
287Calories
5g Fat
57g Carbs
8g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories287
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g6%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 150mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 57g21%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Total Sugars 57g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 0mg2%
Calcium 301mg23%
Iron 2mg13%
Potassium 380mg8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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Basic Steamer Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What foods are good in a steamer? ›

Here's a list of different types of food that can be steamed:
  • Vegetables - Broccoli, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, asparagus, and more.
  • Fish - Salmon, tilapia, cod, trout, and more.
  • Dumplings - Shumai, har gow, pork buns, and more.
  • Rice - Jasmine, basmati, and other varieties.
  • Eggs - Soft-boiled or hard-boiled.
Jun 8, 2023

What can I cook in a 3 tier steamer? ›

EK5254WW 3 Tier Steamer Recipes
  • Salmon Teriyaki Bowl.
  • Salmon with Salsa Verde.
  • Simple Egg Fried Rice.
  • Spicy Prawn and Butternut Squash Rice with Basil.
  • Steamed Spring Vegetables.

What to use if you don't have a steamer? ›

Colander Method

If you have a heat-safe colander, you can place it inside a large, lidded pot to create a steamer. If you're steaming small items, use the perforated bowl to contain the ingredients. If you're steaming larger foods like corn on the cob or lobsters, flip it over and arrange the foods atop it.

What is the easiest way to make steam? ›

Steam is very easy to make. Put water in a pot over a fire and you will have steam, without electricity or elaborate machinery. Making pressurized steam is a little harder, as you need a pressure vessel of some sort.

What liquid do you put in a steamer? ›

Overall, distilled water is one of the best types of water to use in clothing steamers. In fact, you'll find that many clothing steamers out there specifically call for the use of this form of water because it increases the steamer's durability and performance.

Is a steamer worth it cooking? ›

Locks in Nutrients - Using a steamer offers numerous benefits that elevate both the taste and nutritional value of your meals. Unlike traditional cooking methods that often strip away essential vitamins and minerals, steaming preserves nutrients, ensuring your food retains its health benefits.

What meat can I cook in a steamer? ›

All Types of Meat

White meat, like chicken and turkey, and red meat, like beef and pork, are fair game. While you may not have originally considered steaming some of these meats, steam requires little oil, so your meat is healthier, and often cooks quicker than traditional methods. It's a great option to try!

Can you cook anything in a steamer? ›

Anything that can be cooked in boiling water can be cooked by steam, which means that you can make a perfect midwinter midweek dinner right now, completely in your steamer, and it takes less than half an hour.

What should you not use a steamer on? ›

What NOT to Clean with Steam Cleaners
  • Anything that can be damaged due to heat exposure, such as water-based paint and cardboard.
  • Porous surfaces, such as stucco, brick, and marble.
  • Large industrial spaces and food plants.
  • Large areas of carpet.
  • Delicate items, such as silks, thin plastics, and velour upholstery.
Aug 3, 2020

How to steam on a stove top? ›

Place about an inch of water in the bottom of a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Place the steamer basket in the pot. It should sit comfortably above the water without touching it. Place the food inside the steaming basket and put the lid on top of the pot.

How do you make natural steam? ›

Equipment
  1. Mix the dried herbs in a large bowl and add 3–5 drops of essential oils if desired.
  2. Pour boiling water over the mixture and place the bowl on a table.
  3. Place the towel over your head and enjoy the soothing herbal steam for 5 – 10 minutes.

What material can be used for steaming? ›

Equipment for Steaming

As a material, bamboo absorbs condensation and prevents water from dripping down on the food—which is great for delicate dumplings and desserts. Stainless steel tiered baskets also work well, and are great for steaming up hefty and most robust proteins.

How to steam clothes at home without a steamer? ›

Here's what you should do:
  1. Place the garment in the dryer.
  2. Add a damp, but not soaking wet, towel. This addition will create steam and help release the wrinkles. ...
  3. Put the dryer on a high setting for five to 10 minutes.
  4. Remove the item as soon as the cycle is finished, or it will wrinkle again.
Jan 29, 2024

How to steam your face without a steamer? ›

Here's how to make your own facial steamer:
  1. Boil water. Using a kettle will make the next step easier.
  2. Add to the bowl. Transfer the boiled water to a heatproof bowl, preferably glass or ceramic.
  3. Get a towel. Make sure the towel is large enough to surround both your head and the bowl.
  4. Start steaming. ...
  5. Set a timer.
Aug 8, 2022

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