Which cooking method involves placing food in a basket above simmering water?

The method that involves placing food in a basket above simmering water is steaming. In this cooking technique, food is typically placed in a steaming basket or tray that allows steam to circulate around it, while the water underneath brings the temperature necessary for cooking. This method effectively cooks the food while retaining moisture, resulting in a textured dish that often preserves nutrients better than other methods such as boiling or frying. Steaming is particularly popular for cooking vegetables, fish, and dumplings, as it enhances their natural flavors without the need for added fats.

Baking, boiling, and frying do not utilize this particular method of food preparation. Baking uses dry heat in an oven, boiling involves submerging food directly in water at high temperatures, and frying involves cooking food in hot oil or fat. Each of these methods has its own characteristics and impacts on the food's texture and flavor, distinguishing them from steaming.