Steaming is a common method for preparing vegetables. Steaming allows home cooks to prepare vegetables without adding oil. The steaming process also requires little supervision, so it frees a cook to attend to other kitchen tasks. Steaming broccoli and carrots, two of the most commonly-consumed vegetables in America, is a relatively simple task that can be accomplished using a few different kitchen tools.
Stovetop Steaming
Place a metal vegetable steamer basket inside a cooking pot so that the basket is suspended by its rim.
Fill the pot with water until it reaches just below the bottom of the steamer basket. Place the pot on the stove.
Fill the basket with cut broccoli and carrot pieces. Turn the heat to medium-high. Place the lid over the steamer basket and bring the water to a simmer. Steam the carrots and broccoli for 12 to 15 minutes.
Microwave Steaming
Fill the bottom of a microwave steamer basket with water. Do not fill past the level of the vegetable rack inside the basket.
Place broccoli and carrot pieces on the vegetable rack inside the basket. Snap the lid on top.
Place the microwave steamer basket in the microwave. Microwave it on high until the broccoli and carrots are tender, typically about five to eight minutes.
Electric Steamer
Fill the inner ring of the electric steamer basket with water, according to the manufacturer's directions.
Place carrots and broccoli pieces in the removable steamer basket. Place the basket in the steamer and set the lid in place.
Plug in the electric steamer. If it has a power switch, turn the switch on. Steam until the vegetables are tender. Steaming broccoli and carrots in an electric steamer typically takes about 16 to 22 minutes.