Steaming in the Thermomix is one of the quickest, healthiest ways to cook, and it lets you prepare an entire meal in one appliance. The Varoma steamer basket sits above the mixing bowl, so you can cook fish, vegetables, rice, or even dumplings while a sauce or broth simmers below. This guide walks you through a complete steamed fish and vegetable dinner, with tips for perfect results every time.
Ingredients
- 2 white fish fillets (e.g., cod, haddock, or sea bass), about 5 oz (150 g) each
- 1 small lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp (10 ml) olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz (225 g) baby potatoes, halved if large
- 7 oz (200 g) broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water (for steaming)
- For the sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice, 1 tbsp (15 g) chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Place the baby potatoes in the Thermomix steaming tray (the lower level of the Varoma). Set aside.
- Place the broccoli in the Varoma dish (the upper level). Set aside.
- Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper, then place them on a piece of parchment paper or a heatproof plate that fits inside the Varoma dish, on top of the broccoli. Top each fillet with a lemon slice and drizzle with olive oil.
- Pour the water into the mixing bowl. Insert the steaming tray with the potatoes, then place the Varoma dish with the broccoli and fish on top. Secure the lid.
- Set the Thermomix to Steam mode, 20 minutes, at Varoma temperature (250°F / 120°C). Start the machine.
- While steaming, make the sauce: in a small bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, and dill. Refrigerate until serving.
- After 20 minutes, check that the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If not, steam for 2–3 more minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a knife.
- Carefully remove the Varoma and steaming tray. Serve the fish, broccoli, and potatoes immediately with the yogurt-dill sauce.
Tips
- Use a food thermometer to check the fish reaches 145°F (63°C) (USDA FSIS safe minimum for fish). If you don’t have one, the fish should be opaque and flake easily.
- Cut potatoes into even-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate as the fish and broccoli.
- If you prefer crisp vegetables, add the broccoli to the Varoma dish only for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Don’t overfill the Varoma – leave space for steam to circulate. If you have a lot of food, cook in batches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the steamed fish and vegetables with a side of quinoa, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the dish nicely.
Variations
- Asian-style: Replace the dill sauce with a soy-ginger dressing (2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp honey). Add a sliced red chili to the Varoma for heat.
- Vegetarian: Replace the fish with firm tofu (pressed and sliced) or a thick slice of halloumi. Steam for 15 minutes; the tofu will be warm, not crisp.
- Herb butter: Instead of the yogurt sauce, serve with a pat of compound butter (mix softened butter with chopped parsley, chives, and lemon zest).
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, they will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fish and vegetables in the Varoma and steam for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through to 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts until hot. The potatoes may soften further upon reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish fillets? Yes, you can steam frozen fish directly, but increase the cooking time by about 5–7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) before serving.
What else can I steam in the Thermomix? Almost anything: eggs (for hard-boiled eggs, steam for 12 minutes), dumplings, rice (use the steaming tray with a parchment liner), and even bread rolls to warm them.
Why did my fish turn out rubbery? Overcooking is the most common cause. Start checking for doneness at the minimum time, and remove the fish as soon as it flakes.
Can I steam different vegetables together? Yes, but add harder vegetables like carrots or potatoes first, and softer ones like broccoli or zucchini later in the cooking time.
How do I clean the Varoma? The Varoma is dishwasher safe, but hand-washing with warm soapy water is gentler. Soak it if food is stuck.
Do I need to add water to the mixing bowl? Yes, the water creates the steam. You can also use broth or wine for extra flavor, but be aware it will reduce and concentrate.
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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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