I don’t know about you, but as much as I do enjoy cooking, it’s far less enjoyable when I’m short on time. Sometimes, even when meals have a really short cook time, the preparation of a plethora of ingredients in addition to the task of chopping things (I have a hate/ hate relationship with knives in the kitchen) AND the clean up, burn so much time that sometimes meals aren’t as fast as I wish they were.
To top it off, I’m starting to eat heavier meals more in the middle of the day at the recommendation of my doctor, and stopping everything between one and three in the afternoon to prepare a dinner-like meal is not my favorite thing in the world to do.
Ok…so…. let me introduce you to the device that has changed cooking for me….an electric steamer. I noticed it’s the super cool thing for models on Instagram to use, and I finally bought one like good ol’ product placement convinces you to do, and I’m here to report it’s worth every dollar. It’s already saved my husband and I from grabbing lunch or dinner in our neighborhood a few times.
My favorite thing about using an electric steamer is that you can push a button and not focus on cooking like using a stove top, or even the oven. I typically work out or go to yoga in the mid morning to afternoon, and I come home, set up the steamer, and by the time I’m finished showering and knocking out a thing or two on the list, my food is ready. It’s forgiving: getting to the steamer before the water runs out, or the veggies are soggy, is way less focus than getting to the oven before you burn down your apartment.
I bought a large one on Amazon because I typically cook for two, but a small one is probably better for individuals, or anyone who lives in a small city apartment. My one regret with going larger is that it is a bulky appliance to store in apartment with limited cabinet space.
I’ve always eaten a lot of raw veggies, but adding steamed veggies to the variety is a welcome addition to the rotation. Steaming veggies, chicken, fish and eggs is great because you don’t need to use oil to cook your food, if you’re lowering your calories or fat intake. Steaming also brings out a wonderful sweetness to vegetables and moisture to chicken and fish. Sometimes, for a snack I’ll steam a cup of broccoli, carrots or asparagus and it really hits the spot.
Honestly, if you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to eat healthy, this meal idea is for you! I know the recipe itself isn’t overly impressive, but I know I go through Pinterest looking for meal ideas for the week and sometimes simple is what you’re looking for.
Lemon Pepper Steamed Salmon and Veggies
Ingredients
- 4 oz Fresh or Frozen Salmon Fillet
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning (without salt)
- 2 slices lemon
- 2 tsp Crushed Black Pepper
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 zucchini
- 1 cup asparagus
- 1/4 cup broccoli
Instructions
- 1) Place salmon fillet on the lower rack of the electric steamer. Season with lemon slices, crushed black pepper, and salt.2) Place veggies on the top rack of the electric steamer and set aside. 3) Follow the cook time recommendations for your brand steamer. Mine was about 25 minutes for frozen salmon fillets, not thawed, and the recommendation for most of the vegetables was between 14 and 18 minutes. I cook the fish for the first 14 minutes and add the top rack of the steamer with the vegetables for the last 10. If you prefer the veggies be cooked through, you can remove from the steamer and set aside to cool for the last 6 minutes or so.*Note calories are estimates based on a 4 oz serving of salmon.
