Steaming Chicken: Bamboo Style

Bamboo steamers are a traditional Chinese kitchen tool, often used for cooking dumplings, bread, cakes, fish, and vegetables. They can also be used to cook chicken. In fact, one of the easiest and leanest Cantonese dishes is steamed chicken, which is usually cooked in a bamboo steamer. To cook chicken in a bamboo steamer, you can follow a few simple steps: first, marinate the chicken in a mixture of ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Then, pour water into a wok and place a layer of cabbage leaves at the bottom of the bamboo steamer. Put the marinated chicken on the leaves, cover the steamer, and place it in the wok. Finally, steam the chicken for around 10 to 20 minutes, until it is cooked through.

Chicken preparation and cooking time

If you are preparing steamed chicken with lemon sauce, you will need to marinate the chicken for about 20 minutes. You will also need to steam rice, which should take around 20 minutes. Once the chicken is marinated and the rice is steamed, place the chicken in the bamboo steamer and steam for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken turns white and the sauce thickens.

For steamed soy-marinated chicken, you will also need to marinate the chicken for at least half an hour or up to overnight. To cook the chicken, bring water to a boil in a wok, place the bamboo steamer in the wok, and steam the chicken for about 10 to 15 minutes.

When preparing chicken in a bamboo steamer, it is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. It is always best to ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving.

Chicken marinade ingredients

Yes, you can cook chicken in a bamboo steamer. In fact, it's a traditional way to cook chicken in Cantonese cuisine.

Now, onto the fun part—the marinade! A good marinade can transform an ordinary chicken breast into something extraordinary. Here are some ingredients to create a delicious marinade for your bamboo-steamed chicken:

Base Ingredients:

• Extra virgin olive oil: This is the base of your marinade, keeping the chicken moist and juicy.
• Soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to add a salty depth of flavour without making the dish too salty.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice not only adds flavour but also helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down its fibres.

Flavour Enhancers:

• Balsamic vinegar: This ingredient adds loads of flavour and is a key component of a delicious marinade.
• Worcestershire sauce: This sauce packs a lot of flavour and is a must-have for a well-rounded marinade.
• Brown sugar: It adds a rich sweetness to the chicken and helps form a nice crust when grilled.
• Dried rosemary: A little herbaceous flavour enhances the overall taste of the marinade.

Seasonings:

• Salt and ground black pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for balancing out the other flavours.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder can be used. They add a must-have savoury note to the marinade.
• Ginger: Adding a zesty kick, ginger can be used fresh and sliced or in its dried and ground form.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Dijon mustard: Spicy brown mustard or plain yellow mustard can also be used if that's what you have on hand.
• Cilantro: This herb adds a unique flavour and aroma to the marinade.
• Sesame oil: A small amount of sesame oil can be drizzled in for an extra layer of flavour.

Place your chicken in a resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Gently massage the bag to ensure the chicken is well coated, and then place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours, as it can make the meat tough.

Now you're ready to steam your beautifully marinated chicken in your bamboo steamer!

Chicken serving suggestions

Chicken is a versatile dish, and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great option to serve with chicken, especially green vegetables like broccoli or spinach. You could also try something like roasted fennel with delicata squash and apples, or a Greek salad. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try Parmesan crusted Brussels sprouts, or garlicky Parmesan sweet potatoes.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish for chicken, whether they're mashed, roasted, or made into potato stacks. You could also try sweet potatoes, which go particularly well with chicken. Try butter-roasted sweet potatoes, or sweet potato gratin.

Rice

Rice is another good option to serve with chicken. You could try elote rice, or garlic rice. If you're looking for something a little more interesting, try wild rice, or a rice pilaf.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little different, you could try orzo al limone, or cranberry apple quinoa salad. Alternatively, you could try something like black bean and corn salad, or even dumplings.

Bamboo steamer pros and cons

Bamboo steamers are a traditional Chinese kitchen appliance used to cook food with hot water vapour. They are highly versatile, with multiple tiers that allow you to cook different foods with varying cooking times simultaneously. They are also relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to clean.

Pros:

• Time-efficient: Bamboo steamers allow you to cook multiple foods with different cooking times at once, saving time and energy.
• Cost-effective: Bamboo steamers are relatively inexpensive, with some available for as low as $9 USD.
• Lightweight: Bamboo steamers are lighter than stainless steel steamers, making them easier to handle and store.
• Aesthetic appeal: Bamboo steamers are visually attractive, especially when serving dumplings or other dishes directly from the steamer.
• Eco-friendly: Bamboo is a natural, biodegradable material that does not contain chemical impurities, making it environmentally and health-safe.
• Even cooking: Bamboo steamers cook food evenly, preventing the food at the bottom from getting hotter and sticking, which can be an issue with stainless steel steamers.
• Multi-purpose: Bamboo steamers can be used for cooking and serving, reducing the number of dishes to wash.
• Maintains humidity: Bamboo absorbs excess steam, preventing vegetables from getting soggy and maintaining the optimal humidity for cooking.
• Preserves nutrients: Indirect steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain water-soluble nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
• Easy to use and clean: Bamboo steamers require minimal prep work and no stirring. They are also easy to clean, needing only a quick scrub with mild dish soap and warm water.

Cons:

• Odour absorption: Bamboo steamers can absorb odours, which may impact the aroma of the food. Therefore, it is recommended to cook meat and fish separately from other vegetables.
• Delicate: Bamboo steamers are made of straws and bamboo, making them delicate and prone to wear and tear over time.
• Prone to staining: Bamboo steamers can absorb stains and flavours if not properly cared for. They require thorough cleaning after each use and cannot be washed in a dishwasher.
• Bulky: Bamboo steamers can be bulky and difficult to store due to their shape.
• Pot requirement: You need a pot or wok that is larger than the steamer's circumference to allow for even steaming.

Overall, bamboo steamers offer a traditional, healthy, and efficient way to cook a variety of dishes, from dumplings and buns to fish and chicken.

Bamboo steamer cleaning and maintenance

To keep your bamboo steamer in good condition, it's important to clean and maintain it properly. Here are some detailed steps for cleaning and maintaining your bamboo steamer:

Cleaning:

• Before the first use: Wash your new bamboo steamer with soapy water before using it for the first time. Check the tiers and lid for any loose fibres and carefully remove them to prevent them from getting into your food.
• Rinsing: You can rinse your bamboo steamer under running warm or hot water. Turn the steamer in your hands to ensure that all the inner and outer surfaces are rinsed.
• Soaking: Fill a large pot with hot water and place your bamboo steamer in it to soak. Let it soak overnight or for at least eight hours. Not all bamboo steamers can handle hot water, so check the manufacturer's instructions first.
• Scrubbing: For tough grime, use a nylon scrubber to gently remove any caked-on bits. Avoid using steel wool or other abrasive cleaning tools as they can damage the bamboo.
• Odour removal: To remove odours, rub a black tea bag or a lemon wedge over the surface of the steamer. The tannic acid in black tea will clean and refresh the bamboo, while lemon is great for removing fishy smells.
• Dishwasher: Some bamboo steamers can be washed in the dishwasher, but check the manufacturer's instructions first as some may be too fragile.

Maintenance:

• Drying: After cleaning, blot excess moisture with a dish towel and air-dry the steamer on a rack or dish drainer. Make sure the steamer is completely dry before storing it.
• Oiling: After washing, you can apply a light coat of cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil) to the inner and outer surfaces using a paper towel to prevent the bamboo from drying out.
• Soaking before use: Before using your bamboo steamer, soak it in water for about 20 minutes to prevent the bamboo from burning. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if soaking is recommended for your steamer.
• Lining: To reduce cleanup, line the steamer with parchment paper or a heatproof plate before placing food directly on the lattice surface. This will also prevent food from sticking to the bamboo.
• Preventing mould: Ensure your steamer is completely dry before storing, and store it in a dry location to prevent mould from developing.

Frequently asked questions