12 Recipes That Let The Power Of Steam Do The Cooking For You

This collection brings together classic steamed dishes, from fresh seafood and dumplings to vibrant veggies and tamales with a smoky twist. Whether you're craving tender shellfish, fluffy bao, or a quick vegetable side, there's something here for every meal.

For a simple seafood feast, try steaming crab legs or clams with garlic butter. Looking for comfort food? The smoked birria tamales or pan-fried gyoza will hit the spot. Need an easy side? Steamed asparagus and ranch-flavored carrots are quick, fresh, and delicious.

Scroll through and pick your next must-make dish-it's all about big flavors with simple, foolproof techniques!

Smoked Birria Tamales

These tamales take slow-cooked birria and wrap it in soft, steamed masa, then add a smoky finish for deeper flavor. Perfect for special occasions or batch cooking!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Birria Tamales

Steamed Pork Dumplings

These tender, flavorful dumplings are filled with a savory pork mixture, steamed until soft, and lightly browned for a perfect balance of textures.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Pork Dumplings

Steamed Whole Dungeness Crab Recipe

Skip the restaurant and steam Dungeness crab at home with foolproof timing and expert tips to extract every last bit of sweet, tender meat.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Whole Dungeness Crab Recipe

Garlic Steamed Clams

Fresh clams are steamed with garlic, white wine, and herbs for a simple yet elegant dish packed with rich, oceanic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Steamed Clams

Steamed Red Bean Paste Buns ( Dou Sha Bao, è±†æ²™åŒ…)

These soft, pillowy steamed buns are filled with sweet red bean paste, making them a popular and satisfying Chinese treat.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Red Bean Paste Buns ( Dou Sha Bao, è±†æ²™åŒ…)

Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs

Learn the seafood restaurant secret to steaming crab legs for perfectly tender, sweet meat-no guesswork required.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs

Grilled Corn in the Husks

Leaving the husks on locks in moisture, naturally steaming the corn while adding a smoky, grilled flavor-simple, sweet, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn in the Husks

Best Pan Fried Gyoza Recipe (Japanese Pork Dumplings)

These Japanese dumplings are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and served with a homemade soy-based dipping sauce for the perfect balance of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Best Pan Fried Gyoza Recipe (Japanese Pork Dumplings)

Steamed Asparagus

Fresh, vibrant asparagus steamed to perfection in just 10 minutes-an easy and healthy springtime side dish.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Asparagus

Steamed Stone Crab Claws with Garlic Butter

Learn how to steam stone crab claws at home for a restaurant-quality dish, served with an irresistible garlic butter sauce.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Stone Crab Claws with Garlic Butter

Ranch Flavored Carrots

Steamed carrots are tossed with butter, a touch of sugar, and ranch seasoning for a flavorful and easy veggie side dish.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Flavored Carrots

Baked Tilapia in Foil

Tilapia is gently steamed with zucchini, corn, lemon, butter, and basil in foil packets-ready in under 30 minutes and great for the oven, grill, or campfire.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tilapia in Foil