Steaming Bamboo: Pressure Cooker Hack

Bamboo steamers are a traditional and time-honoured way of cooking food. They are versatile, simple to use, effortless to clean, and can be used to cook a wide range of dishes. But can you use a bamboo steamer in a pressure cooker?

How to use a bamboo steamer

Bamboo steamers are a great way to cook food, and they're not just limited to buns and dumplings. You can steam vegetables, rice, proteins, and even cakes and other desserts. They're also a wonderful way to reheat food as they reintroduce moisture, making your meals fresh again.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a bamboo steamer:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Choose the ingredients you want to steam. This could include vegetables, rice, seafood, dumplings, buns, or any other food that benefits from gentle and moist cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Bamboo Steamer

Before using a brand new steamer, you may want to soak the bottom layer that will come into direct contact with the pan in water for about 30 minutes. This will prevent it from scorching or burning.

Step 3: Line the Bamboo Steamer (Optional)

If you're placing food directly on the steamer bed, use something to line it and prevent the food from sticking. You can use parchment paper, cabbage or lettuce leaves, cheesecloth, or even reusable cloth or silicone liners. Make sure whatever you use is porous so that steam can circulate around the food.

Step 4: Boil Water in a Pot or Wok

Select a pot or wok that can accommodate your bamboo steamer. Fill it with water, ensuring the water level is below the bottom tier of the steamer when placed on top. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Arrange the Food

Place the food you want to steam onto the bamboo steamer, leaving enough space between each piece for steam to circulate. Different ingredients may require different cooking times, so consider their individual needs when arranging them.

Step 6: Stack the Tiers (If Applicable)

If your bamboo steamer has multiple tiers, stack them securely on top of each other.

Step 7: Place the Bamboo Steamer on the Pot or Wok

Carefully place the bamboo steamer on top of the pot or wok, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer. The steam will cook the food without direct contact with the water.

Step 8: Cover with the Lid

Place the lid on top of the bamboo steamer, ensuring a snug fit. This helps trap the steam inside, creating an even and gentle cooking environment.

Step 9: Steam the Food

Allow the food to steam according to the recommended cooking time for your ingredients and desired doneness. Check the food periodically to avoid overcooking.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once your food is cooked to your liking, carefully remove the bamboo steamer from the pot or wok using oven mitts or tongs. Be cautious of the hot steam when removing the lid. Transfer the steamed food to a serving platter and enjoy!

Caring for Your Bamboo Steamer:

To clean your bamboo steamer, wash it with a sponge and mild soap, then thoroughly rinse. Allow the steamer to air dry for at least two days before storing to prevent mould or mildew. Do not put your bamboo steamer in the dishwasher or soak it for extended periods.

Advantages of bamboo steamers

A bamboo steamer is a versatile tool for any kitchen. Here are some advantages of bamboo steamers:

Healthy and flavourful

Steaming is a healthy cooking method that uses no added fat, preserves nutrients, and allows the natural flavours of the food to shine through. It is also a great way to reheat food, as it reintroduces moisture.

Inexpensive

Bamboo steamers are very affordable, typically ranging in price from $10 to $50. They can be bought online or in most department stores.

No soggy veggies

Bamboo is a natural material that absorbs excess steam, so there is less moisture build-up on the inside. This helps to keep condensation from dripping onto your food.

Efficient

Most bamboo steamers have stackable layers, allowing you to steam multiple items simultaneously. Steamers with two or three tiers are the most common, but you can also find steamers with up to five tiers.

Eco-friendly

Bamboo is a natural, renewable material that requires very little to grow. It grows very quickly and, unlike trees, it grows back after being cut.

Lightweight

Bamboo steamers are relatively lightweight when compared to stainless steel steamers.

Disadvantages of bamboo steamers

While bamboo steamers are a great way to cook food, they do have some disadvantages. Here are some of the key disadvantages to consider:

• Cleaning and Maintenance: Bamboo steamers require more careful cleaning and maintenance than metal steamers. They need to be washed with a sponge and mild dish soap and thoroughly rinsed after each use. They must also be allowed to air-dry completely before storing to prevent the formation of mould or mildew. This can take up to two days.
• Staining and Flavour Absorption: If not properly cared for, bamboo steamers can absorb stains and flavours from the food being cooked. It is recommended to line the steamer with parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or bamboo leaves to prevent this.
• Not Dishwasher-Safe: Unlike metal steamers, bamboo steamers cannot be placed in the dishwasher. The high temperatures and prolonged exposure to water can damage the bamboo.
• Prone to Scorching: The bottom rim of a bamboo steamer that comes into direct contact with the pan or wok can scorch or burn if not properly soaked before use.
• Limited Durability: Bamboo steamers may not last as long as metal steamers, especially if they are not properly cared for. They are also more prone to wear and tear over time.
• Less Convenient: Bamboo steamers require more preparation and attention during cooking. For example, you need to ensure the correct water level and add boiling water as needed during cooking.
• Size and Compatibility: Bamboo steamers may not fit all pot or pan sizes, and they may not be suitable for all types of stovetops. They typically require a wide-rimmed pan or wok for stable placement.

While bamboo steamers offer a traditional and aesthetically pleasing way to cook and serve food, they do have some drawbacks compared to metal or electric steamers in terms of convenience, durability, and maintenance.

How to clean a bamboo steamer

To clean a bamboo steamer, it is best to use organic and natural cleaning methods. Here are some ways to clean your bamboo steamer:

Using a Lemon

Lemon is a natural disinfectant and cleaning agent. Cut a slice of lemon and use it to clean the bamboo steamer. Once you're done, rinse the steamer to get rid of any residue.

With a Tea Bag

Soak a black tea bag in hot water and gently rub it on your bamboo steamer. This will help get rid of any food residue and bacteria. Rinse the steamer with warm water to remove any remaining tea before using it again.

Nylon Brush

Steam the bamboo to deep cleanse it. Then, use a soft nylon brush with soapy hot water to scrub the bamboo gently. Finally, rinse the steamer with cold water to remove the soapy residue.

Other Tips

• Use liners like parchment paper, aluminium foil, or lettuce leaves to protect the bamboo from food residue.
• If something gets on the bamboo, rinse it off immediately.
• Let the bamboo air-dry completely before storing it.
• Do not store the bamboo steamer in a humid place.
• Do not put the bamboo steamer in the dishwasher.
• Do not soak the steamer in water for more than 5 minutes.

Bamboo steamer vs metal vs electric

A bamboo steamer is a traditional cooking vessel that has been used in East Asian cuisines for centuries. It is a simple, yet powerful, piece of cookware that can be used to steam a variety of foods, including dumplings, buns, vegetables, rice, proteins, and cakes. Bamboo steamers are made of interlocking baskets that stack on top of each other, with a lid on top. The entire setup is placed over a wok or pot of simmering water, and the steam rises through the open ridges at the bottom of each basket to cook the food inside.

When comparing bamboo steamers to metal and electric steamers, there are several differences to consider. One advantage of bamboo steamers is that they absorb moisture, preventing condensation from dripping back onto the food. This helps to control the humidity and avoid broiling. Bamboo steamers are also more eco-friendly and cost-effective than metal and electric steamers, as they don't require electricity and are made from natural fibres. Additionally, the domed lid of a bamboo steamer helps to control the temperature by allowing excess heat to pass through, rather than causing food-damaging condensation.

Metal steamers, on the other hand, are incredibly durable and can easily fit on a hob. They are perfect for quickly cooking midweek meals and will stand up to the heat each time. However, metal steamers can be more expensive and are not inherently environmentally friendly. Electric steamers offer the convenience of automatic shut-off and keep food warm after cooking. However, they tend to be part plastic and part metal, which can lead to food becoming mushy instead of crunchy.

Overall, each type of steamer has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Bamboo steamers are a great option for those seeking a traditional, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way to steam food. Metal steamers are ideal for those who prioritise durability and convenience, while electric steamers are best for those who value convenience and the ability to keep food warm.

Frequently asked questions