# 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.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## Vegetables

Vegetables: steaming times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Asparagus](https://feastflow.co.uk/asparagus-cooking-times) | 4–6 min | over simmering water | Lay the spears flat in the basket. |
| [Beetroot (beets)](https://feastflow.co.uk/beetroot-cooking-times) (Whole, small) | 30–40 min | over simmering water | Small whole beetroot, unpeeled. |
| [Broad beans (fava beans)](https://feastflow.co.uk/broad-beans-cooking-times) | 4–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Broccoli](https://feastflow.co.uk/broccoli-cooking-times) | 4–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Tenderstem broccoli (broccolini)](https://feastflow.co.uk/tenderstem-broccoli-cooking-times) | 3–5 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Brussels sprouts](https://feastflow.co.uk/brussels-sprouts-cooking-times) (Whole) | 7–9 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Butternut squash](https://feastflow.co.uk/butternut-squash-cooking-times) (Cubes) | 12–15 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Pumpkin](https://feastflow.co.uk/pumpkin-cooking-times) | 12–15 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Cabbage (green and savoy)](https://feastflow.co.uk/cabbage-cooking-times) (Shredded) | 5–7 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Carrots](https://feastflow.co.uk/carrots-cooking-times) (Sliced or batons) | 6–10 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Cauliflower](https://feastflow.co.uk/cauliflower-cooking-times) (Florets) | 6–8 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Celeriac](https://feastflow.co.uk/celeriac-cooking-times) | 15–20 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Corn on the cob](https://feastflow.co.uk/corn-on-the-cob-cooking-times) | 6–8 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Courgettes (zucchini)](https://feastflow.co.uk/courgettes-cooking-times) (Slices) | 4–5 min | over simmering water | Slices. |
| [Green beans](https://feastflow.co.uk/green-beans-cooking-times) | 5–7 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Runner beans](https://feastflow.co.uk/runner-beans-cooking-times) | 5–7 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Kale and cavolo nero](https://feastflow.co.uk/kale-cooking-times) | 4–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Leeks](https://feastflow.co.uk/leeks-cooking-times) (Sliced) | 5–7 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Mangetout and sugar snap peas](https://feastflow.co.uk/mangetout-and-sugar-snap-peas-cooking-times) | 2–4 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Parsnips](https://feastflow.co.uk/parsnips-cooking-times) (Chunks) | 10–12 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Peas](https://feastflow.co.uk/peas-cooking-times) | 3–4 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Sweet potatoes](https://feastflow.co.uk/sweet-potatoes-cooking-times) (Cubes) | 12–15 min | over simmering water | Peeled cubes. |
| [Spinach](https://feastflow.co.uk/spinach-cooking-times) | 2–3 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Swede (rutabaga)](https://feastflow.co.uk/swede-cooking-times) | 20–25 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Turnips](https://feastflow.co.uk/turnips-cooking-times) | 12–15 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Pak choi (bok choy)](https://feastflow.co.uk/pak-choi-cooking-times) | 3–5 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Fennel](https://feastflow.co.uk/fennel-cooking-times) (Wedges) | 10–12 min | over simmering water | Wedges. |
| [Globe artichokes](https://feastflow.co.uk/globe-artichokes-cooking-times) | 30–45 min | over simmering water | Stem side up. |
| [Edamame beans](https://feastflow.co.uk/edamame-cooking-times) | 5–6 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Frozen mixed vegetables and sweetcorn](https://feastflow.co.uk/frozen-mixed-vegetables-cooking-times) | 5–6 min | over simmering water | – |

## Potatoes

Potatoes: steaming times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Boiled and mashed potatoes](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiled-potatoes-cooking-times) | 20–25 min | over simmering water | Keeps them drier, good for mash. |
| [New potatoes](https://feastflow.co.uk/new-potatoes-cooking-times) | 18–22 min | over simmering water | – |

## Fish and seafood

Fish and seafood: steaming times:

| Food | Time | Temperature | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Salmon fillets](https://feastflow.co.uk/salmon-cooking-times) | 8–10 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Cod and white fish fillets](https://feastflow.co.uk/cod-cooking-times) | 8–10 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Mussels and clams](https://feastflow.co.uk/mussels-cooking-times) | 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](https://feastflow.co.uk/lobster-cooking-times) | 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.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/