Having tried Ziploc Zip ‘n Steam cooking bags, I then had to satisfy my curiosity when I saw Glad Simply Cooking Microwave Steaming Bags. These are 9 1/2″ x 7 1/2″-sized plastic bags, with a thick, zip-and-lock seal along the top. The bottom of the bag is a pleated hexagon shape, which allows them to stand upright. There are steam vents on both sides of the zip-and-lock strip, featuring the words Caution! Hot Steam Vents. The bags are intended for quick, easy meals that are healthy, and they eliminate clean up.
These bags are fine for freezing food as well. So you can prep your meals, freeze them in these bags, defrost them and cook them , all in the same bag. Sort of like Seal A Meal, a throwback, remember that? I suggest trying a folded down top when you are filling the bag. Particularly when you make eggs so that you can still have two hands free with this method. I’m not sold on cooking eggs this way I don’t mind cleaning a pan and you can only make scrambled style eggs in the bag. It does offer a nice easy way to make a cheese omelet (with ham). It’s still a problem getting the consistency correct when you do the omelet recipe unless you don’t mind really firm.
These are heavy plastic, heavier than your usual storage or freezer bags and are people safe plastic, a very important aspect. A lot of plastic has toxins, phalates which are hormone disrupters and are linked to Cancer.
Both of these brands are offering you quick , easy, no clean up cooking. The bags aren’t re usable so it is not a “green” product but sometimes if you lead a harried life you need short cuts.
This style of cooking offers healthy meals with minimal labor. You can steam,veggies, meats, eggs, chicken, fish and combos of all of those to make nice meals. I love the cinnamon apple recipe, It gives you two medium baked apple deserts when done. I also like that your veggies stay bright and fresh looking. With corn I would cut the pieces in smaller sizes for more even cooking.
I’m very bad at timing and tend to overcook (or scorch ) food. This form of cooking eliminates that problem completely.
For people on a diet this is an extremely healthy way to eat and you can prepare meals for the individual who is dieting or for the entire family. These bags wouldn’t work for a really large family but are super for single folk or empty nesters or working folk.On the other hand what a great way to take lunch to work .Steamed foods retain their vitamens so they are more nutritious. Eating this way means no fried foods, another good thing..
The bags measure about 9.5″ x 7.5″ and hold about 2-3 servings depending on the food being prepared. The directions are written in English, French and Spanish. The foods shown in pictures . Across from each of these pictures is the cooking time for fresh or frozen foods . This information is on the back of the bag, the front being clear.
To use:
1. Fill bag with your chosen food (no water).
2. Place bag in microwave and cook according to chart.Keep in mind some microwaves cook at different speeds. Mine is extremely slow.
3. Remove from microwave
4. Wait 30 seconds for steam to escape through vents.
5. Tear off top of bag at the vent holes (below ziplock strip)
6. Serve
