Steaming Dumpling Delights: Bamboo Steamer Timing Secrets

Cooking dumplings in a bamboo steamer is a great way to ensure they are cooked to perfection. The bamboo steamer is a useful cooking tool that can be used to steam not just dumplings, but also buns, breads, vegetables, rice, proteins, and cakes. When cooking dumplings in a bamboo steamer, it is important to line the steamer with something to prevent the dumplings from sticking. This can be done using parchment paper, napa cabbage leaves, or lettuce leaves. It is also important to ensure that the water in the wok or pot is simmering before placing the bamboo steamer inside. The dumplings should be steamed for around 8-10 minutes.

How to prepare your bamboo steamer for cooking dumplings

Preparing your bamboo steamer for cooking dumplings is a simple process. First, you'll want to gather your equipment: a wok or a large, wide-rimmed pan is ideal, but a pot or skillet will also work. You'll also need something to line the steamer with to prevent the dumplings from sticking—cabbage leaves, parchment paper, or cheesecloth will do the trick.

Once you have your equipment, follow these steps:

Step 1: Fill Your Wok or Pan with Water

Place your bamboo steamer into your wok or pan and fill it with enough water to come about a quarter to half an inch above the bottom rim of the steamer. This will prevent the rim from scorching, but make sure the water level is low enough that it won't touch the bed of the steamer or the dumplings themselves. If your bamboo steamer is brand new, you may want to soak the bottom rim in water for 30 minutes to prevent scorching.

Step 2: Line the Bamboo Steamer

After you've set the water level, line your bamboo steamer baskets. If you're placing the dumplings directly in the steamer, you'll need to line it with something porous to prevent sticking and allow steam to circulate. Parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or cheesecloth are all good options.

Step 3: Place Dumplings in the Steamer

When placing the dumplings in the steamer, be sure to leave about an inch between them, as they will expand as they steam.

Step 4: Place the Bamboo Steamer in the Wok or Pan

You can either preheat the water so it's simmering when you place the steamer in, or place the steamer in the wok/pan when the water is still cold and then turn on the heat.

Step 5: Allow Dumplings to Steam and Check Water Level

Once the water is simmering, it will start to evaporate. Let the dumplings steam for 8-10 minutes, but be sure to keep an eye on them and add boiling water to the pan as needed.

How to make the dumpling filling

How to Make Dumpling Filling

Ingredients

There are endless possibilities when it comes to dumpling fillings. You can use meat, fish, seafood, or vegetables. For vegetarians, eggs and tofu are great sources of protein. Here are some popular dumpling filling combinations:

• Pork and Chinese sauerkraut (a speciality in Northeast China)
• Beef and yellow Chinese chive (a famous dumpling dish in Xi'an)
• Prawns, bamboo shoot and water chestnut (a Cantonese speciality)
• Lamb and carrot or Chinese cabbage (popular in the Chinese Muslim community)

If you're using vegetables, it's important to squeeze out the excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming too wet. You can do this by adding a little salt to chopped vegetables and letting them rest for about 10 minutes, then squeezing out the liquid before mixing with the other ingredients.

For a juicy meat filling, it's recommended to use meat with a fat content of at least 20%. If you can't find meat with a high enough fat content, you can add cooking oil or meat aspic to the mixture.

Method

• Combine your chosen ingredients in a large bowl. If you're using meat, you may want to stir the mixture for 6-8 minutes until it reaches a soft, smooth, paste-like consistency.
• Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.
• If you're using meat, it's a good idea to pre-cook the filling. This will ensure the meat is fully cooked and flavourful when the dumplings are served. Simply stir-fry the meat in a wok or frying pan until cooked through, then add the other ingredients and continue cooking until they are soft.
• Let the filling cool to room temperature before assembling your dumplings.

How to assemble the dumplings

To assemble dumplings, you'll need dumpling wrappers and your filling of choice. If you're a beginner, it's best to start with less filling and a simple pattern. Keep your wrappers under a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out, as this will make them harder to seal.

Technique 1: The Half Moon

This technique is ideal for beginners or those looking to make a large batch of dumplings quickly. It involves folding the circular dumpling wrapper in half and pressing the edges together to create an airtight seal. Use the palm of your hand to flatten the bottom of the dumpling so that it sits upright.

Technique 2: The 2-Pleat

This method adds a bit more complexity with two pleats. First, fold the wrapper in half, pinching it together at the top. Then, take the side facing away from you and fold it towards the middle. Do the same on the other side and press to seal.

Technique 3: The One-Directional Pleat

This technique involves creating several equally spaced pleats going in the same direction. Start by pinching the wrapper together at one of the bottom corners, then pleat the side facing away from you towards the sealed corner. Continue pleating in that direction and seal the dumpling completely when you reach the other end.

Technique 4: The Bi-Directional Pleat

This technique is similar to the previous one but creates a more elegant, symmetrical look. Start by folding the wrapper in half and pinching it together at the top. Then, on each side of the dumpling, make two pleats starting from the inside (closest to the middle) and two more pleats on the outer corners, all folding towards the middle. Finally, seal all seams.

How to steam the dumplings

To steam dumplings, you'll need a bamboo steamer, dumplings, and a wok or pan. You can also use a pot if it's big enough to fit the steamer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to steam dumplings:

Step 1: Prepare the Wok or Pan

Fill the wok or pan with water. The water level should be about a quarter to half an inch above the bottom rim of the steamer. This ensures that the steamer doesn't scorch, but also that the bubbling water doesn't touch the food. If your bamboo steamer is new, soak the bottom rim in water for 30 minutes to prevent scorching.

Step 2: Line the Bamboo Steamer

Your bamboo steamer might have multiple levels or baskets. Line each basket with something porous to prevent the dumplings from sticking. You can use napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, cheesecloth, parchment paper, or silicone/cloth liners. Cut the parchment paper to fit the steamer and punch holes in it to allow steam to circulate.

Step 3: Place the Dumplings in the Steamer

When placing the dumplings in the steamer, make sure they don't touch each other and leave about an inch of space between them. They will expand as they steam.

Step 4: Place the Steamer in the Wok/Pot

You can either preheat the water in the wok/pot so it's simmering, or place the steamer in when the water is still cold and then turn on the heat.

Step 5: Steam the Dumplings

Once the water is simmering, let the dumplings steam for 8-10 minutes. Keep the lid on during this time and add boiling water to the wok/pot as needed.

Tips:

• If you're steaming frozen dumplings, there's no need to thaw them first. Just add a minute or so to the steaming time.
• Don't lift the lid while steaming, as this will release the steam and heat, interrupting the cooking process.
• To prevent sticking, you can place slices of carrot in the steamer and put each dumpling on a carrot slice.
• Make sure to dry your bamboo steamer completely before storing it to prevent mould or mildew.

Enjoy your freshly steamed dumplings!

How to serve the dumplings

Once your dumplings are cooked, it's time to serve them. Here are some tips on how to serve dumplings:

Serving Dumplings

When serving dumplings, it's best to eat them right away. The wrappers tend to firm up as they cool down, so it's best to serve them straight from the steamer, ensuring they are hot and steaming.

Presentation

There are a few ways to present dumplings. You can place them on a plate or in a bowl, ensuring they are not overcrowded, as they will increase in size as they steam. You can also line the basket of your bamboo steamer with parchment paper, napa cabbage leaves, lettuce leaves, cheesecloth, or perforated parchment paper liners, and serve the dumplings directly in the steamer.

Sauces and Sides

Dumplings are often served with a dipping sauce, such as black vinegar, chilli oil, or a spicy and tangy Gyoza Dipping Sauce.

As for side dishes, there are numerous options to accompany dumplings. Here are some ideas:

• Noodle dishes: ramen, udon noodles, or sesame noodles.
• Rice dishes: fried rice, orange chicken, or pork belly fried rice.
• Soups: chicken noodle soup, hot and sour soup, or egg drop soup.
• Salads: cucumber salad, Vietnamese-inspired salad, or a simple green salad.
• Vegetables: stir-fried vegetables, bok choy, or fried greens.
• Meat dishes: beef and broccoli, Kung Pao Chicken, or crispy tofu.

Frequently asked questions