What is the proper cooking time for steamed vegetables?

Steaming vegetables is a cooking method that preserves nutrients and enhances flavor, while also maintaining a vibrant color. The optimal cooking time for steaming vegetables typically ranges from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the type and size of the vegetables being prepared.

When steamed for around 15 minutes, most vegetables achieve a tender-crisp texture that preserves their beneficial vitamins and minerals. This time frame allows them to cook sufficiently without becoming overly soft or losing their essential nutrients. Larger or denser vegetables may require closer to the upper limit of this range, while smaller or more delicate vegetables may need less time.

Thus, the choice of 15 minutes is appropriate as it strikes a balance between thorough cooking and nutrient retention, ensuring the vegetables are not only safe to eat but also enjoyable in terms of taste and texture.