steamer basket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-medium (common in cooking contexts, rare elsewhere)Neutral, practical, culinary
Quick answer
What does “steamer basket” mean?
A perforated insert, typically collapsible and made of metal or bamboo, placed inside a pot to hold food above boiling water for steaming.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perforated insert, typically collapsible and made of metal or bamboo, placed inside a pot to hold food above boiling water for steaming.
A kitchen utensil designed for steam cooking, allowing steam to circulate around food while keeping it out of direct contact with water. It may also refer to similar inserts in electric rice cookers or multi-cookers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The term is equally understood. 'Steamer insert' is a common alternative in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral kitchenware term. Slightly more associated with healthy cooking methods.
Frequency
Equal frequency in culinary contexts. Might be more frequently encountered in UK cooking literature due to historical use of stove-top steamers for puddings.
Grammar
How to Use “steamer basket” in a Sentence
[Place/put] + [object] + in/into + the steamer basket.The steamer basket + [fits/sits] + in/above + [container].[Use/employ] + a steamer basket + to + [verb] + [food].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “steamer basket” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The bamboo steamer basket is perfect for dim sum.
- Make sure the steamer basket isn't touching the water.
- I need to find the steamer basket for my new saucepan.
American English
- This collapsible steamer basket fits most pots.
- Layer the vegetables in the steamer basket.
- The recipe calls for a metal steamer basket.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in retail (kitchenware) or food manufacturing contexts.
Academic
Rare. May appear in nutritional science or food technology papers discussing cooking methods.
Everyday
Common in home cooking discussions, recipes, and kitchen equipment conversations.
Technical
Used in culinary arts, appliance manuals, and product descriptions for cookware.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “steamer basket”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “steamer basket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “steamer basket”
- Using 'steamer' exclusively for the basket (a 'steamer' can be the whole pot). Confusing it with a 'colander' or 'sieve'. Omitting 'basket' and just saying 'steamer' when the insert is meant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most steamer baskets are designed to be adjustable or collapsible to fit a range of pot sizes, but it must sit securely above the water level without tipping.
A steamer basket is typically a standalone, often collapsible, insert for a standard pot. A rice cooker steamer tray is a specific accessory designed to fit a particular rice cooker model, often used for steaming while rice cooks below.
Bamboo baskets are traditional, absorb excess moisture, and impart a slight aroma, but require more care. Metal baskets are more durable, easier to clean, and often collapsible for storage. The choice depends on personal preference and use case.
Lightly oil the basket, line it with cabbage leaves, parchment paper (with holes punched), or simply use it as-is for foods that don't stick easily like most vegetables and dumplings.
A perforated insert, typically collapsible and made of metal or bamboo, placed inside a pot to hold food above boiling water for steaming.
Steamer basket is usually neutral, practical, culinary in register.
Steamer basket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstiːmə ˈbɑːskɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstimər ˈbæskɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Conceptually linked to 'steam over' (to cook) but not idiomatic.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BASKET that lets STEAM through it to cook food. It's a basket for steaming.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR HEALTH (associated with steaming as a healthy cooking method). TOOL AS ENABLER (enables the process of steaming).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a steamer basket?