Oct 24 2026
Restaurants›The Garden Thai Restaurant›Steamed Veggies Recipe

Steamed Veggies Recipe

Time25m
Serves4

Make Steamed Veggies Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Method

Prepare Vegetables

  1. 1

    Wash and cut

    Rinse all vegetables under cold running water. Cut broccoli and cauliflower into uniform florets about 1-1.5 inches so they cook evenly. Peel and slice the carrot on a diagonal into 1/4-inch pieces. Trim the ends and any strings from the sugar snap peas.

Steam

  1. 2

    Set up steamer

    Add 1 cup of water to a medium saucepan or pot. Place a steamer basket or heatproof colander inside, making sure the water level is below the basket bottom (water should not touch the vegetables). Bring the water to a steady simmer over medium-high heat.

  2. 3

    Steam in batches

    Add the vegetables to the steamer basket in order of density for even cooking: first carrots and cauliflower (denser), then broccoli, then sugar snap peas. If your basket is small, steam in two batches. Cover and steam: carrots and cauliflower 6–7 minutes, add broccoli and steam an additional 3–4 minutes, then add sugar snap peas and steam a final 1–2 minutes. Total steaming time should yield tender-crisp vegetables — easily pierced with a fork but still bright and slightly firm.

  3. 4

    Check doneness

    Carefully lift the lid away from you to avoid steam burns. Test a piece of each vegetable with a fork. If pieces are still too firm, return to steam 1–2 minutes more, checking frequently. Once done, immediately remove the basket from the pot to stop cooking.

Finish & Season

  1. 5

    Butter and oil

    Transfer the steamed vegetables to a large bowl. Immediately add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil so the heat melts the butter and coats the vegetables.

  2. 6

    Flavor

    Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 3 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste), and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. If using, stir in 1 teaspoon minced garlic while the vegetables are still hot so the garlic softens but does not burn. Toss gently to combine.

  3. 7

    Garnish and serve

    Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over the vegetables for color and freshness. Give one final gentle toss and serve immediately as a side, or keep warm covered for up to 15 minutes before serving.

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