Steaming times
Steaming times for vegetables and fish, in a steamer basket over a pan of simmering water or in an electric steamer. Steaming keeps more colour and goes soggy less easily than boiling.
Vegetables
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 4–6 min | over simmering water | Lay the spears flat in the basket. |
| Beetroot (beets) Whole, small | 30–40 min | over simmering water | Small whole beetroot, unpeeled. |
| Broad beans (fava beans) | 4–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| Broccoli | 4–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| Tenderstem broccoli (broccolini) | 3–5 min | over simmering water | – |
| Brussels sprouts Whole | 7–9 min | over simmering water | – |
| Butternut squash Cubes | 12–15 min | over simmering water | – |
| Pumpkin | 12–15 min | over simmering water | – |
| Cabbage (green and savoy) Shredded | 5–7 min | over simmering water | – |
| Carrots Sliced or batons | 6–10 min | over simmering water | – |
| Cauliflower Florets | 6–8 min | over simmering water | – |
| Celeriac | 15–20 min | over simmering water | – |
| Corn on the cob | 6–8 min | over simmering water | – |
| Courgettes (zucchini) Slices | 4–5 min | over simmering water | Slices. |
| Green beans | 5–7 min | over simmering water | – |
| Runner beans | 5–7 min | over simmering water | – |
| Kale and cavolo nero | 4–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| Leeks Sliced | 5–7 min | over simmering water | – |
| Mangetout and sugar snap peas | 2–4 min | over simmering water | – |
| Parsnips Chunks | 10–12 min | over simmering water | – |
| Peas | 3–4 min | over simmering water | – |
| Sweet potatoes Cubes | 12–15 min | over simmering water | Peeled cubes. |
| Spinach | 2–3 min | over simmering water | – |
| Swede (rutabaga) | 20–25 min | over simmering water | – |
| Turnips | 12–15 min | over simmering water | – |
| Pak choi (bok choy) | 3–5 min | over simmering water | – |
| Fennel Wedges | 10–12 min | over simmering water | Wedges. |
| Globe artichokes | 30–45 min | over simmering water | Stem side up. |
| Edamame beans | 5–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| Frozen mixed vegetables and sweetcorn | 5–6 min | over simmering water | – |
Potatoes
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiled and mashed potatoes | 20–25 min | over simmering water | Keeps them drier, good for mash. |
| New potatoes | 18–22 min | over simmering water | – |
Fish and seafood
| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salmon fillets | 8–10 min | over simmering water | – |
| Cod and white fish fillets | 8–10 min | over simmering water | – |
| Mussels and clams | 4–5 min | in a covered pan with a splash of wine or water over a high heat | Shake the pan halfway. |
| Lobster and crab | 14–18 min | over boiling water, covered | For 500–750 g. |
Tips
- Keep the water below the basket, at a steady simmer, with the lid on.
- Cut pieces the same size so they finish together, and don’t stack them deeply.
- Add a minute or two for a full basket or larger pieces.
Questions
How long to steam salmon?
8–10 min over simmering water.
How long to steam broccoli?
4–6 min over simmering water.
How long to steam carrots?
Sliced or batons: 6–10 min over simmering water.
How long to steam corn on the cob?
6–8 min over simmering water.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.