Steaming Dim Sum: No Steamer, No Problem!

There are several ways to cook dim sum without a steamer. One way is to use a metal basket or a combination of aluminium foil and a dinner plate. You can also use a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof dish. Another option is to use a microwave. Simply place the dim sum in a microwavable bowl with a small amount of water, cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a plate, and cook for 2.5 minutes. If you're looking for a crispy texture, you can also pan-fry the dim sum after microwaving.

Microwave dim sum for 2.5 minutes

Microwaving is a convenient way to cook dim sum when you don't have a steamer. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking dim sum in the microwave for 2.5 minutes:

Step 1: Prepare the Dim Sum and Microwave-Safe Container

• Start by gathering your ingredients and tools. You will need a microwave-safe container or plate, dim sum (either fresh or frozen), and a small amount of water.
• Choose a microwave-safe container that can comfortably accommodate your dim sum without overcrowding. It is recommended to use microwave-safe glass or ceramic dishes and avoid metal containers.
• If your dim sum is frozen, check the package instructions to see if it needs to be thawed before microwaving. Some brands may suggest thawing in the refrigerator beforehand, while others can be cooked directly from frozen.

Step 2: Arrange the Dim Sum

• Place the dim sum in a single layer inside the microwave-safe container, ensuring they are evenly spaced with some room between each piece. This allows for proper airflow and even cooking.
• If you have a large batch of dim sum, you may need to cook them in batches to maintain proper spacing.

Step 3: Add Water for Steaming

• Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the container. The water will generate steam, heating and cooking the dim sum while keeping it moist and tender.
• Be careful not to add too much water, as it can affect the texture of the dim sum. Just enough to cover the bottom of the container or reach the halfway point of the dim sum is sufficient.

Step 4: Cover and Microwave

• Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to trap the steam and heat. This ensures even cooking and prevents splattering.
• If using plastic wrap, make sure it is microwave-safe and pulled tight over the container to completely seal it. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe plate as a cover.
• Place the container in the microwave and set the timer for 2.5 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Adjust Timing

• After 2.5 minutes, carefully remove the container from the microwave, being cautious of the hot steam.
• Check if the dim sum is cooked by looking for these signs:
• It should be steaming hot and releasing steam when you open the container.
• Some varieties, like spring rolls or thin-wrapped dumplings, may turn golden brown when done.
• The dim sum should be hot to the touch throughout.
• If the dim sum still feels cold or the filling is not hot, continue microwaving in short increments of 30 seconds until they are warmed through.

Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve

• Once the dim sum is cooked, let it rest in the covered container for a minute or two. This allows the heat to distribute evenly, making the dim sum more enjoyable to eat and reducing the risk of burns from hot fillings.
• Serve your dim sum with your favorite dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, chili oil, vinegar-based sauces, or a mix of soy sauce and rice vinegar.

Tips and Tricks:

• If you want crispy dim sum, you can fry them in a pan over medium heat for about a minute after microwaving.
• Always follow the package instructions for cooking times and settings, as manufacturers have designed them for optimal results.
• If using a plate, choose one with shallow edges to prevent condensation from dripping onto the dim sum.
• For even cooking, place larger or thicker dim sum on the outer edges of the container and smaller or thinner ones towards the center, as the outer edges receive more heat in the microwave.
• If your microwave has a turntable, ensure it is functioning correctly to distribute heat evenly.

Use a wire rack to prop up a plate

If you don't have a steamer, one of the easiest ways to DIY one is by using a wire rack to prop up a plate in a pot filled with water.

To steam your dim sum, start by filling a pot or wok with a few inches of water. Then, place your wire rack at the bottom and use it to hold up a plate or dish, ensuring that the water doesn't touch the dish.

Before adding your dim sum, brush the plate with a thin layer of oil, or add some parchment paper or leafy vegetables like cabbage to prevent sticking. Carefully place your dim sum on the dish, giving them some space so they don't stick together.

Bring the water to a boil, then put a lid over your pot or wok. Let the steam cook your dim sum for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

When your dim sum is done, carefully remove your dish from the DIY steamer (the plate will be hot!) and enjoy.

Use foil balls to prop up a plate

If you don't have a steamer, you can use a pot or wok with a lid and a heat-proof plate to cook your dim sum. Here's how to use foil balls to prop up the plate:

First, crumple up three pieces of aluminium foil into balls of roughly equal size. The balls should be about the size of golf balls. Next, fill your pot or wok with water—you'll want to add enough so that the water level is about half an inch (1.3 cm) high. Place the foil balls in the water and then set a heat-safe ceramic plate on top of them. Make sure the plate is propped up on the foil balls and doesn't touch the water.

Before adding your dim sum, you can line the plate with parchment paper or brush it with some cooking oil to prevent sticking. You can also add some leafy vegetables like cabbage. Then, carefully place your dim sum on the plate, leaving some space between them so they don't stick together.

Cover the pot or wok and turn the stove to high heat. Let the water come to a boil and then put the lid on to trap the steam. If you don't have a lid, you can cover the pot with another large pan. Keep in mind that condensation can build up on the lid, so you may want to wrap a towel around it to capture the moisture.

Let your dim sum steam for about 10 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and take your dim sum out to serve. If you're cooking frozen dim sum, you may need to steam for an additional minute or two. To check if it's ready, simply tear one open and see if the filling is hot.

Steam-fry dim sum in a pan

If you want to cook dim sum but don't have a steamer, you can steam-fry them in a pan. Here's how:

First, pour about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil into a pan with a lid. Set the pan on the stove burner and swirl the oil around to coat the pan evenly. You can use any cooking oil you like for this.

Next, add the dim sum to the pan, spacing them out evenly. Let them fry for 1-2 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown. Use a spatula to lift and check the colour.

Once the dim sum are golden on the bottom, add water to the pan. For fresh dim sum, add about 2-3 tablespoons of water, or enough to cover the bottom third of the dumplings. For frozen dim sum, add enough water to cover the lower half of the dumplings.

Turn the stove to medium-high heat and cover the pan. The water will begin to evaporate, creating steam. Once you see steam rising from the pan, put the lid on and let the dim sum cook.

Fresh dim sum will take about 6 minutes to cook, while frozen dim sum will need about 10 minutes. You can check if they're done by cutting one open and peeking inside.

Once the dim sum are cooked, remove the lid and continue heating them until the water evaporates. This will make the wrappers extra crispy. Once the water is gone, your dim sum are ready to serve!

Use chopsticks to create a rack

If you don't have a steamer, you can use chopsticks to create a rack for steaming your dim sum. Here's how:

First, find a pot with a diameter that's shorter than the length of the chopsticks you'll be using. Fill the pot with water—you'll want to add enough so that it reaches about half an inch up the side of the pot. Then, lay two chopsticks across the top of the pot, about half an inch apart from each other. Balance your dim sum on top of the chopsticks, making sure they're spaced out evenly so they can steam properly.

Once your dim sum is in place, turn your stove to high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil. This will create enough steam to cook your food. Place a lid on the pot, making sure it doesn't touch the dim sum, and leave your dumplings to steam for about 10 minutes. It's okay if the lid doesn't fit tightly, as the steam will still rise and cook your food.

After 10 minutes, remove the lid and check if your dim sum is ready by tearing one open and making sure the filling is hot. If your dim sum is frozen and still feels cold, just put the lid back on and leave it to steam for another minute or two.

And that's it! You've now successfully steamed dim sum using a simple chopstick rack. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!

Frequently asked questions