The Nutribullet steaming basket is a handy accessory that lets you steam vegetables, fish, and even eggs right in your blender cup, creating quick, healthy meals with minimal cleanup. It works by placing the basket over boiling water in the blending cup, then using the blade base to blend the steamed ingredients into soups, sauces, or purees. This guide walks you through the exact steps, timings, and tips to get the most out of your steaming basket.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 cups (150 g) broccoli florets (or any vegetable of choice)
- 1 small carrot (50 g), peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup (75 g) frozen peas
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil (for blending, optional)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable broth or water (for blending, if needed)
Instructions
- Place the steaming basket inside the Nutribullet cup (the tall cup works best). Ensure the basket sits flat on the bottom.
- Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of water into the cup, around the outside of the basket. The water should not touch the bottom of the basket; if it does, pour out a little water.
- Add the broccoli, carrot, and peas into the basket. Do not overfill; leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top so steam can circulate.
- Screw the lid onto the cup (the one with the small hole) and place the cup in the microwave. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Check if vegetables are tender; if not, continue in 1-minute increments up to 3 more minutes.
- Carefully remove the cup from the microwave (it will be hot). Use oven mitts. Let it sit for 1 minute.
- Remove the lid and lift out the steaming basket using tongs. Discard the steaming water (or save it for soup).
- Transfer the steamed vegetables to the Nutribullet cup (without the basket). Add salt, olive oil, and 1/4 cup (60 ml) broth or water.
- Attach the cross-blade and blend on high for 30–45 seconds until smooth. If too thick, add more liquid 1 tablespoon (15 ml) at a time.
- Serve warm. If using for a meal prep, cool completely before storing.
Tips
- Don’t overfill: The basket should be no more than 2/3 full. Overfilling blocks steam and leads to uneven cooking.
- Cut vegetables uniformly: Smaller, even pieces (about 1-inch chunks) steam faster and blend more smoothly.
- Use the right water level: Too much water will boil into the basket and make vegetables soggy; too little will dry out before cooking finishes.
- Microwave wattage varies: If your microwave is 1000W or higher, start with 4 minutes; if 700W, use 6 minutes. Always check for doneness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the steamed vegetable puree as a side dish, or use it as a base for a creamy soup. You can also stir in cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier meal. For a protein boost, add a scoop of unflavored protein powder or a spoonful of Greek yogurt after blending (if not dairy-free).
Variations
- Root vegetable medley: Use sweet potato, parsnip, and turnip. Increase steaming time to 8–10 minutes.
- Asian-style greens: Steam bok choy and snap peas, then blend with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
- Fish and vegetables: Place a 4 oz (113 g) fillet of white fish (like cod) on top of the vegetables in the basket. Steam for 6–8 minutes until fish flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) (USDA FSIS safe minimum). Blend fish and vegetables with lemon and herbs.
- Eggs: Place 2 large eggs in the basket (no vegetables) and steam for 6–7 minutes for soft-boiled, 8–9 for hard-boiled. Cool immediately in ice water.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot (at least 165°F / 74°C for leftovers). You can also freeze the puree in ice cube trays for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the steaming basket on the stovetop? No, the Nutribullet cup is not stovetop-safe. The basket is designed for microwave use only. For stovetop steaming, transfer vegetables to a regular steamer pot.
Why does my food come out watery? This usually means too much water was added or the basket was submerged. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the basket. Also, don’t overfill the basket, as condensation can drip down.
Can I steam frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables work well. Add 2–3 minutes to the steaming time since they start colder. No need to thaw first.
Is the steaming basket dishwasher safe? Most Nutribullet steaming baskets are top-rack dishwasher safe, but check your model’s manual. To be safe, hand wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge.
Can I blend directly in the cup after steaming? Yes, that’s the whole point. Just remove the basket and any leftover water, then blend the vegetables with your chosen liquid and seasonings.
What if I don’t have a microwave? You can’t use the Nutribullet basket on a stovetop. Instead, steam vegetables in a regular pot with a steamer insert, then transfer to the Nutribullet to blend.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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