Steaming Chicken: Bamboo Style, How Long?

Steaming is a popular method of cooking chicken in Chinese cuisine, and a bamboo steamer is the traditional way to do it. Bamboo steamers are made up of interlocking baskets that stack on top of each other, with a lid on top. The steam rises through the open ridges at the bottom of each basket, cooking the food inside. Bamboo steamers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including chicken, and are a great way to reheat food as well. When steaming chicken in a bamboo steamer, it is important to ensure that the water level is correct and that the food is not overcrowded so that it has room to expand. Depending on the size of the chicken pieces, steaming can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.

Chicken preparation and marination

Preparing and marinating chicken for cooking in a bamboo steamer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Choosing the Chicken

You can use any part of the chicken for steaming, but it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders. Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Marinade Ingredients

The marinade ingredients will impart flavour to the chicken and keep it moist and juicy. Here are some common ingredients used in Chinese steamed chicken recipes:

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Lemon juice and zest
• Rice wine vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Ginger (fresh, paste, or ground)
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Cornstarch
• Sugar
• Peanut oil
• Sesame oil
• Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

Preparing the Marinade

Combine the desired ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and whisk them together. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer a stronger lemon flavour, add more lemon juice and zest.

Marinating the Chicken

Once you have prepared the marinade, add the chopped cilantro and chicken pieces to the bowl. Toss the chicken in the marinade to coat it evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for about 20 minutes to an hour. You can also marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for a more intense flavour.

Cooking the Chicken

After the chicken has finished marinating, place it in a heat-proof dish and put it in the bamboo steamer. You can also use a stackable bamboo steamer to cook vegetables simultaneously. Steam the chicken for approximately 15 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the juices run clear. Serve the steamed chicken with rice and your choice of vegetables.

Steamer setup and food placement

Steamer Setup:

Before using a bamboo steamer, it is recommended to soak the bottom rim in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to prevent scorching. The water level in the wok or pan is also important. It should be high enough to submerge the bottom rim of the steamer, preventing scorching, but not so high that it touches the food. This is usually about a quarter to half an inch of water.

The bamboo steamer is then placed in the wok/pan, and you can choose to preheat the water to a simmer before or after placing the steamer inside. If using a frozen item, like dumplings, there is no need to thaw them first. Simply place them in the steamer and start the process.

Food Placement:

When placing food in the bamboo steamer, it is essential to leave enough space for the steam to circulate and cook the food effectively. For dumplings and buns, leave about one inch between them, and for larger buns, about 1.5 inches.

If you are steaming marinated meats or vegetables, use a heatproof plate or bowl to collect the juices. Line the steamer with something porous like cabbage leaves, cheesecloth, parchment paper, or reusable silicone/cloth liners to prevent sticking.

For steaming vegetables or proteins, arrange them on a shallow plate and place the plate directly into the steamer basket. Ensure there is enough space around the dish for steam to circulate, and it is best if the plate has a rim to collect any sauce.

You can also use multiple tiers of the bamboo steamer to cook different foods simultaneously. Just ensure that the steam can circulate through the open ridges at the bottom of each basket.

Tips:

• Always use boiling water to replenish the water level in the wok/pan during steaming to maintain a consistent temperature.
• To prevent condensation from dripping onto food in a metal steamer, tie a thin kitchen towel around the lid, ensuring the cloth is inside to catch the condensation.
• Bamboo steamers are ideal for steaming buns, dumplings, and cakes as their lids do not collect condensation, preventing sogginess.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken in a bamboo steamer will depend on the type of chicken being cooked, the cut of the chicken, and the recipe being followed.

For example, one source recommends steaming boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 10 to 15 minutes. Another source recommends steaming chicken thighs for 15 minutes. A third source recommends steaming a whole chicken for 20 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the bamboo steamer being used. It is always best to follow the instructions that come with your steamer.

When steaming chicken in a bamboo steamer, it is important to ensure that the water in the wok or pot is simmering before placing the steamer into the wok or pot. The water level should be such that it comes up above the bottom rim of the steamer by about a quarter to half an inch. This will ensure that the steamer does not scorch or burn.

Additionally, when placing the chicken in the steamer, it is important to leave enough space around the dish to allow the steam to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

Chicken doneness and serving

Chicken doneness depends on the cut of the meat. For example, boneless chicken breasts will take less time to cook than bone-in chicken pieces. Chicken is done when it is white in appearance and fully opaque with no pink showing. Any juices should run clear. To be certain your steamed chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer to take the internal temperature of a few pieces. Once it has reached 165°F, it is ready to serve.

When cooking chicken in a bamboo steamer, it is important to ensure that the water in the wok or pan does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket or the food. The steam should be able to circulate around the food to cook it evenly. Depending on the size of your steamer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Leave about 1 inch between smaller pieces, like dumplings, and about 1.5 inches between larger pieces, like chicken breasts.

If you are steaming marinated chicken, place it in a heatproof dish to collect the juices. If you are steaming chicken without a marinade, you can place it directly in the steamer basket, but be sure to line the basket with something porous, like cabbage leaves, parchment paper, or cheesecloth, to prevent sticking.

When serving steamed chicken, it is common to pair it with rice and vegetables. A simple sauce, such as a soy sauce-based sauce or an oyster sauce-based sauce, can also be served with the chicken to add extra flavor.

Steamer cleaning and maintenance

Before using your bamboo steamer for the first time, wash it with soapy water. Check the tiers and lid for any loose fibres and pull them off so they don't end up in your food.

After each use, clean all the components of your steamer thoroughly with warm, soapy water. It's best to do this while the steamer is still warm, so any dried-on bits of food are easier to remove. Bamboo steamers are not dishwasher-safe—they will absorb too much water and warp.

To remove tough grime and odours, use a nylon scrubber to gently scrub the steamer. You can also use a black tea bag or rub the steamer with a lemon. The tannic acid in black tea will clean and rejuvenate the steamer, and lemon is great for removing fishy smells.

To prevent mould and ensure your steamer lasts a long time, it's important to dry it properly after washing. Blot excess moisture with a dish towel, then set each tier and the lid on a flat surface to air-dry individually. Don't stack and store the tiers until they are completely dry. You can also coat the steamer in oil after each washing to keep it from drying out—simply dab a paper towel with cooking oil and run it along the inner and outer surfaces.

Before using your steamer, always soak it for about 20 minutes. This will prevent the bamboo from burning during use.

Frequently asked questions