Steaming Capacity: Compartment Steamer's Food Weight Handling

Cooking with steam is a great way to prepare food without sacrificing its nutritional quality or taste. It is also a simple way to cook vegetables after a long day of work. The amount of food that can be cooked in a steamer depends on the type of steamer used. For example, a steamer basket is a common way to steam vegetables. This is inserted directly into a pot or pan and used on a stove or in a microwave. In contrast, an electric steamer is a standalone appliance that can be used on a countertop. Electric steamers can have multiple tiers, allowing for the cooking of different foods simultaneously. The amount of food that can be cooked in a steamer also depends on the type of food. For instance, soft-shell clams are a common food to cook in a steamer, and a good estimate is 12-15 clams per pound.

Electric steamers

When using an electric steamer, it is important to add the right amount of water. If you add too much, it can ruin your meal, and if you add too little, your pan may burn. It is also a good idea to bring the water to a boil before adding your food.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your food is cooked to the minimum internal temperature, especially when cooking chicken.
• Experiment with adding stock, herbs, salt, or lemon to the water for extra flavor.
• Prepare your food before steaming by adding herbs, spices, or garlic, or by marinating your meat.
• Be mindful of the cooking time to avoid overcooking your food.

Overall, electric steamers offer a simple and convenient way to cook a variety of foods, but it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure optimal results.

Steamer pots

A steamer pot is a regular pot with a lid that comes with stackable perforated sections. You can steam several different items at once, and the base can be used as a regular pot. The perforated sections can also be used as colanders.

When steaming food, it is important to ensure that there is enough water in the pot. You will need about one or two inches of water in the pot, but this will depend on how long you need to steam the food. The water level should not come any closer than one inch below the rack, otherwise, the bubbling water may touch the food. Likewise, be careful not to use too little water, as it may evaporate before the food is cooked.

You can steam a variety of foods in a steamer pot, including vegetables, meat, fish, and even desserts. When steaming meat and fish, it is important to ensure that they are cooked thoroughly. Fish should start to flake away at the thickest part, and chicken should be cooked all the way through.

To enhance the flavour of the food, you can use stock or herbs instead of water. You can also prepare the food before steaming by adding herbs, spices, or garlic.

Woks

Bamboo steamers are a common and recognisable feature of Chinese cuisine. They 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 and cooks the food inside. Bamboo steamers are cheap, efficient, and great for serving. They can also be stacked, allowing you to cook three or four different items over a single wok of simmering water. For most home cooks, a 10-inch steamer is sufficient, but they come in all sizes, from 6 inches to 36 inches in diameter.

The bamboo surface is thought to capture condensation, preventing it from dripping onto the food. Some also believe the subtle scent of bamboo improves the flavour of the food, especially dim sum dishes.

However, bamboo steamers do have some limitations. Food placed directly on the bamboo will usually need to be lined with something to prevent it from sticking and tearing, such as perforated parchment paper, cabbage leaves, or cheesecloth. It can also be difficult to monitor the water level in the wok when using a bamboo steamer, as you can't see underneath it.

For steaming larger items, such as whole fish or chicken, a simple, circular steaming rack with a large lid is a better option. These are also cheap and come in various sizes. They are a good overall option for all wok-steaming tasks and can double up as trivets or for other cooking methods like indoor smoking.

To steam in a wok, you will need to maintain an adequate water level—about halfway up to the bottom of the steamer. You will also need to regulate the steam level by adjusting the heat—too low and not enough steam will be produced; too high and excess evaporation may lead to periods of little to no steam.

When it comes to choosing a wok for steaming, the wider the better, as this allows you to fit larger plates of food. Woks with lids are ideal, especially those with domed lids that provide more room for steam to circulate.

So, if you're looking for a versatile and ancient cooking tool that's perfect for steaming a wide variety of foods, a wok is a great option. With the right setup, you can steam almost anything to perfection!

Glass dishes or plates

Choosing the Right Glassware:

• It is essential to use heat-proof glassware that can withstand high temperatures without cracking or shattering. Oven-safe glass dishes, such as Pyrex pie plates, are ideal for steaming.
• Avoid using delicate or thin glassware, as it may not handle the heat well and could be more susceptible to thermal shock, which can cause cracking or shattering.
• Look for dishes or plates with rims if you want to retain liquids from steaming proteins like chicken. Rims will help keep the juices in the dish.

Steaming Setup Options:

• Steamer Setup #1: You can use a pot or wok with a lid and a metal steam rack or a clean metal can to elevate the glass dish above the water. This setup is simple and effective, especially for reheating food. Just make sure the glassware doesn't touch the bottom of the pot to prevent thermal shock.
• Steamer Setup #2: If you have a stainless steel steamer, you can place your glass dish on one of the tiers. This setup is great for larger batches and allows you to steam multiple dishes simultaneously.
• Steamer Setup #3: A bamboo steamer is another option. Place it in a wok with enough water, and then put your glass dish inside the steamer. Bamboo steamers are traditional for Chinese dumplings and dim sum but can also be used for various other foods.

Tips for Steaming with Glassware:

• Always use caution when handling hot glassware. Use tools like a hot dish clip or oven mitts to protect your hands from steam burns.
• Avoid placing glassware directly on the bottom of the pot to prevent thermal shock. Use a rack, metal stand, or even loosely crushed aluminium foil to elevate the glassware above the water.
• When steaming with glass dishes, it is crucial to maintain the water level. Ensure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the dish, and add boiling water as needed to prevent the pot from drying out.
• Steaming is a gentle cooking method, and glassware can handle it well. However, always allow the glassware to cool on the counter after steaming to prevent thermal shock.

Bamboo steamers

The benefits of bamboo steamers include their lightweight design, stackability, and ability to prevent condensation from dripping onto the food, which can be a problem with stainless steel or glass steamers. They are also affordable, with prices ranging from $20 to $40, and can be found for even less in Chinatowns.

When using a bamboo steamer, it is important to line the baskets with parchment paper, napa cabbage leaves, or reusable silicone liners to prevent food from sticking. You can also place a heat-proof plate or bowl directly into the steamer if you are steaming marinated meats or vegetables. The water level in the wok or pot below the steamer should be high enough to submerge the bottom rim of the steamer but not so high that the water touches the food.

However, bamboo steamers do have some disadvantages. They absorb odours, so they may retain the smell of strong-flavoured foods like fish or broccoli. They are also more difficult to clean than metal steamers and less durable. Additionally, food can stick to the bamboo and be challenging to remove.

To clean a bamboo steamer, it is best to scrub it with hot water and mild soap, then air-dry for at least two days before storing to prevent mould or mildew from forming.

In conclusion, bamboo steamers are a great addition to any kitchen, offering a healthy, flavourful, and versatile way to cook a variety of dishes. With proper care, they can last a long time and provide a simple, effective, and affordable steaming option.

Frequently asked questions